The Glory of the Lord, vol. V: The Realm of Metaphysics in the Modern Age
Overview
In this second volume on the metaphysical traditions of the West, von Balthasar presents a series of studies of representative mystics, theologians, philosophers, and poets, and explores the three main streams of metaphysics which have developed since the “catastrophe” of Nominalism. The way of self-abandonment to the divine glory is traced through figures like Eckhart, Julian of Norwich, Ignatius, de Sales; the attempt to relocate theology in a recovery of antiquity’s sense of being and beauty through figures like Nicholas of Cusa, Holderlin, Goethe, Heidegger; the metaphysics of spirit through Descartes, Leibniz, Spinoza, and the Idealists. The strengths and weaknesses of these ways are relentlessly exposed. The volume ends with the search for the Christian contribution to metaphysics.
With the Logos edition the reader has an abundance of resources that offer applicable and insightful material for their study. You can easily search the subject of theological aesthetics to access an assortment of useful resources and perspectives from a variety of pastors and theologians.
- Examines the three main streams of metaphysics
- Attempts to relocate theology in a recovery of antiquity’s sense of being and beauty
- Explores the Christian contribution to metaphysics
Top Highlights
“The non-subsistence of the actus essendi is the creative medium which suffices for God to utter His kenotic word of the Cross and of glory and to send it as His Son into the world to experience death and resurrection.” (Pages 631–632)
“It was not practical reason and its activity which existed in the beginning but the gift that comes from grace” (Page 650)
“the fundamental relation of the analogia entis, which, for the creature, is expressed by religio” (Page 119)
“Reflection, while holding fast to this primal wonder, must be the fundamental aim of metaphysics” (Page 615)
“Whoever does not wish to root himself in detachment is already cut down and desiccated.” (Page 651)
Balthasar’s most important works, at least in his own eyes, are not his writings but his foundations.
—Peter Henrici
. . . meeting Balthasar was for me the beginning of a lifelong friendship I can only be thankful for. Never again have I found anyone with such a comprehensive theological and humanistic education as Balthasar . . . and I cannot even begin to say how much I owe to my encounter with him.
—Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI)
- Title: The Glory of the Lord, vol. V: The Realm of Metaphysics in the Modern Age
- Author: Hans Urs von Balthasar
- Publisher: Ignatius
- Publication Date: 1991
- Pages: 624
