WOF 472: Bishop Barron on the Theology of Balthasar (6 of 12)
Jan 13, 2025
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Delve into the captivating world of Hans Urs von Balthasar's theology, where beauty meets the divine narrative. Discover how the concept of theodrama invites individuals to engage with God's story. The discussion highlights the transformative power of beauty, inspiring gratitude and calling each of us to mission. Explore the tension between individual autonomy and divine freedom, and learn why every personal response to God plays a vital role in the unfolding drama of faith.
Balthasar's Theodrama illustrates the necessity of continual choices in faith, revealing the dynamic interaction between divine and human freedoms.
Understanding God and humanity is achieved through observing actions in biblical narratives, highlighting saints as the ultimate theologians in this process.
Deep dives
Transitioning to Theodrama
The lecture shifts focus from the first part of Balthasar's trilogy, which emphasizes the glory of God, to the second part known as Theodramatik. This transition symbolizes a movement from beauty to goodness, and finally, to truth, resembling a journey from mere appreciation to active engagement. Balthasar utilizes the Jesuit tradition to highlight the importance of making a decisive choice in one's spiritual life, contrasting the infinite freedom of God with the finite freedom of individuals. The interplay of these freedoms sets the scene for understanding the Theodrama, where one's actions are a reflection of divine interactions.
The Importance of the Theodrama
Balthasar responds to criticisms about his portrayal of Jesus by emphasizing the dynamic interplay of divine and human freedoms, which creates a rich narrative within the Theodrama. He critiques the Lutheran view that once grace is accepted, the spiritual journey reaches a conclusion without further drama. Instead, Balthasar suggests that life in faith involves continual choices that highlight the significance of one's actions and decisions. The Theodrama serves as a captivating backdrop where every individual chooses to either embrace God's call or follow their own ego-driven narrative.
Understanding through Action
Balthasar asserts that true understanding of characters, both divine and human, comes from observing actions rather than listening to abstract descriptions. This principle extends to understanding God and humanity through the lens of biblical narratives and the lives of saints, where actions reveal character and depth. In this context, saints are positioned as the ultimate theologians, illustrating that genuine knowledge of God arises from participation in the Theodrama. By engaging with the drama of life through the lens of faith and action, one gains profound insights into personal and divine realities.
We bring you the sixth lesson of Bishop Barron’s lecture series on one of the most important and influential Catholic theologians of the twentieth century, Han Urs von Balthasar. We will come to understand his life, his theology, and his ongoing impact on the Church and our work to evangelize the culture. Enjoy!
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