Balthasar Booth, Pt. 3 / Matthew Levering / Balthasar, Thomism, and Modern German Philosophy

Oct 11, 2022

Matthew Levering, The James N. Jr. and Mary D. Perry Chair of Theology, discusses Hans Urs von Balthasar's work in relation to Thomism, liberal Catholicism, Ignatian spirituality, and modern German philosophy. They also explore Balthasar's understanding of the Trinity and self-surrender, his critique of Nietzsche's concept of truth, the significance of Aquinas in his work, and recommendations for beginners interested in Balthasar's books. They analyze the concept of Catholicity and discuss Balthasar's approach to religious liberalism within Catholicism.

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

Introduction

00:00 • 3min

Balthasar's Understanding of the Trinity and Self-Surrender

02:41 • 28min

The Influence of Nietzsche and Balthasar's Understanding of Truth

30:50 • 4min

The Significance of Aquinas in Balthasar's Work

35:17 • 15min

Appreciating Balthasar's School of Thought and Recommendations for Beginners

50:47 • 2min

Exploring the Concept of Catholicity

52:48 • 5min

Analyzing Balthasar's Approach and Recommended Reading

58:13 • 5min

The Balthasar Booth is a virtual exhibit devoted to the life and work of Hans Urs von Balthasar. The exhibit is hosted on the Wipf and Stock Blog and includes a set of interviews with Balthasar scholars, as well as a selection of Wipf and Stock’s books by and about HUVB. You can find the link to the booth below.

Dr. Levering holds the James N. Jr. and Mary D. Perry Chair of Theology at Mundelein Seminary and is the author of over thirty books, including his 2019 publication, The Achievement of Hans Urs von Balthasar: An Introduction to His Trilogy.

In our conversation, Levering and I discuss Hans Urs von Balthasar, especially as his work relates to Thomism, liberal Catholicism, Ignatian spirituality, modern German philosophy, and much more.

Apologies for the glitches and poor sound quality in parts of the episode. We are actively working to strengthen WiFi signals and microphone quality.

PODCAST LINKS:

The Balthasar Booth: https://wipfandstock.com/blog/2022/08/02/the-balthasar-booth/

Blog post: https://wipfandstock.com/blog/2022/08/01/self-surrender-is-the-heart-of-everything-matthew-levering-on-hans-urs-von-balthasar/

Author page: https://wipfandstock.com/author/matthew-levering/

CONNECT:

Website: https://wipfandstock.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvht9V0Pndgvwh5vkpe0GGw

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wipfandstock

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wipfandstock

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wipfandstock/

SOURCES MENTIONED:

Balthasar, Hans Urs von. Convergences: To the Source of Christian Mystery.

———. The Glory of the Lord: A Theological Aesthetics. 7 vols.

———. In the Fullness of Faith: On the Centrality of the Distinctively Catholic.

———. Love Alone Is Credible.

———. Prayer.

———. Theo-Drama: Theological Dramatic Theory. 5 vols.

———. Theo-Logic. 3 vols.

———. Truth Is Symphonic: Aspects of Christian Pluralism.

Collins, Kenneth J., and Jerry L. Walls. Roman but Not Catholic: What Remains at Stake 500 Years after the Reformation.

Levering, Matthew. The Achievement of Hans Urs von Balthasar: An Introduction to His Trilogy.

———, et al. International Journal of Systematic Theology.

———, and Thomas Joseph White, OP. Nova et Vetera.

Nietzsche, Friedrich. The Will to Power.

Rousselot, Pierre. The Eyes of Faith: With Rousselot’s Answers to Two Attacks.

OUTLINE:

(01:28) - Balthasar's Strengths

(03:07) - Critiquing Balthasar

(10:57) - Balthasar's Core Themes

(34:51) - Ressourcement vs. Thomism

(52:06) - Balthasar's Books