This blog explores both historical and current events guided by the thought of the leading thinkers, past and present, of this school or movement of theology. Refer to the Classic Posts, Great and Contemporary Thinkers, various links of all kinds, in addition to the Archives themselves. David is the founder and manager of this website, but many friends contribute to it on a regular basis.
In my reading of Balthasar (and even Guardini's Letters from Lake Como!), I don't see any 'golden age of synthesis (The Middle Ages do play this role in Fr. Giussani's trilogy, but that is to be expected in a text that introduces one to Christian tradition).
Instead, synthesis is a perennial task of the Christian life. Balthasar is attentive to those moments of particular intensity that bring together the elements of tradition in a distinct synthesis. Balthasar examines these accomplishments throughout his works, but the monographs in his Theological Styles offer accessible examples of Balthasar's method, a method which showcases the value of each synthesis but also critically examines the limitations and flaws of each synthesis. Balthasars works present their own synthesis which also, necessarily, has its own limits and flaws.
A couple of examples just off the top of my head (so, please forgive oversimplifications), I recall that Dante synthesized the personal and the cosmic; he also reflected upon the God's judgement within huogite overidealized the earthly hierarchy of the church.
A couple of examples just off the top of my head (so, please forgive oversimplifications), I recall that Dante synthesized the personal and the cosmic; he also reflected upon the God's judgement within history; but the cross of Christ was presented predominately in its triumphant aspect. Balthasar also recognizes the accomplishments of Dionysius the Pseudo-Areopoogite, but also overidealizes the hierarchy of the church on earth.
Like Return to Tradition, it is an introduction to many great Catholic writers, poets, etc. Many of whom are canonized saints, which is a bonus. It even has Leon Bloy!
3 comments:
In my reading of Balthasar (and even Guardini's Letters from Lake Como!), I don't see any 'golden age of synthesis (The Middle Ages do play this role in Fr. Giussani's trilogy, but that is to be expected in a text that introduces one to Christian tradition).
Instead, synthesis is a perennial task of the Christian life. Balthasar is attentive to those moments of particular intensity that bring together the elements of tradition in a distinct synthesis. Balthasar examines these accomplishments throughout his works, but the monographs in his Theological Styles offer accessible examples of Balthasar's method, a method which showcases the value of each synthesis but also critically examines the limitations and flaws of each synthesis. Balthasars works present their own synthesis which also, necessarily, has its own limits and flaws.
A couple of examples just off the top of my head (so, please forgive oversimplifications), I recall that Dante synthesized the personal and the cosmic; he also reflected upon the God's judgement within huogite overidealized the earthly hierarchy of the church.
Fred
ack! my comment was mangled.
A couple of examples just off the top of my head (so, please forgive oversimplifications), I recall that Dante synthesized the personal and the cosmic; he also reflected upon the God's judgement within history; but the cross of Christ was presented predominately in its triumphant aspect. Balthasar also recognizes the accomplishments of Dionysius the Pseudo-Areopoogite, but also overidealizes the hierarchy of the church on earth.
Like Return to Tradition, it is an introduction to many great Catholic writers, poets, etc. Many of whom are canonized saints, which is a bonus. It even has Leon Bloy!
Post a Comment