A blessed wilderness: Trinitarian distance, dialogue, and deification in the theology of Hans Urs von Balthasar
Abstract
This dissertation offers a critical analysis and interpretation of the trinitarian theology of Hans Urs von Balthasar. This work argues that Balthasar’s characteristically vivid depiction of the immanent Trinity, which includes claims about intratrinitarian kenosis, difference, distance, dialogue, and even worship, provides the framework by which God can be shown to be Love in himself, without relation to creatures. This framework, constructed in conversation with the Christian and Jewish theological tradition, then serves Balthasar as the substance of a theology of deification, understood as a participation in the trinitarian life through Christ and Spirit. Finally, this dissertation argues that despite appearances, Balthasar’s trinitarianism is a vehicle for apophatic theology. The vivid depiction of the triune God, made possible by the Word’s incarnation and the creature’s deification, manifests God’s ever-greater incomprehensibility.^
Subject Area
Philosophy of Religion|Theology
Recommended Citation
McInerny, Brendan McInerny, "A blessed wilderness: Trinitarian distance, dialogue, and deification in the theology of Hans Urs von Balthasar" (2016). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI10246708.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI10246708
