T&T Clark Karl Barth and Hans Urs von Balthasar: A Critical Engagement (T&T Clark Theology)

Karl Barth and Hans Urs von Balthasar are two of the most important theologians of the last century. Although one being Reformed and the other Catholic, they kept a lifelong friendship which also influenced their theological work. The book argues for the crucial influence of von Balthasar's meeting with and study of Barth for the emergence of his own great theological trilogy, beginning with The Glory of the Lord, continuing with the Theo-Drama and concluding with the Theo-Logic. In particular it argues that it is von Balthasar's debate with Barth over the analogy of being which is to determine the shape of von Balthasar's subsequent theology, structured as it is around the transcendentals of being, the beautiful, the good and the true. Review "An extremely interesting introduction to von Balthasar's thought, as well as advancing scholar's understanding of the way that Balthasar's work has been driven by a concern with the analogy of being." Prof John Riches, University of Birmingham, UK--Sanford Lakoff"In this excellent study, Stephen Wigley traces the conversation with great clarity. Writing from an encyclopaedic knowledge of the primary texts (no mean achievement, given the volume of work involved), and a wide critical engagement with recent scholarship, he gives us an overview of this ecumenical enterprise that is readable, original and comprehensive, filling a noticeable gap in recent English-language studies. To all this, he brings his own perspective as a Methodist and an experienced pastor, producing a work of lasting and distinctive value." From the foreword by Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury --Sanford Lakoff"This fine study demonstrates a solid command of the primary sources, is clearly written, and argues its case effectively. Every Balthasar scholar and every theological library will wish to own a copy." Edward T. Oakes, S.J., University of St. Mary of the Lake, Modern Theology--Sanford Lakoff "Modern Theology ""Stephen Wigley has engaged two of the giants of twentieth-century theology and emerged sane and lucid, no mean feat. His book, ...distils his doctoral thesis into a remarkably concise and clear account of von Balthasar's theology and how it was influenced by, and in turn ionterpreted, the theology of Karl Barth" Epworth Review, April Edition, 2008'What Wigley has achieved in this book is an account of two theological friends, whose differences were never negotiated away in a bland and ultimately false ecumenism...Wigley has also shown that an ecumenical theology needn't be about lowest common denominators, or agreed statements that understate difference. It can be discussion about the core doctrines of the Christian faith, as lived, thought and articulated by theologians from across the Christian spectrum, in which difference does not provoke defensive hostility, but evokes an exchange of truth as each understands it.' Living Wittily Blog About the Author Revd. Dr. Stephen Wigley is Chair of the Wales Synod of the Methodist Church, a visiting lecturer and Trustee of St. Michael's College, Llandaff, and author of Karl Barth and Hans Urs von Balthasar: a Critical Engagement (2007).