Test Everything; Hold Fast to What Is Good

by Hans Urs von Balthasar

Von Balthasar speaks from the heart in an illuminating interview with Angelo Scola , now a high ranking Vatican Cardinal, giving his views on some of the most controversial topics of the the Jews, the anti-Roman attitude, sexuality, liberation, theology and others. Known for his vast theological works and wide-ranging intellect, von Balthasar continues to show his ability to address critical issues facing today's Church in a clear, concise and readable manner.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Philosophy

93 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1989

About the author

Hans Urs von Balthasar was a Swiss theologian and priest who was nominated to be a cardinal of the Catholic Church. He is considered one of the most important theologians of the 20th century.

Born in Lucerne, Switzerland on 12 August 1905, he attended Stella Matutina (Jesuit school) in Feldkirch, Austria. He studied in Vienna, Berlin and Zurich, gaining a doctorate in German literature. He joined the Jesuits in 1929, and was ordained in 1936. He worked in Basel as a student chaplain. In 1950 he left the Jesuit order, feeling that God had called him to found a Secular Institute, a lay form of consecrated life that sought to work for the sanctification of the world especially from within. He joined the diocese of Chur. From the low point of being banned from teaching, his reputation eventually rose to the extent that John Paul II asked him to be a cardinal in 1988. However he died in his home in Basel on 26 June 1988, two days before the ceremony. Balthasar was interred in the Hofkirche cemetery in Lucern.

Along with Karl Rahner and Bernard Lonergan, Balthasar sought to offer an intellectual, faithful response to Western modernism. While Rahner offered a progressive, accommodating position on modernity and Lonergan worked out a philosophy of history that sought to critically appropriate modernity, Balthasar resisted the reductionism and human focus of modernity, wanting Christianity to challenge modern sensibilities.

Balthasar is very eclectic in his approach, sources, and interests and remains difficult to categorize. An example of his eclecticism was his long study and conversation with the influential Reformed Swiss theologian, Karl Barth, of whose work he wrote the first Catholic analysis and response. Although Balthasar's major points of analysis on Karl Barth's work have been disputed, his The Theology of Karl Barth: Exposition and Interpretation (1951) remains a classic work for its sensitivity and insight; Karl Barth himself agreed with its analysis of his own theological enterprise, calling it the best book on his own theology.

Balthasar's Theological Dramatic Theory has influenced the work of Raymund Schwager.

Reviews

[Frank R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting and short interview with Balthasar. It ranges in topics and subjects; it is by no means a good entry into his theology but is a great supplement to it once you begin to sample from his work. I felt at times that he did not really answer some of the questions while others he provided answers to with long and complex references to theologians and scripture. Admittedly, Balthasar is difficult for me to read as I want him to jump to a point directly. He rarely does this…

[Paul H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Balthasar:

I openly admit that I have never understood what place Rahner's categorical and transcendental categories, which he borrowed from Kant, can occupy in a Christian theology. Apparently Erich Przywara could not understand it either, for he asked Rahner at a meeting in Vienna: "What on earth are they for?"

😂 😂 😂

[C. Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated 4 rather than 5 stars because it is brief and a bit dated (mid-1980s), but it's still full of delightful bits. The translation (German to English) is fine as well. A neat glimpse into the mind of this important theologian from a couple years before his death. He's not afraid to share his opinions, pro and con, about the state of the Church as he saw it early in the papacy of John Paul II. Perhaps useful as a quick introduction to Balthasar for someone afraid to dive into his longer, more serious theological works.

[Jean Paul Govè · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interview between two friends who understand their subjects well, and consequently not a good book for someone not initiated in Roman Catholic Church history and bureaucracy. If you know a little, you'll understand a little, but the value of this book to the layman is rather restricted.

Myself, I was just looking for a point of entry to von Balthasar's books. This wasn't it.

[Dhanaraj Rajan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to try out a small book as an introduction to Hans Urs Von Balthasar's theology and writings. And so, I chose this book. And the choice proved to be a good one. There are interesting observations sprinkled here and there and they are very much provocative. I am provoked to read more of him. Soon I will be hunting for his books.

[Conor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little interview with Balthasar is the most accessible thing by him I have picked up of his yet. Very beautiful and I am looking forward to getting through it.