Hans Urs von Balthasar looms large over the Catholic theological landscape, most notably with his near-to-fully (depending on whom you read) universalist take on salvation.
But I'm not interested in that taffy pull.
Rather, I am more interested in the mystical influences on his thought, having taken an interest in Catholic mysticism (e.g., St. Bonaventure) in my middle age.
Sacred Heart Seminary Professor Ralph Martin argues that in von Balthasar's more speculative forays, it may have been less the former Jesuit speaking than his friend, Adrienne von Speyr. Von Balthasar took down volumes of her purported mystical utterances--and Martin applies some critical criteria to evaluate the purported part.
An interesting and--despite some furnace-hot responses to the contrary--reasonable evaluation. Critical--sure. But not a hatchet job.
Just so I can offend everyone: it reminds me of the arguments over Bl. Anne Catherine Emmerich and Clemens Brentano--the relationship and line between mystic and recorder has to be very carefully and objectively evaluated.
I developed a taste for Catholic mysticism some time ago, though I ran more to St. John of the Cross and St. Theresa of Avila. They both have an interesting combination of accessible and impenetrable in their writings. To be expected, I suppose. As one of my professors once said of mystics and mystical experiences: 'You are effing the ineffable.'
ReplyDeleteYour professor nailed it.
DeleteI definitely have to read certain passages over and over again. But it has been rewarding, to be sure.