Hans Urs von Balthasar's Dramatic Soteriology: A Theology of Representation

Abstract

This thesis both analyses Hans Urs von Balthasar's theology of "representation" (Stellvertretung) and offers its own constructive proposals. The central claim of this thesis is that representation is paramount to Balthasar's dramatic soteriology, trinitarian theology, and Christology. In the Theo-Drama, Balthasar rehabilitates representation by providing theological foundations for the concept and explaining how it unites different models of atonement. Contemporary scholarship, however, places new demands on every soteriology. This thesis addresses some of these demands by clarifying and expanding Balthasar's conceptuality of representation. In the first half of this thesis, we examine and develop Balthasar's theological foundations for representation. By providing a critical account of Balthasar's trinitarian theology and Christology, we show how representation is an aspect of triune processions and depicts the metaphysical relationship between Christ and creation. In doing so, we integrate representation and the patristic exchange formula, developing a dramatic exchange formula: Christ acts in our place that we might act in his place. In the second half of this thesis, we present a systematic analysis of how representation functions in Balthasar's dramatic soteriology, which unites the soteriological themes of redemption and theosis in Christ's representation of humanity. By integrating Balthasar's theological foundations with his soteriology, we examine and amend the problems opened up by his dramatic depiction of the cross. In addition, we relate representation and theosis by constructing the dramatic exchange formula pneumatologically. By suggesting that the Spirit is the Continual Representative of Christ, we argue that the Spirit traverses the distance between humanity's eschatological place in Christ and its own historical places and activities. In doing so, we demonstrate how theosis is emplaced and the category of representation is integral to church's dramatic and theotic existence. Throughout this thesis, we also show how analogical, dialectical, and hermeneutical resources offer clarifying and alternative ways of understanding Balthasar's doctrine of the Trinity, Christology, and soteriology. By doing so, we respond to objections to Balthasar's theology raised by scholars and, in some places, present new doctrinal concerns. Although sympathetically expositing Balthasar, this thesis also engages in constructive criticism. We try to move Balthasar's theology of representation forward by elucidating, judging, amending, and developing his theology.

Date of Award	1 Aug 2019
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester