α’αααΈααααα βα’αα‘α·α ααααΌαα·αααα
How is it possible for Christ to act in the place of humanity? In Hans Urs von Balthasarβs Theology of Representation, Jacob Lett broaches this perplexing soteriological question and offers the first book-length analysis of Balthasarβs theology of representation (Stellvertretung). Lettβs study shows how Balthasar rehabilitates the category of representation by developing it in relationship to the central mysteries of the Christian faith: concerned by the lack of metaphysical and theological foundations for understanding the question above, Balthasar ultimately grounds representation in the trinitarian life of God, making βaction in the place of the otherβ central to divine and creaturely being. Lett not only articulates the centrality of representation to Balthasarβs theological project but also demonstrates that Balthasarβs theology of representation has the potential to reshape discussions in the fields of soteriology, Christology, trinitarian theology, anthropology, and ecclesiology.
This work covers a wide range of themes in Balthasarβs theology, including placial and spatial metaphors, a post-Chalcedonian Christology of Christβs two wills, and theories of drama. This book is also a text of significant comparative range: Lett considers Balthasarβs key interlocutors (Gregory of Nyssa, Maximus, Aquinas, Przywara, Ulrich, Barth) and expands this base to include voices beyond those typically found in Balthasarian scholarship, including Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Dorothee SΓΆlle. The overall result is a deeply probing presentation of one of Balthasarβs most significant contributions to contemporary theology.
α’αααΈβα’ααααα·αααα
Jacob Lett is a lecturer in theology and associate dean at Nazarene Theological College.
