Von Balthasar is brilliant, and his writing style, even in translation, is eloquent and resourceful.

After Vatican II, many Catholics tried to interpret the Council by bringing foreign elements into the Church. This book sheds light upon those elements and still leaves room for the mystery of Grace to act unknowingly upon the reader.

The late Catholic theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar (1905-1988) was a giant of the twentieth century and a favorite of John Paul II who named him a cardinal shortly before Balthasar passed away. In this short book, Balthasar fields questions posed in an interview by an Italian friend. While Balthasar has bequeathed us an extensive legacy of theological writings, this interview provides the reader with an enticing look at the mindset and fundamental orientation that motivates his theological perspective. In the course of the interview, Balthasar chastizes the declining religious orders, praises the new ecclesial movements, bluntly exposes the pretense of confused Catholic theologians, and emphasizes the importance of the papacy and the avoidance of an "anti-Roman attitude." Readers will not regret this introduction to the work of a great Christian and theologian.

This volume, volume III of "Theo-Drama", provides the centerpiece of the theological thought of the late Hans Urs von Balthasar. In its pages, he presents, using his concept of a "theological dramatic theory", his ecclesiology, his Christology, and his Mariology, all of which are intrinsically interconnected.

In a review of this sort, it is impossible to fully express the range of what this book covers (much less the totality of von Balthasar's thought). However, as a bit of a 'teaser', (to encourage the review reader toward the purchase of this book), I'll point out a couple of areas which were of great interest to me.

One area of interest was in von Balthasar's discussion of Christology. Unlike many systematicians who all too often assume that students of systematics already know history (a dangerous assumption, at best), von Balthasar locates his theological discussion of Christology from within the historical controversies of the 4th and 5th centuries.

Another area of interest was in his discussion of ecclesiology. In expounding his theology of "Church", von Balthasar develops his "Christological Constellation" (further expounded in "The Office of Peter and the Structure of the Church") based on the New Testament witness of Peter, James, John, Paul and Mary.

A third area of interest was in his discussion of Mariology, which he locates (following Vatican II) in his discussion of the Church. His presentation of Mary is at once theological and pious, without being overbearing. Of special interest in the Mariological section is his discussion of the role of woman vis a vis the role of man in the Divine Plan.

If you only read one volume of von Balthasar's theology, this would probably be the one to read. I heartily recommend this book.

An excellent book! Not only is this a significant work by one of the past century's most important Roman Catholic theologians, but it has set a paradigm for Barth interpretation for 40 years since its publication - even among Protestant scholars. Balthasar's study focuses on the issue of nature and grace (naturally) and the promise of Christological ways of theologizing for ecumenical dialogue. Balthasar's reading of Barth's theological development has been challenged of late (Bruce McCormack), but his 'magisterial work' contains so much promise and insight that it is not likely to be outdated anytime soon. I definately recomend this book to anyone interested in Barth, Balthasar, or in Catholic-Protestant dialogue.

In The Threefold Garland, Hans Urs von Balthasar unveils the Rosary as a form of meditation on the central mysteries of the Christian faith through the mysteries of the life of Jesus Christ from the perspective of Mary, His mother. The great theme of this compact (146 page) volume is the salvation of the world: God the Father plans our salvation from all eternity; Jesus, God the Son, becomes flesh to accomplish the Father's will; God, the Holy Spirit, is the Spirit of mission who guarantees the conformity of the Son's response to the Father's will.

God did not will that humanity be saved without our consent, so He proposed the divine plan of salvation to Mary, as representative of the human race. In response, Mary speaks a pure, human, creaturely "fiat" or "yes" to God's will. In Mary, the Church is the pure and immaculate bride who always says yes to God's will. Mary carries the body of the Lord within her, a body that will later incorporate her. Similarly, the Church contains Jesus and is contained by Him.

These rather broad strokes hardly do justice to the richness of von Balthasar's reflections. Erasmo Leiva-Merikakis (translator) describes in his preface what he calls von Balthasar's "concentric vision": ". . . he never treats a subject in isolation from all those other subjects which are naturally bound to it, but sees them as interacting concentric circles, distinct yet inseparable and springing from a common center"-- the Paschal Mystery ( p. 9). For all this richness, this book should be quite accessible to college educated, non-specialists. One should, however, be prepared to alternate periods of reading with periods of prayer.

With Leiva-Merikakis, I agree that "this book, without diluting it, contains the essence of von Balthasar's weightier tomes," as he says because, "the style is so non-technical, at times poetic and always full of prayer" (9). I recommend this book as an excellent introduction to Hans Urs von Balthasar and even to the thought of the mystic, Adrienne von Speyr. I also recommend it for spiritual reading to deepen one's prayer life.

note: contains reflections on the Joyous, Sorrowful, and Glorious mysteries of the Rosary.

These combined works of von Balthasar on two Carmelite nuns, St. Therese of Lisieux and Bl. Elizabeth of the Trinity, offers exceptional insights to their particular spiritualities and their role in the Church. The part focusing on Therese is perhaps best read with an already established knowlege of the saint. Be prepared to totally change the way you think of the "Little Flower"! This is probably not a good book for those just becoming familiar with Therese, but for those who have read nearly all she has written (Story of a Soul, Letters, Poems, etc.) von Balthasar's thoughts will be a fascinating read. This book sheds some very interesting light on other works of Therese when you go back to read them a second time! This is the best book I've read on Therese. The section on Bl. Elizabeth is considerably shorter, but the book is worth buying for it alone. Her simple "way," the praise of the glory of God's grace, is eloquently illuminated by von Balthasar. In a word, beautiful... I highly recommend this book for all lovers of Carmel, and for anyone who has stumbled upon the greatness of these two women.

While Balthasar's Way of the Cross is structured for communal use and can be effectively used in that manner, I would consider this version as one excellent for individual devotions. Balthasar's reflections are thought-provoking and should not be rushed.

This version has the traditional stations. Each station begins with the traditional responsory. A single scriptural verse identifies the station, then a reflection of about one page is read - these are the reflections I don't want rushed. The station then ends with an Our Father and a verse of the Stabat Mater.

This version was used by John Paul II on Good Friday 1988. Recommendations don't get any better than that.

The Anonymous Author of this rather remarkable text has done the public a profound service. (S)He has managed to sweep aside the cobwebs of mystery-mongering-occultism, and unlock the fetters of will-to-power-magic. Sound Philosophy and Theology combine in this work revealing the integrity of its author. In citing not only Christian, but Kabbalistic, Magical, and Occult traditions, the catholicity of these meditations becomes apparent. The only negative aspect of the text is that it tends to get preachy and Dogmatic in chapters 7 & 8. However, if apparent dogma is read mystically, these chapters, too, shed valuable light. A must for Christian Contemplatives and for all Hermeticists wether they place themselves under this rubric or not!

I found this book in a public library six years ago, and have been studying it almost every day since.To say that it has changed my life is an understatement.In the final chapter the Dear Unknown Friend invites the reader to complete the book that he has started and continue with the minor cards - I have dedicated my life to doing this.

The cards of the tarot are a little like an encrypted message from God. The message is to be found in the images on the cards, but we have to decode them to understand their meaning.In other words, we see the message but do not register its meaning in our brain. This is the wonderful mystery of the cards which this author suceeds in revealing. Any one who thinks that all Tarot books are the same, should read this one. They will be amazed to see how much depth can be found in seemingly simple picture cards.This work goes very deep, but not quite deep enough.

I thoroughly recommend this book, despite some differences of opinion of the meanings of certain cards.This work is more than half way there I believe.I hope to bring the "other half" to light, with the Lord's help. 23/01/2001 H

The author of this book truly overwhelms the subject matter with himeself. His personality and his philosophical lens (Catholic hermeticism/occult Christianity)so dominate that it is difficult to get a sense of the Tarot in its own right. Thus I do not recommend this book for those beginning Tarot study. That being said, the writer has a wonderful, convoluted, complex mind.....very opinionated and judgmental in some matters, very humanist and tolerant in others. Some of the passages are heavy, dense and ponderous.......others are sheer music and lift you up to the stars......Although his teachings on mysticism are what I bought the book for, it's also a fascinating read for his critiques on the thinking of many 20th century (and earlier) writers. A much needed antidote for the literal-mindedness which has overtaken the Christian churches through the course of the past few centuries.

This volume contains a good overview of the works of Origen, including "An Exortation to Martyrdom," "On Prayer," and selections from "On First Principles," "The Homily on Numbers," and more. The Translation is in clear, contemporary English. The introductory material is well writen and thorough, with plentiful notes. The text is annotated with cross references and biblical citations. This volume is exelently produced, as is the entire series.

Origen was one of the most carefully observant and meticulous interpreters of biblical scripture ever to have lived. This book provides profound, fascinating, and deep insights into the inner subtleties of religious scripture. Origen pays attention to the most minute details in scripture, and reminds us of the importance of these precise interpretations into the exact wording of the scripture. The existence of a writer like Origen all but disproves some sceptic's theories that the bible was actually written much later than previously supposed. If, for instance, it is true that the bible was not written until the 1400's or 1500's, the writings of Origen would also have to have been fabricated, and would therefore be some kind of fraud. Origen, along with writers such as St. Thomas, St. Augustine, and Clement of Alexandria, are important because they give us valuble insights into the minds of the earliest Christian mystics, as well as shed light on the dynamics of the initial spread of Christianity. But these early Christians are also important because they help us put our religion into proper historical perspective, and give us clear evidence as to when the bible was written and by whom. I recommend this book to anyone interested in Christianity, and especially those interested in the early mystical Christian neo-prophets. However, people with little or no familiarity with the New Testament might not like this, because Origen has a somewhat narrow focus devoted almost entirely to the interpretation of the precise wording of scripture. But every serious Christian thinker should eventually take a look at this book.

I was very much looking forward to Prayer by Hans Urs von Balthasar. While I grew up in the Christian tradition, my particular flavor did not practice contemplative prayer. So, I was looking to expand my horizons. This book came to me highly recommended. However, I must tell the readers of this review that this in no introductory text on prayer. It is nowhere near easy reading.

The book is well written, that is certain. It is as much a systematic theology as it is a book on prayer. I graduated from seminary with a Master of Divinity and still found this book to be dense reading. Balthasar is no foreigner to philosophy and uses the language of philosophy generously. In fact, I found him hard to follow at times.

I am glad that I read this book. I value any insight I can gain to grow in my own prayer pilgrimage. But, be forewarned, this is no easy read on prayer. I hope to find a better introduction to contemplative prayer.

This book is refreshing. Deep down refreshing. Balthasar is one of those rare theologians that could write beautifully. Every sentence is like a rare jewel. I read this book slowly and savored every single thought.

The late h.u. von balthazar, the theologian du juer of the vatican was a brilliant,cultured theological giant,and also a man of deep and profound prayer.{do not let the fact that von balthazar has been co-opted by reactionaries daunt you. he is infinitely rewarding.}This book, divided into 3 sections;the act of contemplation;the object of contemplation andthe tensions of contemplation.though von balthazar can be dense and at times obtuse,this book is rich, the prose clear and at times,poetic,befitting its subject.This book is qiute literally a lifetime companion, for i believe it contains all of von Balthazar's wisdom, eriudition, and holiness[which is ,of course, a subjective thing.]Well, well worth the effort.As an aside, the publishers have done a commendable job with the presentation of this book. The binding is excellent, the pages themselves of fine qulaity. well done all around