Von Balthasar and the Option for the Poor

Hans Urs von Balthasars vast corpus of theological, philosophical, literary, and pastoral writings remains one of the most impressive achievements in 20th century thought. In light of liberation theology and now the papacy of Francis, however, a theological affirmation of the option for the poor remains dangerously weak in Balthasars corpus. Von Balthasar and the Option for the Poor offers a sympathetic reforming of Balthasars account of the drama of salvationwhat he calls theodramaticsin response to this weakness. Balthasar argues that his theodramatics intends to do justice to human existence as personal, social, and political, but his regular inattention to Gods concern for and solidarity with the oppressed undercuts his own intentions. Von Balthasar and the Option for the Poor strongly affirms Balthasars most fundamental theological commitments, but then reimagines his theodramatics in light of a strong recognition of the option for the poor within divine revelation and oppression as a force within the drama of salvation. The first half of the book offers a clear account of Balthasars most fundamental philosophical and theological commitments as a foundation for developing a liberating theodramatics. The second half offers a creative reworking of Balthasars Christology, anthropology, and ecclesiology in light of the work of Gustavo Gutirrez, Oscar Romero, and Jon Sobrino as well as seldom engaged texts in Balthasars corpus. In so doing, Von Balthasar and the Option for the Poor provides a rich and unmatched dialogical engagement between Balthasar and Latin American liberation theologyan engagement that brings greater consistency to Balthasars thought, increased attentiveness to the shape of divine revelation, and greater responsiveness to the challenges facing the Church in the modern age. As a liberating theodramatics, Balthasars theological vision is opened to and reformed by a robust affirmation of Gods merciful partiality towards the poor and oppressed, the option for the poor as an essential dimension of the Christian life, and the recognition that oppressive structures are theodramatic realities that oppose Gods gift of life.