On Some Aspects of Understanding Faith in Hans Urs von Balthasar and Paul Tillich Cover Image

O nekim vidovima poimanja vjere u Hansa Ursa von Balthasara i Paula Tillicha
On Some Aspects of Understanding Faith in Hans Urs von Balthasar and Paul Tillich

Author(s): Hrvoje Kalem
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Theology and Religion, Systematic Theology
Published by: Katolički bogoslovni fakultet u Đakovu
Keywords: Balthasar;Tillich; faith/religion; Gestalt; testimony; the center and object of faith; experience; situation; absolute; ultimate concern;

Summary/Abstract: The question of faith can be approached under many aspects, but one thing is certain: in all these aspects faith is what touches our existence. Regardless of the path we take towards faith, it is crucial not to lose sight of the peak we are trying to reach. The article aims to point to two different approaches to the concept of faith that have their advantages and disadvantages. In the first part, the article discusses the thoughts on faith of the great Swiss Catholic theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar whose starting point is the belief that the object of revelation we adhere to must have a concrete form (Gestalt). Further analysis brings some basic aspects of understanding faith in the theologian’s thoughts. The second part discusses the understanding of the faith/religion of the German-American Protestant theologian Paul Tillich. His methodological approach to understanding faith is completely contradictory to Balthasar’s, but it also reveals some advantages, like emphasizing the importance of the situation in which the recipients of Christian message adhere to God’s revelation, as well as the very methodological approach to understanding faith which is more receptive for those who lack certain religious and theological knowledge and who are simply in search of God, as indicated by concluding remarks.

  • Issue Year: 26/2018
  • Issue No: 3
  • Page Range: 383-404
  • Page Count: 22
  • Language: Croatian