Pattern of Redemption: The Theology of Hans Urs von Balthasar [Paperback]

Edward T. Oakes (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...Edward T. Oakes provides a highly readable introduction to Balthasar's thought.... A truly beautiful form, he maintains, has two characteristics: it attracts, and it is inexhaustible."- Robert E. Proctor, Commonweal, December 1, 2006

(Commonweal )

“…Edward T. Oakes provides a highly readable introduction to Balthasar’s thought…. A truly beautiful form, he maintains, has two characteristics: it attracts, and it is inexhaustible.”- Robert E. Proctor, Commonweal, December 1, 2006

(Commonweal )

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Continuum (March 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826410111
• ISBN-13: 978-0826410115
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,416,800 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superbly written summary and analysis of Balthasar's work., October 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Pattern of Redemption: The Theology of Hans Urs Von Balthasar (Hardcover)

Oakes captures and transmits the beauty of Balthasar's rich and complex theology in this clearly-written and inspiring volume. This book moves one to prayer, to the silent contemplation of God, the Father, Son and Spirit, the Loved One of Balthasar. Oakes, like the theologian he so lovingly studies, has an astounding knowledge of everything -- philosophy, theology, history, culture, science. Everything! I heartily commend this book!

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Strongly recommended, June 23, 2001

By 

Derek Law (Shanghai, China) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pattern of Redemption: The Theology of Hans Urs von Balthasar (Paperback)

It is simply the best introduction to Balthasar's thoughts. I didn't understand what is really going on with the 'Analogy of Being' business in medieval theology until I find this book. (Not that I understand it well right now, but at least I finally find a systematic introduction that makes sense to a contemporary reader.)

The writing, while sometimes dense, has the rare clarity that makes you feel like you learn and understand something more after reading every paragraph. It is a very refreshing book in this way.

17 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A well-written introduction to a most complex theologian, February 9, 1999

By 

M. C. Crammer (Decatur, GA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Pattern of Redemption: The Theology of Hans Urs von Balthasar (Paperback)

This eminently readable book provides an excellent introduction to the thought of this most difficult figure, making him accessible in a way that many other books on Balthasar have not. Moreover, it does not fall into the trap of "hagiography", that is, of being excessively admiring and blindly uncritical, which has typified so much of what has been written on Balthasar.