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Raising the Bastions

Culture
United States
Started January 15, 2026

Raising the Bastions The Swiss theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar is a figure at once admired and scorned in U.S. Catholicism. An ostensible “radical” before the Second Vatican Council, his postconciliar reputation has long invited the suspicions of liberal Catholics and the cautious, sometimes grudging respect of conservatives. Many theologians are deeply ambivalent about him. The surface of Balthasar’s texts seems to take different shapes depending on the light in which they’re read. It’s no...

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Raising the Bastions

Commonweal (United States) | Jan 11, 2026

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CLAIM Posted by will • Jan 15, 2026
Balthasar's works often obscure rather than clarify Catholic doctrine, leading to confusion among the faithful.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Jan 15, 2026
Embracing Balthasar's radical ideas can reinvigorate Catholicism, encouraging a more engaged and dynamic faith community.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Jan 15, 2026
Critics argue that Balthasar's emphasis on mystery detracts from the Church's accountability and clear moral teachings.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Jan 15, 2026
The ambivalence surrounding Balthasar reflects broader tensions within U.S. Catholicism, highlighting the need for open dialogue.
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CLAIM Posted by will • Jan 15, 2026
Balthasar's theological insights challenge contemporary Catholic thought and can unite diverse factions within the Church.
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