Hans Urs von Balthasar and Ignatius of Loyola

Abstract

It seems to be caracteristic for the actual situation of the catholic theology that the now living and working theologians still depend on those who belonged to their previous generation. In Europe we had, indeed, some excellent theologians in the midst of the last century. They had a signicant influence on the Second Vatican Council. The most famous theologians were Karl Rahner, Henry de Lubac, Otto Semmelroth and some others. And there was still another theologian who has not participated to the council, but nevertheless has had an very important influence to its reflexions and decisions: Hans Urs von Balthasar. He lived in the same period as Karl Rahner. They knew each other and had an high respect for their theological positions, though their were also some theological differences between them. Both, Karl Rahner and Hans Urs von Balthasar, are deeply influenced by the charism of Ignatius of Loyola. The Contemplation to attain Love is a summary of the Ignatian Exercises. von Balthasar’s theological positions and reflexions are deeply connected with the spiritual charism of Ignatius as we find it expressed in this contemplation.