"To be sure, the response of faith to revelation, which God grants to the creature he chooses and moves with his love, occurs in such a way that it is truly the creature that provides the response, with its own nature and its natural powers of love"
- Hans Urs von Balthasar
About this Quote
Hans Urs von Balthasar's quote delves into the nuanced relationship between magnificent discovery and human response within the framework of faith. He suggests that faith is not merely a passive acceptance of divine discovery but an active, participatory procedure. The statement starts by acknowledging that the action of faith is triggered by God's initiative: God picks and moves the creature (human) with love. This highlights the fundamental theological concept of grace-- a divine favor encompassed humanity, allowing human beings to react to God's revelation.
Balthasar emphasizes that this divine-human interaction respects the individuality and the natural capabilities of the human. When he keeps in mind that "it is really the creature that offers the action," Balthasar is asserting the credibility of human autonomy in the faith experience. Here, the "creature" is endowed with the capability to react genuinely, utilizing its natural powers. This indicates that faith is not persuaded or artificially instilled by God; rather, it is a workout of human free will, facilitated and sustained by divine grace.
Additionally, the reference of "natural powers of love" recommends that human nature, even in its fallen state, is endowed with natural capacities that line up with God's will. Balthasar seems to be arguing for a consistency between grace and nature, where magnificent action elevates human nature without contradicting or overriding it. The natural human inclination towards love is viewed as a mirror of magnificent love, allowing for a resonant reaction to God's revelation.
In summary, the quote shows a deep theological understanding of faith as a collaborative endeavor in between God and humankind. God starts and sustains the possibility of faith through love, while the human action remains authentic, autonomous, and deeply rooted in natural human capabilities. This analysis showcases how magnificent grace and human liberty exist together in a fruitful synergy within the life of faith.