The aim here is greater understanding through sincere dialogue. Objections, criticisms, challenges, even sharp disagreements are welcome. Incivility is not.
Looks like a very interesting book - one I will definitely add to my “books to read” list….
Question though - in his “Christianity” chapter, does de Lubac cover the apparent paradox between the dignity of the human person & our call as Christians to “die to self”?
This, sometimes, is difficult for Christian believers to articulate to non-believers.
If de Lubac doesn’t address this particular “paradox” head-on in this particular book, do you know of where else he does, or anyone else who does?
So far I have not come across a text that deals specifically with the paradox you mention, Steve. But the following passage from the chapter on Christianity, might be of interest to you. It has to do with the paradoxical relation between freedom and obedience (which, I think, is somewhat parallel to that between dignity and self-denial).
Just as faith is a principle of understanding, so obedience must be a principle of freedom. You do not deliver yourself into the hands of authority like a man tired of using his initiative, abdicating; or like a sailor happy to find a quiet at last after a stormy passage. On the contrary, you receive from authority the Duc in altum. You entrust yourself to it as to a ship leaving port for a glorious voyage and high adventure.
Dec 8 at 1:08 pm
Steve B comments:
Hi Jules,
Looks like a very interesting book - one I will definitely add to my “books to read” list….
Question though - in his “Christianity” chapter, does de Lubac cover the apparent paradox between the dignity of the human person & our call as Christians to “die to self”?
This, sometimes, is difficult for Christian believers to articulate to non-believers.
If de Lubac doesn’t address this particular “paradox” head-on in this particular book, do you know of where else he does, or anyone else who does?
Take care, and God bless,
Steve B
Plano, TX
Dec 8 at 2:40 pm
Jules van Schaijik replies:
So far I have not come across a text that deals specifically with the paradox you mention, Steve. But the following passage from the chapter on Christianity, might be of interest to you. It has to do with the paradoxical relation between freedom and obedience (which, I think, is somewhat parallel to that between dignity and self-denial).