Die Theologie der Vermählung

Matthias Joseph Scheeben (1835–1888), theologian from Cologne, is regarded as a representative of 19th century scholasticism and nature-grace dualism. Hans Urs von Balthasar considered Scheeben the greatest German theologian of the post-romantic period. Using traditional 19th century scholasticism as a starting point, Scheeben creates a theology which is deeply influenced by the Church Fathers, Thomas Aquinas and Bonaventure, by mystical theology and the theological school of Rome. Understanding the Trinity, Christology and Grace as something intimately interwoven, the mystical marriage between nature and grace becomes the centre of his entire theology. The term, “Connubium divinum” characterises this unique form of the spiritual Eros.