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Joshua R Brotherton

St. Thomas University, Florida, School of Theology and Ministry, Adjunct

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Father, author, professor, tutor, lifelong learner:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09VCL2PBF/about

B.A. in Philosophy; minors: Classical Languages, Theology (2009)
B.S. in Mathematical Sciences (2021)
M.A. in Philosophy (2011)
M.A. in Theology (2011)
M.S. in Medical Physiology and Pharmacology (2022)
Ph.D. in Systematic Theology; minor: Historical Theology (2015)
Supervisors: Michael Root, Chad Pecknold, Thomas Joseph White, and Matthew Levering

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Helenice D S Spinosa

Universidade de São Paulo

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Articles by Joshua R Brotherton

The Relationship between the Supersensible and the Noumenon in Kant’s Critique of Judgment

Heythrop Journal, 2022

I no longer teach at the place listed as my affiliation, but I taught there at the time this arti... more I no longer teach at the place listed as my affiliation, but I taught there at the time this article was accepted for publication in 2019 and available for early view online only until now. The substantive text was written in 2009 or 2010 as a term paper for a graduate Philosophy class I took on Kant's Third Critique with Dr. Robert Wood at University of Dallas.

A Response to Paul Griffiths’ Annihilationist Proposal

Modern Theology, 2021

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/moth.12594

The "Our Father" Translation Controversy

Fellowship of Catholic Scholars Quarterly, 2018

A Contemporary (Catholic) Appropriation of Augustine’s "Massa Damnata" Theory of Predestination

International Journal of Systematic Theology, 2019

Over the centuries, especially since the Jansenist controversy, much ink has been spilled defendi... more Over the centuries, especially since the Jansenist controversy, much ink has been spilled defending and criticizing Augustine's contentious interpretation of the revealed doctrines of predestination and reprobation. Instead of attempting to trace the entire debate or adjudicate the exegetical questions, I attempt the more modest task of analyzing how Augustine's massa damnata theory of election has been re-received in modern Catholic scholarship. Thus, leaving aside the historical and exegetical complexity of the issue, I argue for a particular conceptual appropriation of Augustine's theory in line with a contemporary Catholic theology of grace and predestination.

Trinitarian Suffering and Divine Receptivity after Balthasar

The Thomist, 2018

The Mystery of Christ's Beatific Suffering: Whether Christ Lost the Beatific Vision in His Passion

Nova et Vetera, 2019

The Mystery of Christ's Beatific Suffering 989 of their master, 3 endorsed by the magisterium num... more The Mystery of Christ's Beatific Suffering 989 of their master, 3 endorsed by the magisterium numerous times. 4 Two principal representatives of the turned tide are Jean Galot, S.J., 5 from whom Balthasar draws on a semi-regular basis, and one of the most eminent living Thomists, Jean-Pierre Torrell, O.P. 6 I cannot possibly enter into all the details of the debate that has since ensued, but I will indicate wherein I think lies the truth by engaging a few more interlocutors.

Post-Gödelian Ontological Argumentation for God’s Existence: A Phenomenological-Existential Perspective

International Philosophical Quarterly, 2018

Hope and Hell: Balthasarian Suspension of Judgement

The Thomist, 2017

I propose a via media between the Balthasarian presumption that universal salvation is a real pos... more

A Feminist Argument for a Male-only Priesthood

Fellowship of Catholic Scholars Quarterly, 2016

A largely Wojtylan argument that priesthood is not by any means reserved to males because the lat... more A largely Wojtylan argument that priesthood is not by any means reserved to males because the latter have some sort of superiority over females, but because the intrinsic purpose of the divinely instituted ecclesial ministry is to imitate & participate in the humility of the God who chose to become male in service (or "submission") to His bride.

Towards a Resolution to Balthasar’s Aporia: The Problem of Moral Evil and Theodramatic Hope

Josephinum Journal of Theology, 2018

"Development(s) in the Theology of Revelation: From Francisco Marin-Sola to Joseph Ratzinger," New Blackfriars 97, no. 1072 (2016): 661-676

The twentieth century has seen a dramatic shift even within Catholic theology when it comes to ho... more The twentieth century has seen a dramatic shift even within Catholic theology when it comes to how the Church understands divine revelation and her own historical reception of it. The Second Vatican Council was a pivotal point in which contrasting views of doctrinal truth seemed to meet head-to-head. But while it might seem that the now popular understanding of revelation as an event, rather than a set of propositions, represents a victory for modernism, there is no contradiction between this personalistic paradigm and the propositional, which reigned in the neo-scholastic era. Rather, there are points of contact between the traditional Thomistic approach of an early-twentieth century Dominican theologian, Francisco Marin-Sola, and the understanding of revelation, particularly, the nature of doctrinal truth, that has risen to prominence thanks to the so-called nouvelle theologie. It is especially evident in the work of Yves Congar and Joseph Ratzinger that it is possible to reconcile the Tubingen approach to reality, which inspired the new school, and the (Augustinian-)Thomistic insistence on the immutability of truth.

"Universalism and Integralism: Balthasar’s Syncretism and the Lonergan-Maritain Alternative,” Angelicum 92, no. 3 (2016): 305-348

In this essay the integralist tendency in theological anthropology underlying the universalist te... more In this essay the integralist tendency in theological anthropology underlying the universalist tendency in eschatology is explored. Hence, there are certain eschatological implications to one's position on the question of the natural desire to see God. I begin by analyzing the nature-grace relationship in Hans Urs von Balthasar, a proponent of "subjunctive universalism," and proceed to propose Bernard Lonergan's tertia via between integralism and dualism as a more sophisticated and nuanced way forward. Finally, I pair Lonergan's position on the question with Jacques Maritain's in order to clarify the eschatological possibilities that follow most coherently from such an understanding of the nature-grace relationship.Secularization and the Entweltlichung of the Church

"The Possibility of Universal Conversion in Death: Temporality, Annihilation, and Grace,” Modern Theology 32, no. 3 (2016): 307-324

Much ink has already been spilled over Hans Urs von Balthasar's arguments in favor of hope for un... more Much ink has already been spilled over Hans Urs von Balthasar's arguments in favor of hope for universal salvation. 1 The theme of the time-eternity relationship is also one that pervades many of Balthasar's reflections, receiving less attention, but still significant for his eschatology. 2 Taking as a point of departure the latter theme as it relates to hell, but without attempting to resolve the ambiguities that remain in his understanding of temporality, I would like to explicate an even more neglected piece in the puzzle of Balthasar's systematics; namely, his subtle proposal for how the grace of Christ may "outwit" the sinfulness that invades every person's soul, even those for whom there seems to be little hope. It is clear that Balthasar was not entirely certain about the mechanism, as it were, by which all might reach salvation. A few texts make it seem as if he might advocate either annihilationism, the bifurcation of the person into sinful and glorified selves, a divine suspension of judgment regarding culpability for mortal sin, or post-mortem opportunities for conversion.

"Universalism and Predestinarianism: A Critique of the Theological Anthropology that Undergirds Catholic Universalist Eschatology," Theological Studies 77, no. 3 (2016): 603-626

The way one addresses the question of the possibility of universal salvation and the reality of d... more The way one addresses the question of the possibility of universal salvation and the reality of damnation is determined by one's understanding of the relationship between human freedom and divine grace. The universalist solution presupposes a predestinarian approach, which undermines the natural integrity of created freedom. Highlighting the determinative role of theological anthropology in eschatology, I propose that the subjunctive universalism advocated by some Catholic theologians, such as Hans Urs von Balthasar, ought to be replaced with a more nuanced theodramatic eschatology based upon the emerging consensus in the twentieth-century Catholic theology of grace.

"Pneumatologies of Christian Division: A Catholic Critique of Ephraim Radner’s Kenotic Ecclesiology,” Angelicum 92, no. 2 (2016): 165-194

"Presuppositions of Balthasar's Hope and Maritain's Alternative Proposal," Theological Studies 76, no. 4 (December 2015): 718-741

Theological Studies, 2015

Hans Urs von Balthasar and Jacques Maritain are both confronted by the apparent contradiction bet... more Hans Urs von Balthasar and Jacques Maritain are both confronted by the apparent contradiction between the reality of damnation and the universal salvific will of God. While Balthasar's understanding of grace lends itself to universalism, Maritain's more harmonious perspective is able to avoid the pitfalls of which Balthasar is frequently criticized. Digging beneath the aporia that so plagued Balthasar, Maritain offers an innovative theory that seems to reconcile the divine will to be "all in all" and the enduring choice of some creatures to refuse God's grace. Thus, going beyond any problems with Balthasar's universalist hope, Maritain's proposal seems to represent a higher synthesis of diverse eschatological truths.

"Past and Present Conceptions of Tradition: Looking Toward the Synod on the Family," Homiletic & Pastoral Review (October 13, 2014).

Homiletic and Pastoral Review (October 13, 2014)

I compare briefly the contrasting conceptions of tradition as either conservatory or progressive,... more

God's Relation to Evil: Divine Impassibility in Maritain and Balthasar

Irish Theological Quarterly, 2015

Comparing Jacques Maritain and Hans Urs von Balthasar on God's relation to evil from the perspect... more Comparing Jacques Maritain and Hans Urs von Balthasar on God's relation to evil from the perspective of divine impassibility, I argue that Maritain's usage of metaphorical analogy is more coherent than Balthasar's theory of trinitarian ur-kenosis precisely because of his understanding of divine permission, according to which God merely 'suffers' the creature's free initiative of moral evil. It is therefore unclear why one must affirm an original analogue of creaturely suffering that is constitutive of God's immanent identity rather than, simply, the free kenotic tendency of the divine Son to incarnate the affectivity common to the three divine persons.

The Possibility of Refusal: Grace and Freedom in Balthasar

Josephinum Journal of Theology, 2014

A critique of the theology of grace and freedom underlying Balthasar's subjunctive universalism

"Damnation and the Trinity in Ratzinger and Balthasar," Logos 18, no. 3 (Summer 2015): 123-150

Logos: Journal of Catholic Thought and Culture 18, no. 3 (Summer 2015)

The Relationship between the Supersensible and the Noumenon in Kant’s Critique of Judgment

Heythrop Journal, 2022

I no longer teach at the place listed as my affiliation, but I taught there at the time this arti... more I no longer teach at the place listed as my affiliation, but I taught there at the time this article was accepted for publication in 2019 and available for early view online only until now. The substantive text was written in 2009 or 2010 as a term paper for a graduate Philosophy class I took on Kant's Third Critique with Dr. Robert Wood at University of Dallas.

A Response to Paul Griffiths’ Annihilationist Proposal

Modern Theology, 2021

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/moth.12594

The "Our Father" Translation Controversy

Fellowship of Catholic Scholars Quarterly, 2018

A Contemporary (Catholic) Appropriation of Augustine’s "Massa Damnata" Theory of Predestination

International Journal of Systematic Theology, 2019

Over the centuries, especially since the Jansenist controversy, much ink has been spilled defendi... more Over the centuries, especially since the Jansenist controversy, much ink has been spilled defending and criticizing Augustine's contentious interpretation of the revealed doctrines of predestination and reprobation. Instead of attempting to trace the entire debate or adjudicate the exegetical questions, I attempt the more modest task of analyzing how Augustine's massa damnata theory of election has been re-received in modern Catholic scholarship. Thus, leaving aside the historical and exegetical complexity of the issue, I argue for a particular conceptual appropriation of Augustine's theory in line with a contemporary Catholic theology of grace and predestination.

Trinitarian Suffering and Divine Receptivity after Balthasar

The Thomist, 2018

The Mystery of Christ's Beatific Suffering: Whether Christ Lost the Beatific Vision in His Passion

Nova et Vetera, 2019

The Mystery of Christ's Beatific Suffering 989 of their master, 3 endorsed by the magisterium num... more The Mystery of Christ's Beatific Suffering 989 of their master, 3 endorsed by the magisterium numerous times. 4 Two principal representatives of the turned tide are Jean Galot, S.J., 5 from whom Balthasar draws on a semi-regular basis, and one of the most eminent living Thomists, Jean-Pierre Torrell, O.P. 6 I cannot possibly enter into all the details of the debate that has since ensued, but I will indicate wherein I think lies the truth by engaging a few more interlocutors.

Post-Gödelian Ontological Argumentation for God’s Existence: A Phenomenological-Existential Perspective

International Philosophical Quarterly, 2018

Hope and Hell: Balthasarian Suspension of Judgement

The Thomist, 2017

I propose a via media between the Balthasarian presumption that universal salvation is a real pos... more

A Feminist Argument for a Male-only Priesthood

Fellowship of Catholic Scholars Quarterly, 2016

A largely Wojtylan argument that priesthood is not by any means reserved to males because the lat... more A largely Wojtylan argument that priesthood is not by any means reserved to males because the latter have some sort of superiority over females, but because the intrinsic purpose of the divinely instituted ecclesial ministry is to imitate & participate in the humility of the God who chose to become male in service (or "submission") to His bride.

Towards a Resolution to Balthasar’s Aporia: The Problem of Moral Evil and Theodramatic Hope

Josephinum Journal of Theology, 2018

"Development(s) in the Theology of Revelation: From Francisco Marin-Sola to Joseph Ratzinger," New Blackfriars 97, no. 1072 (2016): 661-676

The twentieth century has seen a dramatic shift even within Catholic theology when it comes to ho... more The twentieth century has seen a dramatic shift even within Catholic theology when it comes to how the Church understands divine revelation and her own historical reception of it. The Second Vatican Council was a pivotal point in which contrasting views of doctrinal truth seemed to meet head-to-head. But while it might seem that the now popular understanding of revelation as an event, rather than a set of propositions, represents a victory for modernism, there is no contradiction between this personalistic paradigm and the propositional, which reigned in the neo-scholastic era. Rather, there are points of contact between the traditional Thomistic approach of an early-twentieth century Dominican theologian, Francisco Marin-Sola, and the understanding of revelation, particularly, the nature of doctrinal truth, that has risen to prominence thanks to the so-called nouvelle theologie. It is especially evident in the work of Yves Congar and Joseph Ratzinger that it is possible to reconcile the Tubingen approach to reality, which inspired the new school, and the (Augustinian-)Thomistic insistence on the immutability of truth.

"Universalism and Integralism: Balthasar’s Syncretism and the Lonergan-Maritain Alternative,” Angelicum 92, no. 3 (2016): 305-348

In this essay the integralist tendency in theological anthropology underlying the universalist te... more In this essay the integralist tendency in theological anthropology underlying the universalist tendency in eschatology is explored. Hence, there are certain eschatological implications to one's position on the question of the natural desire to see God. I begin by analyzing the nature-grace relationship in Hans Urs von Balthasar, a proponent of "subjunctive universalism," and proceed to propose Bernard Lonergan's tertia via between integralism and dualism as a more sophisticated and nuanced way forward. Finally, I pair Lonergan's position on the question with Jacques Maritain's in order to clarify the eschatological possibilities that follow most coherently from such an understanding of the nature-grace relationship.Secularization and the Entweltlichung of the Church

"The Possibility of Universal Conversion in Death: Temporality, Annihilation, and Grace,” Modern Theology 32, no. 3 (2016): 307-324

Much ink has already been spilled over Hans Urs von Balthasar's arguments in favor of hope for un... more Much ink has already been spilled over Hans Urs von Balthasar's arguments in favor of hope for universal salvation. 1 The theme of the time-eternity relationship is also one that pervades many of Balthasar's reflections, receiving less attention, but still significant for his eschatology. 2 Taking as a point of departure the latter theme as it relates to hell, but without attempting to resolve the ambiguities that remain in his understanding of temporality, I would like to explicate an even more neglected piece in the puzzle of Balthasar's systematics; namely, his subtle proposal for how the grace of Christ may "outwit" the sinfulness that invades every person's soul, even those for whom there seems to be little hope. It is clear that Balthasar was not entirely certain about the mechanism, as it were, by which all might reach salvation. A few texts make it seem as if he might advocate either annihilationism, the bifurcation of the person into sinful and glorified selves, a divine suspension of judgment regarding culpability for mortal sin, or post-mortem opportunities for conversion.

"Universalism and Predestinarianism: A Critique of the Theological Anthropology that Undergirds Catholic Universalist Eschatology," Theological Studies 77, no. 3 (2016): 603-626

The way one addresses the question of the possibility of universal salvation and the reality of d... more The way one addresses the question of the possibility of universal salvation and the reality of damnation is determined by one's understanding of the relationship between human freedom and divine grace. The universalist solution presupposes a predestinarian approach, which undermines the natural integrity of created freedom. Highlighting the determinative role of theological anthropology in eschatology, I propose that the subjunctive universalism advocated by some Catholic theologians, such as Hans Urs von Balthasar, ought to be replaced with a more nuanced theodramatic eschatology based upon the emerging consensus in the twentieth-century Catholic theology of grace.

"Pneumatologies of Christian Division: A Catholic Critique of Ephraim Radner’s Kenotic Ecclesiology,” Angelicum 92, no. 2 (2016): 165-194

"Presuppositions of Balthasar's Hope and Maritain's Alternative Proposal," Theological Studies 76, no. 4 (December 2015): 718-741

Theological Studies, 2015

Hans Urs von Balthasar and Jacques Maritain are both confronted by the apparent contradiction bet... more Hans Urs von Balthasar and Jacques Maritain are both confronted by the apparent contradiction between the reality of damnation and the universal salvific will of God. While Balthasar's understanding of grace lends itself to universalism, Maritain's more harmonious perspective is able to avoid the pitfalls of which Balthasar is frequently criticized. Digging beneath the aporia that so plagued Balthasar, Maritain offers an innovative theory that seems to reconcile the divine will to be "all in all" and the enduring choice of some creatures to refuse God's grace. Thus, going beyond any problems with Balthasar's universalist hope, Maritain's proposal seems to represent a higher synthesis of diverse eschatological truths.

"Past and Present Conceptions of Tradition: Looking Toward the Synod on the Family," Homiletic & Pastoral Review (October 13, 2014).

Homiletic and Pastoral Review (October 13, 2014)

I compare briefly the contrasting conceptions of tradition as either conservatory or progressive,... more

God's Relation to Evil: Divine Impassibility in Maritain and Balthasar

Irish Theological Quarterly, 2015

Comparing Jacques Maritain and Hans Urs von Balthasar on God's relation to evil from the perspect... more Comparing Jacques Maritain and Hans Urs von Balthasar on God's relation to evil from the perspective of divine impassibility, I argue that Maritain's usage of metaphorical analogy is more coherent than Balthasar's theory of trinitarian ur-kenosis precisely because of his understanding of divine permission, according to which God merely 'suffers' the creature's free initiative of moral evil. It is therefore unclear why one must affirm an original analogue of creaturely suffering that is constitutive of God's immanent identity rather than, simply, the free kenotic tendency of the divine Son to incarnate the affectivity common to the three divine persons.

The Possibility of Refusal: Grace and Freedom in Balthasar

Josephinum Journal of Theology, 2014

A critique of the theology of grace and freedom underlying Balthasar's subjunctive universalism

"Damnation and the Trinity in Ratzinger and Balthasar," Logos 18, no. 3 (Summer 2015): 123-150

Logos: Journal of Catholic Thought and Culture 18, no. 3 (Summer 2015)

That All Shall Be Saved: Heaven, Hell, and Universal Salvation by David Bentley Hart

Nova et Vetera, 2020

Do Not Resist the Spirit's Call by Michael D. Torre

Nova et Vetera, 2020

Association (2012)(2013)(2014)(2015)(2016) and professor of philosophy at the University of San F... more Association (2012)(2013)(2014)(2015)(2016) and professor of philosophy at the University of San Francisco, has done a great service for Catholic theology in the English-speaking world by: (1) translating three pivotal articles written on "the Thomist system regarding the divine motion" by the largely (unfortunately!) forgotten Spanish Thomist Francisco Marin-Sola, O.P.; (2) arguing effectively in favor of such while providing a detailed review of all the theologians and philosophers who have utilized or critiqued Marin-Sola's work on grace in one form or another; and (3) sharing his encyclopedic knowledge of the context of Marin-Sola's articles, both historical, theological, and polemical.

A Theology of Grace in Six Controversies by Edward T. Oakes

Nova et Vetera, 2019

"Christ’s Descent into Hell: John Paul II, Joseph Ratzinger, and Hans Urs von Balthasar on the Theology of Holy Saturday" by Lyra Pitstick

Nova et Vetera, 2018

“Dark Night of the Body" by Alice von Hildebrand

Homiletic and Pastoral Review (May 31, 2015)

I critique Alice von Hildebrand's treatment of Christopher West and others in their dissemination... more I critique Alice von Hildebrand's treatment of Christopher West and others in their dissemination of John Paul II's 'Theology of the Body.' She argues that "reverence" comes first in the bedroom. I argue, with John Paul, that since the body is preliminarily redeemed (awaiting eschatological fulfillment), a Platonic approach to sex is not appropriate. A more sound view of the body-soul relationship yields a less "traditional" understanding of what sexual activities within marriage are acceptable.
https://www.hprweb.com/2015/05/summer-reading-for-june-2015/

Reclaiming Balthasar's Theodramatic Eschatology: Revisions from Jacques Maritain, Joseph Ratzinger, and Bernard Lonergan

Available upon request.

“One of the Trinity Has Suffered”: Balthasar’s Theology of Divine Suffering in Dialogue

Emmaus Academic, 2020

https://www.emmausacademic.com/publications/one-of-the-trinity-has-suffered-balthasars-theology-o... more

“Grace Abounds More”: Balthasar’s Eschatological Universalism in Dialogue

Brill, 2023

https://brill.com/display/title/68903?language=en

Varenicline: Discovery, Development, and Evidence

Research Paper 2 for Pharmacology of Cannabis, Tobacco, and Vaping

Type 1 Diabetes

Functional Genomics Research Paper 2 for Endocrine Physiology

The Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System(s) and Hypertensive Therapeutics

Research Paper for Advanced Hypertension Research

Sickle Cell Anemia

Functional Genomics Research Paper 2 for Pulmonary Physiology

Polycythemia Vera

Functional Genomics Research Paper 3 for Pulmonary Physiology

Polycystic Kidney Disease

Functional Genomics Research Paper 1 for Renal Physiology

Pituitary Dwarfism

Functional Genomics Research Paper 1 for Endocrine Physiology

The Circadian Rhythm and Cancer Therapy

Research Paper 1 for Cancer Pharmacology (Feb 2022)

The Use of Adrenergic Drugs for Heart Disease

Research Paper 1 for Neuro Pharmacology

Therapeutics for Hyperthyroidism: Uses and Mechanisms

Research Paper 2 for Endocrine Pharmacology (Nov 2021)

The Use and Mechanisms of Hormonal Contraceptives: Risks and Benefits

Research Paper 1 for Endocrine Pharmacology N.B. This paper does not address the ethics of contr... more

The Use of Beta-Blockers for Heart Failure

Research Paper 1 for Cardiovascular Pharmacology

Treatments for Atrial Fibrillation: Rate vs. Rhythm

Research Paper 2 for Cardiovascular Pharmacology (Nov 2021)

Treatments for Heart Failure

Research Paper for Circulation of Blood

Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus: Physiology and Functional Genomics

Research Paper for Fundamentals of Medical Physiology

A Cure for Blood Cancer? The Development of a Targeted Therapy from a Pharmacogenetic Discovery for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia

Research Paper for Fundamentals of Pharmacology (Nov 2021)

Cystic Fibrosis

Functional Genomics Research Paper 1 for Pulmonary Physiology

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Functional Genomics Research Paper 3 for Endocrine Physiology

The Distinctive Medicinal Properties of Cannabis for Chronic Pain

Research Paper 1 for Pharmacology of Cannabis, Tobacco, and Vaping

Bartter Syndrome and Gitelman Syndrome

Functional Genomics Research Paper 2 for Renal Physiology (April 2022)

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