Prepared by the Spirit and Transformed in Christ: The Martyrdom of Alfred Delp, S.J. by Peter Plunkett Nguyen A Thesis submitted to the Faculty of Regis College and the Theology Department of the Toronto School of Theology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Theology awarded by the University of St. Michael’s College © Copyright by Peter Plunkett Nguyen 2017 Prepared by the Spirit and Transformed in Christ: The Martyrdom of Alfred Delp, S.J. Peter Plunkett Nguyen Doctor of Philosophy University of St. Michael’s College 2017 Abstract This thesis argues that in contrast to a negative popular perception, Christian martyrdom, as ex- emplified by the Jesuit Alfred Delp, consists of a positive giving of self to Jesus for the sake of others. The martyrdom of Delp—executed on 2 February 1945—proceeded from his enduring dialogical encounter with the saving love of God in Jesus Christ, facilitated by the Holy Spirit, and experienced through the medium of prayer. The thesis explores the testimony of Delp in a period during which he was subjected to the tyranny of National Socialism and examines his es- sential writings, some of which have yet to be published in English, especially his meditations on the Heart of Jesus. The thesis’ methodological approach also involves dialoguing with the work of Bernard Lonergan, which elucidates the spiritual transformation in Delp, and the work of Hans Urs von Balthasar, which sheds light on the issue of Delp’s salvific, liberating relationship with Christ. Delp’s spiritual writings interpret the friendship with Christ made possible by the work of the Holy Spirit as the source of freedom that enables Christians to lay down their lives. His martyr- dom is the fruit of an ongoing life-changing, prayerful dialogue with Christ enabled by the Spirit. ii Delp’s witness unto death demonstrates that Christian martyrdom proceeds from the initiative of God and is the ultimate act of human freedom, which bears witness to loving friendship with God. Accordingly, prayer, as openness to transformation, is a work of the Spirit within the hu- man person, not just a creaturely activity. Christian martyrdom, as exemplified by Delp, is the ultimate expression of human initiation into a saving relationship with Christ and a consequent concern for the well-being of others. iii Acknowledgments Many people have contributed to my work. First, I want to thank my dissertation committee at the Toronto School of Theology at the University of Toronto. My director Sr. Gill Goulding, C.J. offered incredible patience and wisdom in this process, assisting my incorporation of the writings of Alfred Delp, Bernard Lonergan, and Hans Urs von Balthasar into a single dialogue. Dr. Ephraim Radner encouraged me to concretize a theology of martyrdom by taking on the prison writings of Alfred Delp. Fr. Gordon Rixon, S.J. helped me to make sense of Lonergan’s theology over many bowls of phở during those long winter months in Toronto. I am indebted to scholars who have influenced me over the past 18 years of Jesuit formation. Dr. Mark McIntosh introduced me to the theology of Hans Urs von Balthasar. Fr. Robert Imbelli deepened my love for von Balthasar’s theological aesthetics and theo-drama. Fr. John C. Haugh- ey, S.J. introduced me to the theology of Bernard Lonergan. Fr. Khaled Anatolios’ course on the relationship between faith and reason inaugurated my spirit of inquiry on the reasonableness of Christian martyrdom. Four Jesuits, in particular, impacted my maturation as a Jesuit. Fr. Brian Paulson, S.J., as voca- tion director, guided me into the Society of Jesus when I was young man, graduating from the University of Chicago. Fr. Mark Andrews, S.J., as novice master, helped to shape me during the first two years of the novitiate. Fr. Raymond Guiao, S.J., as formation director, encouraged me to pursue doctoral work. Fr. Brad Schaeffer, S.J. as provincial, accepted into the Society of Jesus and, as rector, oversaw my growth into a young priest in Boston. Numerous members of the Regis Jesuit Community walked with me over these past few years. John O’Brien, S.J. allowed me to ask him countless times across the hallway about his own iv prayer life as I tried to make sense of the Trinitarian dimension of Alfred Delp’s prayer life. Fr. Joseph Kozcera, S.J. provided steady and calm support over countless meals. Fr. Gerard Ryan permitted me to talk about my research with him over a few pints. Fr. Shane Daly lent me his ear, discussing Delp and his devotion to the Sacred Heart on our holidays in upstate New York. Fr. Monty Williams enlivened my mind and heart on the pilgrim dimension of Ignatian spirituali- ty. Fr. Con Mulvihill, S.J., as rector, was a consoling, supportive presence during my last year in Toronto. Matthew Charlesworth, S.J. was a devoted brother who delivered drafts of my thesis while I was teaching in Omaha, Nebraska. I want to thank a few members of my Facebook community and Creighton University communi- ty. Varuna Quiterio gave me critical evaluation on a particular draft and lightened my heart with his baseball insights in the midst of the writing grind. Dr. Artur Rosman faithfully alerted me to contemporary scholarship on martyrdom throughout these past years. With a critical and ardent union of mind and heart, Jean-François Garneau appraised my integration of Alfred Delp’s devo- tion to the Heart of Jesus into the thesis. Dr. Zachary Smith helped me to recognize that I would be offering a unique insight on martyrdom and spirituality. To complete this project, FF. Charles Kestermeier, S.J. and Ross Romero, S.J. gave to me that necessary final push. I want to thank my jiu-jitsu community in Toronto: Nikki Almeida, Jodi Pudge, Wendy Chu, Camellia Koo, Paul Jonathon Saguil, Bonavie Tek, Cyril Pinchak, S.J., Alec Nickalls, Jason Tan, Dom Hanlon, and Elliot Bayev. During the difficult moments of the writing stage, I could work out my frustrations on the mats in a combative, friendly manner with you all. Last but definitely not least, I want to thank my family for raising me in a faith-filled household. The pictures of the saints, martyrs, and the Sacred Heart throughout the home communicated to v me a message of security and interior freedom, knowing that we belonged to the Mystical Body of Christ, where past, present, and future relationships are redeemed. Your expression of popular piety has sown within me what Pope Francis would call a “theology of the people.” Cor Jesu, rex et centrum omnium cordium, miserere nobis. vi Table of Contents Acknowledgments .......................................................................................................................... iv Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................... vii Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1 The Formation of the Christian Martyr ....................................................................................... 1 From the Thesis Proposal to the Thesis Proper .......................................................................... 6 Methodological Consideration .................................................................................................. 13 Procedure .................................................................................................................................. 17 Chapter 1 The Case for the Christian Martyr ................................................................................ 21 1.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 21 1.2 Psychological Studies of Martyrdom ................................................................................ 22 1.2.1 C. A. Mounteer’s “Guilt, Martyrdom, and Monasticism” ..................................... 22 1.2.2 Rona M. Fields’ “The Psychology and Sociology of Martyrdom” ....................... 28 1.3 Treatment of Christian Martyrdom in Religious Studies .................................................. 36 1.3.1 The Myth of Persecution: How Early Christians Invented a Story of Martyrdom ............................................................................................................. 38 1.4 Theological Studies of Christian Martyrdom .................................................................... 44 1.4.1 The Philosophical Foundations of Karl Rahner’s Theology of Martyrdom .......... 45 1.4.2 Karl Rahner’s Theology of Dying ......................................................................... 47 1.4.3 Karl Rahner’s Theology of Martyrdom ................................................................. 52 1.4.4 The Foundations of Jon Sobrino’s Theology of Martyrdom ................................. 55 1.4.5 Jon Sobrino’s Theology of Christian Martyrdom .................................................. 60 1.5 Conclusion ......................................................................................................................... 68 Chapter 2 The Transformation of the Self: Alfred Delp’s Faith and Ministry in Totalitarian Germany ................................................................................................................................... 73 2.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................