The Contemporary Relevance of Hans Urs von Balthasar’s Thought Actualidad del pensamiento de Hans Urs von Balthasar

Abstract

Hans Urs von Balthasar, a Swiss theologian born in 1905 and passed away in 1988, is a highly renowned yet often misunderstood figure, particularly in Latin America. While his name is recognized and certain phrases of his, such as "theology on one's knees" and "theological aesthetics," have gained some popularity, his complete body of work has not received the attention it deserves. Among the reasons for this lack of recognition are his German cultural origins, the scholarly nature of his writings, and the greater fame of other theologians in the region. However, the true challenge of his theology lies in the necessity of understanding his thought in its entirety in order to grasp its deeper contributions. Over the course of his life, Balthasar authored more than 100 books and 600 scholarly articles, further adding to the complexity of his work. Despite this, his theology remains profoundly inspiring and continues to be relevant, justifying the effort to delve into it. This article presents some of the most innovative aspects of his theology that can enrich life, faith, and theology in Latin America.