Hans Urs von Balthasar

Date of Birth: August 12, 1905

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: June 26, 1988

Biography

Hans Urs von Balthasar was a Swiss theologian, born on August 12, 1905, in Lucerne, Switzerland. He is widely regarded as one of the most important Roman Catholic theologians of the 20th century. Balthasar was educated in Vienna, Berlin, and Zurich, and he completed his doctoral studies in German literature. He later joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1929 and was ordained a priest in 1936. Balthasar’s theological work is extensive and covers a wide range of topics, including the nature of revelation, Christology, and the role of beauty in theology. He is perhaps best known for his multi-volume work “Glory of the Lord,” which explores the concept of beauty in the Christian faith. Additionally, his trilogy “Theological Aesthetics,” “Theo-Drama,” and “Theo-Logic” are considered monumental contributions to modern theology. Despite his death in 1988, Balthasar’s influence continues to be felt in contemporary theological discussions. His approach to theology is characterized by its depth, breadth, and a profound sense of the mystery and beauty of the Christian faith.

5 Interesting Facts about Hans Urs von Balthasar

1. Hans Urs von Balthasar was nominated to become a cardinal by Pope John Paul II, but he passed away just two days before the ceremony.

2. He co-founded the theological journal “Communio” with Joseph Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI) and Henri de Lubac.

3. Balthasar was a prolific writer, authoring over 100 books and nearly 500 articles.

4. He was deeply influenced by the works of Adrienne von Speyr, a Swiss convert and mystic, whom he personally mentored.

5. Balthasar’s work emphasizes the importance of beauty (aesthetics) in understanding and experiencing God’s revelation.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Hans Urs von Balthasar

1. “What you are is God’s gift to you, what you become is your gift to God.”

2. “To be a child of God means to be born from above, to be born anew, to be born of the Spirit.”

3. “The greatest tragedy in the history of the Church is the separation of theology and spirituality.”

4. “Only the lover sings.”

5. “The work of theology is a work of love.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As a theologian and priest, Hans Urs von Balthasar did not amass personal wealth. Therefore, his net worth is not applicable in the conventional sense.