Discover the Top Books by Hans Urs von Balthasar: A Must-Read for Theologians and Philosophy Enthusiasts

“The Glory of the Lord” (7 Volumes)

“The Glory of the Lord” is von Balthasar’s magnum opus, a seven-volume work that explores the beauty of God through the lens of theology, philosophy, and literature. The work is a tour de force of scholarship and creativity, and it has been described as one of the most important theological works of the 20th century. The seven volumes are:

• Volume 1: Seeing the Form
• Volume 2: Clerical Styles
• Volume 3: Lay Styles
• Volume 4: The Realm of Metaphysics in Antiquity
• Volume 5: The Realm of Metaphysics in the Modern Age
• Volume 6: Forms of the Novels
• Volume 7: Theology: The Old Covenant

“Theo-Drama” (5 Volumes)

“Theo-Drama” is another monumental work by von Balthasar, a five-volume exploration of the relationship between theology and drama. In this work, von Balthasar argues that drama is an essential part of the Christian faith, and that the story of Christ can only be fully understood through the lens of drama. The five volumes are:

• Volume 1: Prolegomena
• Volume 2: Dramatis Personae: Man in God
• Volume 3: Dramatis Personae: Persons in Christ
• Volume 4: The Action
• Volume 5: The Last Act

“Love Alone is Credible”

“Love Alone is Credible” is a short but powerful work that explores the relationship between love and faith. In this book, von Balthasar argues that the credibility of Christianity rests not on rational argumentation, but on the love of God as revealed in Christ. The book is a profound meditation on the nature of love and the meaning of faith, and it has been highly influential in Catholic circles.

“Mysterium Paschale”

“Mysterium Paschale” is a seminal work on the theology of Easter, in which von Balthasar explores the meaning of the Resurrection of Christ. In this work, von Balthasar argues that the Resurrection is the key to understanding the entire Christian faith, and that it is only through the Resurrection that we can fully grasp the nature of God’s love for humanity.

“Theo-Logic” (3 Volumes)

“Theo-Logic” is a three-volume work that explores the relationship between theology and logic. In this work, von Balthasar argues that the Christian faith cannot be fully understood through rational argumentation alone, but must be approached through a combination of faith and reason. The three volumes are:

• Volume 1: The Truth of the World
• Volume 2: Truth of God
• Volume 3: The Spirit of Truth