Who Is a Christian?

by Hans Urs von Balthasar

Publisher:

Ignatius

, 2014

Overview

The title of this book is a short question. In its longer form, the question would be: “In the changed circumstances after the 2ndVatican Council-with its theme of aggiornamento or ‘updating’, especially in the areas of the Bible, the Liturgy, Ecumenism, and openness to the modern world-what does it really mean to be a Christian today?”

Balthasar begins by acknowledging the confusion of many in the post-Conciliar period. He then describes the valuable contributions of the Council in those four areas. But he also describes their “shadows”: what could go wrong and often did go wrong. Finally he points out the path to genuine renewal in the personal life of the Christian and in the Christian’s service of the world.

Among the key topics and issues Balthasar discusses that are important for the authentic renewal of the Christian life include: The Primacy of Contemplation, Who Is a “Mature Christian”?, Love, The Form of the Christian Life, How Should a Christian Serve the World-and How Not?, Despite Everything, a Single Commitment , and Prayer, Hope, and the Profane.

Key Features

• Describes the valuable contributions of the Council in those four areas.
• Discusses that are important for the authentic renewal of the Christian life.
• Acknowledges the confusion of many in the post-Conciliar period.

Product Details

• Title: Who Is a Christian?
• Author: Hans Urs von Balthasar
• Publisher: Ignatius
• Print Publication Date: 2014
• Pages: 130
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• ISBNs: 9781586175313, 1586175319
• Resource ID: LLS:WHOISACHRISTIAN
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2025-03-18T14:55:23Z

About Hans Urs von Balthasar

Hans Urs von Balthasar (1905–1988) was a Swiss theologian widely regarded as one of the greatest theologians and spiritual writers of modern times. Named a cardinal by Pope John Paul II, he died shortly before being formally inducted into the College of Cardinals. He wrote over one hundred books, including Prayer, Heart of the World, Mary for Today, Love Alone Is Credible, Mysterium Paschale and his major multi-volume theological works: The Glory of the Lord, Theo-Drama and Theo-Logic.