Religious Research

Religious Research

Balthasar’s Aesthetic Theology

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
hamideh fatehi peykani 1
Ahmad Reza Meftah 2
behrooz haddadi 3
1 PhD student, Comparative Studies of Religions, Christian Theology, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Abrahamic Religions, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Abrahamic Religions, University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran
10.22034/jrr.2025.379095.2084
Abstract
The weakening of religious beliefs, the fading of spirituality, and the emergence of moral norms in religious societies are among the most significant crises of modernity. These issues have led to a growing rift between individuals, theology, and religious matters, fostering challenges such as nihilism, despair, and even a turn toward new mystical and spiritual movements. Consequently, many Christian theologians have sought solutions to address this crisis. Hans Urs von Balthasar, a twentieth-century Catholic theologian, attempted to counter these issues by integrating theological discourse with aesthetics, taking steps to fundamentally strengthen spirituality and religious convictions in Christian communities. His theological discussions were primarily based on the idea that beauty is essential for understanding goodness, truth, and the glory of God, viewing it as a means to guide humanity toward spiritual beauty and truth. However, his theological thought predominantly focuses on the epistemic dimension of aesthetics. This study, employing a descriptive-analytical approach, seeks to analyze Balthasar’s aesthetic theology as a means of reinforcing faith and reviving religious beliefs in Christianity. Additionally, it examines the factors and contexts that influence the understanding of his theological aesthetics.
Keywords
Theology
aesthetics
Balthasar
Subjects
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