The Centrality of the Cross in Hans Urs Von Balthasar’s Christology

Course description:  

This course focuses on the centrality of the Cross in Hans Urs von Balthasar’s Christology. After an introduction which includes the life and works of Balthasar, the course develops the centrality of the Cross in Balthasarian Christology by tracing it back to the mission of the Eternal Son in Trinitarian life, understanding Christ’s mission as geared towards the Paschal Mystery, understanding the Person of Jesus, examining how the Incarnation is ordered to the Passion of Jesus on the Cross, analyzing the theological Mystery of Good Friday, the theological Mystery of Holy Saturday and Easter as the apex of the Paschal Mystery in the Resurrection. The course will end with a brief conclusion. 

Objectives:

To articulate and demonstrate a comprehensive scriptural, theological and doctrinal understanding of the theology of the Cross for effective pastoral ministry and evangelization as well as for further studies in integrated theology.

Learning outcomes:

Upon completion of the course, the students should be able to:

• deepen the redemptive meaning of the Cross in Christian life
• interiorse / own Jesus’ legacy of co-crucifiction to the Church for a true Christian identity
• enhance their understanding of human suffering in the light of the Paschal Mystery
• foster their hope in the Paschal Mystery in situations of suffering.

Index:

Chapter I: Trinity and Mission of the Son

Chapter II: Christ’s Mission Geared towards the Paschal Mystery

Chapter III: The Question of Jesus’ Person

Chapter IV: Incarnation as Ordered to the Passion of Jesus on the Cross

Chapter V: Theological Mystery of Good Friday

Chapter VI: Theological Mystery of Holy Saturday

Chapter VII: Easter as the Apex of Paschal Mystery Realized in the Resurrection