Abstract

The author conducts an overview of the theological aesthetic thought in the work The Glory of the Lord by Hans Urs von Balthasar. Using the method of analysis-synthesis combined with interdisciplinary dialogue between theology, philosophy, and contemporary art, the author develops the core content of the article according to the three dimensions: (1) aesthetics as the central structure of Catholic theology, (2) the form of Christ as the supreme language of Revelation, and (3) the contemporary religious art as a space for dialogue with the glory of Beauty. The author clarifies the following issue: in a world where beauty is fragmented by relativism and the sacred retreats before the dominance of pure decorative art, Hans Urs von Balthasar undertakes a unique mission to reposition aesthetics as the radiant path leading to truth and goodness.

The reaffirmation of Hans Urs von Balthasar's system of thought values is extremely necessary in the current situation. Through the lens of this theological aesthetic theory, the author hopes to open up a new direction for the contemporary religious art. Like light piercing through the mist, Beauty, according to Balthasar's conception, does not obscure the truth but makes the truth perceptible in an intuitive, authentic, and vivid way. This is the message that the author wishes to convey through this overview article.