Introduction

Abstract

Hans Urs von Balthasar is now widely regarded as one of the most important theologians of the twentieth century. In the English-speaking world, the volumes of Herrlichkeit—von Balthasar’s theological aesthetics—have, more than anything else, shaped perceptions of his theological philosophy. However, in concentrating on his theological aesthetics, critics have underestimated the importance of several themes which occupy a fundamental place within his thought. Reappearing again and again throughout the broad range of von Balthasar’s works are two of these themes: prayer and mission. Within his intellectual landscape they are prominent. Yet the place that prayer and mission occupy within his theological philosophy is determined by an even more central feature of von Balthasar’s thought: his notion of human holiness. For it is his specific notion of human holiness that gives sense, within his system, to prayer and mission.