A Theologia Crucis

: à luz da obra Mysterium Paschale de Hans Urs von Balthasar

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the theological and spiritual relevance of the theologia crucis in light of Hans Urs von Balthasar’s masterpiece, Mysterium Paschale. Starting from the paradox between human suffering and divine revelation, the study aims to understand how the cross can constitute a legitimate place of knowledge of God. The first part analyzes the historical, theological, and spiritual foundations of the theologia crucis in the Protestant and Catholic traditions. The second part, the central point of our study, focuses on Balthasar’s theological synthesis, highlighting the cross as the ultimate revelation of Trinitarian love. The author emphasizes the centrality of the Holy Saturday and divine kenosis as an expression of God’s solidarity with the world. Finally, the ecclesiological dimension of this theology is explored, where the Church is understood as an extension of the Paschal Mystery. The dissertation thus proposes a theology deeply rooted in spirituality, in which the cross is simultaneously a place of abandonment and revelation, suffering and glory.

Date of Award	26 Sept 2025
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Alexandre Palma (Supervisor)