"But the issue is not only life and death but our existence before God and our being judged by him. All of us were sinners before him and worthy of condemnation"
- Hans Urs von Balthasar
About this Quote
Hans Urs von Balthasar, a significant Swiss theologian, presents an extensive reflection on human existence, sin, and divine judgment. The quote points towards an understanding of life that goes beyond mere physical survival, rotating instead to consider our spiritual journey and responsibility before God.
To start, Balthasar suggests that life's significance extends beyond the binary of life and death. While physical presence and mortality are vital, there's a more profound aspect worrying our relationship with the divine. Our existential quest involves a spiritual measurement where we stand in relation to God.
The expression "presence before God" highlights a theological perspective where each person is seen not simply in the context of society or history, but in a magnificent context. This existence includes an intrinsic accountability to a greater power, accentuating a life lived under magnificent analysis.
Balthasar then underscores the concept of judgment by God, suggesting that mankind's actions and lives are subject to magnificent assessment. This notion brings a moral and ethical weight to human decisions, reinforcing the belief in ultimate accountability and justice beyond worldly steps.
The latter part of the quote acknowledges the universality of sin, "All of us were sinners before him and worthy of condemnation." Here, Balthasar underscores a fundamental Christian belief in original sin and human fallibility. This recommendation of universal sinfulness conjures up the requirement for grace and redemption, which are central to Christian theology.
In amount, Balthasar's quote obstacles individuals to ponder their lives not just in finite terms, but within an eternal framework. It requires introspection about one's spiritual state and ethical habits, prompting believers to acknowledge their flaws while pursuing repentance and spiritual integrity under God's gaze. This viewpoint welcomes a much deeper engagement with individual faith and communal principles, advising an awareness of one's place within the larger magnificent creation and order.
"Life is life - whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage"
"Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from yesterday"