Major Works:
* The Glory of the Lord: This is a seven-volume masterpiece exploring the biblical concept of "glory" and its impact on various aspects of life. It is considered his magnum opus.
* Theo-Drama: A four-volume work on the concept of "drama" in theology and how it unfolds throughout history, culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
* The Mystery of the Church: An insightful exploration of the nature of the Church and its role in the world.
* Aesthetics: Balthasar's writings on aesthetics emphasize the beauty of the divine and the role of art in revealing the truth.
* Love and the Mystery of the Trinity: A philosophical and theological exploration of the relationship between love and the Trinity.
Other Notable Works:
* The Word Made Flesh: A meditation on the incarnation of Christ.
* The Office of Peter: A study of the papacy.
* The Word and the Spirit: A dialogue with Karl Barth on the nature of revelation.
* The Person of Jesus Christ: A defense of the orthodox understanding of Jesus Christ.
* The End of the World: A theological reflection on the eschaton.
* The Truth Is the Beauty: A collection of essays on art, literature, and culture.
Themes and Influences:
* Beauty and Truth: Balthasar saw beauty as a path to understanding the truth of God.
* Theology of the Cross: He emphasized the importance of suffering and the redemptive power of Christ's death on the cross.
* The Incarnational Principle: He believed that God's self-revelation is primarily through the incarnation of Christ.
* Philosophical Influences: He was influenced by philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, and Hegel.
* Artistic Influences: He was a great admirer of classical art and literature and saw their role in revealing divine beauty.
Legacy:
Balthasar is considered one of the most significant Catholic theologians of the 20th century. His work continues to influence contemporary theology and philosophy, especially in areas related to aesthetics, the mystery of God, and the importance of beauty in our understanding of the divine.