Abstract:

This thesis explores Hans Urs von Balthasar’s theology of the transcendentals – beauty, goodness, and truth – and examines its relevance in Filipino culture and religiosity, particularly through the lens of the Black Nazarene devotion. Balthasar’s theology is distinct in its emphasis on the transcendental characteristics of Being, beginning with the pulchrum (beauty) as the primary access point to the divine. Through the lens of beauty (Theological Aesthetics), he delves into humanity’s ability to perceive the glory of God revealed in Christ, which then evolves into a dramatic interplay of divine and human freedom (Theological Dramatics). This interplay culminates in a theological logic where truth is realized through the totality of God’s revelation in Christ (Theological Logic).

Despite the theological depth and richness of Balthasar’s work, one critique he himself acknowledges is its predominantly Eurocentric scope. He expresses a desire to extend his theological inquiry to incorporate other cultural frameworks, particularly those of Asia. Aware of it, this research seeks correlations between the Balthasarian theology of transcendentals and a holistic appreciation of Filipino ganda. Thus, for the transcendental of beauty, ganda in order and simplicity (maayos at payak) are correlated; for the transcendental of good it is ganda in goodness (mabuti); and for the transcendental of truth, ganda in guilelessness (totoo at walang daya) is reflected upon. These Balthasar-ganda convergences are further explored in the devotion to the Black Nazarene. The Black Nazarene devotion, with its rich symbolic and sacramental dimensions – Poón, Traslación, Panata and punas-punas – embodies these convergences, highlighting how Filipino spirituality embraces divine beauty, goodness, and truth as an invitation to transformative, communal, and sacrificial engagement with God and kapwa (fellow human being).

Final Defense:

Board of Examiners:

1. Br. Joaquin Yap, Jr., S.W., D.Phil. (Adviser)
2. Fr. Oliver Dy, S.J., S.T.D., Ph.D. (Second Reader/Principal Examiner)
3. Fr. Manuel Francisco, S.J., S.T.D.

Proposal Defense:

Board of Examiners:
1. Br. Joaquin Yap, Jr., S.W., D.Phil. (Adviser)
2. Fr. Manuel Francisco, S.J., S.T.D.
3. Fr. Oliver Dy, S.J., S.T.D., Ph.D.

Proposal Title: Balthasar’s Theology of the Transcendentals Correlated with the Theo-Poetics of Ganda, Kagandahang-Loob, and Magandang Balita