Who is a Christian?

The title of this book is a short question. In its longer form, the question would be: "In the changed circumstances after the 2nd Vatican Council-with its theme of aggiornamento or 'updating', especially in the areas of the Bible, the Liturgy, Ecumenism, and openness to the modern world-what does it really mean to be a Christian today?" Balthasar begins by acknowledging the confusion of many in the post-Conciliar period. He then describes the valuable contributions of the Council in those four areas. But he also describes their "shadows": what could go wrong and often did go wrong. Finally he points out the path to genuine renewal in the personal life of the Christian and in the Christian's service of the world. Among the key topics and issues Balthasar discusses that are important for the authentic renewal of the Christian life include: The Primacy of Contemplation, Who Is a ''Mature Christian''? , Love, the Form of the Christian Life, How Should a Christian Serve the World-and How N