The Christian state of life

The more popular, practical counterpart to Hans Urs von Balthasar's own book of the same title, this book plumbs the depths of what it means to be a Christian. In the present volume, Adrienne von Speyr offers a theological meditation on the states of life in the Church. In particular, she considers the evangelical counsels, the secular priesthood, and marriage as three distinct ways of answering Christ�s call to holiness. This is an answer, Adrienne insists, that requires unreserved decision: �The Son did not make his decision merely in order to follow a path belonging to him alone. In following this path, he opened to men the same path of decision in faith.