Issue 105/4 (2024) of the magazine “Gregorianum” is available, quarterly published by the Gregorian University.

ARTICULI

Roland Meynet, S.I., La composition du livre de Qohélet

Abstract -  A book is not organized on just two or three levels. Starting from the minimal compositional unit of the segment (monostic, distic or tristic), Qohelet is analysed here at the ten successive levels of its composition. Framed by a short Prologue (1:1-11) and a short Epilogue (12:9-14), the book comprises three sections. Sections A and C contrast “King purchaser” (1,12-3,9) and “God Creator” (9,11-12,8). More fully developed, section B is entitled “Son of Adam, Son of God” (3,10-9,10). The book is punctuated by two “refrains”, that of mist, emptiness or vanity and that of happiness or joy. The first diminishes, the second, on the contrary, asserts itself. The name of “mist” or “emptiness”, repeated over and over again thirty-eight times, is none other than that of Abel, to whom his brother has not spoken a single word. In a way, Qoheleth gives him a voice.

Keywords:  Ecclesiastes – Qohelet – biblico-semitic rhetorical analysis.

 

Jose Colinas-Blanco, Mantener la fe y la identidad tras la guerra: la propuesta apocalíptica de 4 Esdras y 2 Baruc

Abstract -  The destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans (70 AD) was one of the greatest crises in the history of Judaism. There were various responses to this event, the apocalyptic being one of the most important. This article examines the works of 4 Ezra and 2 Baruch to show what “life proposal” is being offered to its audience and to Judaism in general as a solution to the crisis of faith and identity caused by the loss of the main Jewish institutions. Trust in God’s plans revealed through the visions, abandonment of existential pessimism and obedience to the Torah as the centre of the believer’s life are the main foundations proposed for maintaining Jewish faith and identity. By adopting this attitude, in imitation of the scribes Ezra and Baruch, the believer will be able to endure the present evils and prepare to enjoy the eternal goods that really matter.

Keywords: Pseudeepigrapha – Apocalyptic – 4 Ezra – 2 Baruch – Torah – Jewish War

 

Ignazio Genovese, Il tema della vera bellezza nel Pedagogo di Clemente Alessandrino: premesse filosofiche e istanze teologiche

Abstract -  The religious dimension and its theological superstructure encounter the theme of beauty in various ways. In this essay we will analyze a controversial and debated aspect: the relationship between beauty and truth. In particular, starting from the Pedagogue of Titus Flavius Clement, better known as Clement of Alexandria (150ca. - 215ca.), we will present what the Author means by beauty, the true beauty. For this purpose, we will proceed in three stages. First of all, (a.) we will try to understand how much of the Greek philosophical register on beauty passes through primitive Christianity – specifically, through the figure and work of Clement of Alexandria. We will then stop (b.) to analyze the dialectic between external and internal beauty, typical of the parenetic argumentative register – that of a practical philosophy (or, more and better, of praxis) –, of which Clemente, together with Tertullian is, at the same time, precursor and origin. Finally, we will (c.) examine the dialectic that inherent to true beauty, in the context of a process of progressive emancipation from sensitive realities (pars destruens). Yet, with greater speculative rigor, true beauty becomes an icon of that progressive assimilation to the Lógos, already present in the human being created “in His image and likeness” (pars construens).

Keywords: Clement of Alexandria – beauty – truth – image of God – assimilation to God

 

Ikenna Paschal Okpaleke, Synodality and the crisis of pastoral culture

Abstract - Much has been said about synodality as a form of ecclesiology that takes into account the nature of the church as a pilgrim community, where the participation of everyone is at the center of ecclesial life. Yet one wonders whether the idea of synodality is not already foreseen in a pastoral community in which active participation of the faithful also implies a comprehensive co-participation of all. In other words, are we rather facing an ecclesiological crisis due to pastoral inefficiency, or is the idea of synodality necessary even without addressing the pastoral problem? This article argues that beyond the buzz generated by the concept of synodality, nothing would be achieved if the pastoral question is not addressed. Where synodality is channeled towards pastoral crisis, then the question remains whether it adds anything extra beyond revising what is already there.

Keywords: Synodality – parish – pastoral – conversion – introspection – agenda – church

 

Ward Biemans, S.I., Married couples’ need to be reconciled with one another, with society and with God

Abstract -  The few available empirical studies show a purifying and relieving effect of the sacrament of Reconciliation and the possibility of reconnecting with others. A change towards a humbler attitude among the clergy, a language adapted to a postmodern mindset and more attention for the social dimension of sin could reawaken the declined interest in the sacrament. Reflecting on data obtained from interviews (n = 24) with migrant and intercultural couples living in the Netherlands, it is made clear that positive effects of the sacrament were confirmed by some, whereas other interviewees use other means to seek reconciliation with God or prefer to resolve conflicts within their relationship directly with their partner. Finally, several ways are indicated to increase the attractivity of the sacrament of Reconciliation.

Keywords: sacrament of Reconciliation – migrant and intercultural couples – social teaching – communicative skills

 

Andrea Cavallini, Praeterit figura huius mundi (1Cor. 7,31). L’escatologia cosmica latina dei secoli IV-IX e il caso dell’Eriugena

Abstract -  The patristic eschatology is familiar with the idea of the death and resurrection of the world. Most authors understand the end with the category of material change, and the Pauline verse of 1 Cor. 7:31 (“For the figure of this world passes away”) is interpreted as a testimony to cosmic change: the end will not be a total destruction followed by new creation, but a transformation of the world. In the Latin tradition, this vision is consecrated by Augustine’s De civitate, whose doctrine dominates patristic thought unchallenged for four centuries: cosmic change will take place by means of a gigantic conflagration, and the new heavens and new earth will be material. It is only in the ninth century that the homogeneity of this cosmic eschatology is interrupted by the work of John Scottus Eriugena, who breathes new life into the controversial Origenian tradition and proposes a non-materialist eschatology and a different interpretation of 1 Cor. 7:31.

Keywords: Patristics – Eschatology – Cosmos – Transformation – Augustine – Eriugena

 

Eugénio Lopes, O Sofrimento. Uma análise antropológica

Abstract -  When we speak about the human person, we should also speak of affectivity, a component that is equally essential for self-realization. The affective map of the human person is very vast and includes several affections, such as suffering. However, when approaching this affect, I think some mistakes are made from a scientific point of view, such as: a) suffering is always considered as an irrational affect; b) suffering is identified as an evil, which we must always get rid of; c) it is argued that it is always possible to eliminate all suffering; d) suffering is confused with other affections, which are essentially different. In this sense, taking into account these points, I thought it would be necessary to propose a more realistic view regarding the theme of suffering. Thus, to achieve this objective, initially, I will analyze the metaphysical condition of the human person, relating it to affectivity and, in this sense, to suffering. Later, I will distinguish and relate suffering to other affects. Finally, I will analyze the two types of suffering, how we should relate to them, and how they can be evaluated from a moral point of view.

Keywords: Human Person – Affectivity – Suffering

 

Eneko Ortega Mentxaka – Luis Miguel Martínez-Torres, El esplendor material en la Compañía de Jesús. Mármoles y canteras antiguas en el retablo mayor de la Basílica de Loyola

Abstract -  The basilica of Loyola is the most important monument in the north of the Iberian Peninsula in terms of lithic inlays. Up to twenty-one varieties of rock are used as hard, statuary and ornamental stone. Although the exaggerated chromatic contrasts of the «marbles» used –in keeping with their Churrigueresque aesthetic– might suggest an exotic origin, they are mostly from the Basque-Cantabrian Basin, even local. The result was a characteristic altarpiece of the material splendour of the Society of Jesus, which shows the convergence of the arts and religious ideas of the Baroque period and acts as a visual marker of the cultural memory of the Ignatian order, highlighting the spiritual and devotional importance of the place where Ignatius of Loyola was born and converted.

Keywords: Sacred images – Ignatius of Loyola – lithology – Society of Jesus – Ignacio de Íbero – Sanctuary of Loyola – altarpiece – Baroque

 

NOTA

Bibbia, Teologia e Antropologia al femminile: D. Horak, Ora i miei occhi ti vedono. Giustizia riparativa: itinerari biblici e mediazione umanistica (B. Rossi), 967-969; A.-M. Pelletier, L’Église et le féminin. Revisiter l’histoire pour servire l’Évangile (L. Scaraffia), 969-971; A. Bissi – E. Cagnazzo, ed., Volti di Donne. Figure femminili nella Bibbia tra esegesi e psicologia (A. Valori), 972-973.

RECENSIONES

Biblia: I. Carbajosa, Salmos II. Salmos 73-150 (N. Calduch-Benages), 975-976; J. A. Loader, Proverbs. Volume 2 / Proverbs 10-15 (N. Calduch-Benages), 976-978; D. Pioske, The Bible Among Ruins: Time, Material Remains, and the World of the Biblical Writers (F. Martins), 978-980; A. Schellenberg, The Song of Songs Through the Ages: Essays on the Song’s Reception History in Different Times, Contexts, and Genres (N. Calduch-Benages), 980-982; U. Schnelle, Die Entstehung des frühen Christentums (P. Di Luccio), 982-985.

Theologia: J. R. Brotherton, Grace Abounds More: Balthasar’s Eschatological Universalism in Dialogue (J. Servais), 985-986; F. Nardelli, La Chiesa popolo missionario. Per una ecclesiologia battesimale e sinodale (W. Insero), 987-988.

Ius Canonicum: W. L. Daniel, The Key to Unlocking the Door to the Truth. Father Ignacio Gordon, SJ, and His Contribution to the Discipline of Canonical Procedural Law (G. P. Montini), 989-990; A. Merlin Rengith, Right of Defence in Marriage Nullity Trials. A Study Based on CIC 1983, DC and MIDI (G. P. Montini), 990-992.

Philosophia: W. Carvalho Viana, La metafisica della persona. Il problema dell’identità personale nel dibattito contemporaneo (R. Lucas Lucas), 993-995; H. C. Hänel, Epistemische Ungerechtigkeiten (J. Stoffers), 995-997.

Historia Ecclesiae: R. Ramis Barceló, La Segunda Escolástica. Una Propuesta De Síntesis Histórica (B. Knorn), 997-999.

Spiritualitas: M. Eckholt, Mossi dallo Spirito. Cammini sinodali sulle tracce di Gesù (E. Caroleo), 999-1001; M. Sánchez Tapia – J. L. Cabria Ortega, María, Madre Y Modelo De Vocación Cristiana (C. Pellegrino), 1001-1002.

Varia: A. Bongiovanni, La Croce e L’Islam. Sfide e riflessioni per l’incontro tra cristiani e musulmani (C. Clohessy), 1003-1005.

INDICATIONES

M. Fédou, Jésus Christ dans l’histoire humaine et le mystère de Dieu. Essai de christologie (A. Begasse), 1007; G. C. Pagazzi, Chi ci separerà? Senso di abbandono e consolazione (A. Begasse), 1008.

LIBRI NOSTRI

Clemenzia, Alessandro – Regoli, Roberto, ed., Ratzinger e la Chiesa. Approcci di ricerca, 1009-1010; Regoli, Roberto, Ercole Consalvi, Memorie, 1010.

 

OPERA ACCEPTA

(1011-1012)