Issue 106/3 (2025) of the magazine “Gregorianum” is available, quarterly published by the Gregorian University.

ARTICULI

Henry Hunter, Understanding the Infinite: Plotinus’s Appropriation of the Aristotelian Concept of Infinity

Abstract - This article systematically analyzes Plotinus’s concept of the infinite while also

situating Plotinus’s thought in conversation with the teaching of Aristotle. It thus seeks to demonstrate specifically where the two Hellenic philosophers diverge on the concept of infinity; such a comparison has hitherto not been undertaken yet remains pertinent for understanding the Neoplatonic reception of Aristotle.

Keywords: Plotinus – Aristotle – Plato – Infinity – Supra-Actual – Nonbeing

 

Vicente Llamas Roig, Semiótica agustiniana y virtud del signo sagrado augustinian semiotic and virtue of sacred sign

Abstract - A review by Augustinian semiotics and the two nuclear triads will allow us to ponder the doctrine on the sacred sign of direct divine inception without interception. The central thesis of the article, apart from an original reading of the symbiosis of faith - reason, establishes a correlation between the connective virtus sacramenti of res sacramentum and sacramentum tantum and the cognitive virtus of the receiver in the communicative dynamics.

Keywords: Sign – Sacrament – Saving virtue – Augustine of Hippo

 

Ignazio Genovese, La madre e le donne: Agostino d’Ippona e l’archetipo femminile

Abstract - This essay intends to outline the figure of the woman, women and the feminine globally understood in the thought of Augustine of Hippo (354-430). Divided into four parts, preceded by an introduction, the discussion is structured in concentric circles. First of all, (I.) will be analyzed the biological-symbolic premises of Augustinian thought, with particular reference to his understanding of the soul-body relationship. This will be followed by an examination of (II.) Augustinian “philosophical presuppositions”, between Platonism and Stoicism, and (III.) a biographical investigation, concerning the experience of Hipponate. The article will close with a (IV.) presentation of the underlying theological implications of Augustine’s work, such that, even if in a substantially androcentric horizon, Hipponate must, however, be ascribed the merit of having reread the economy of redemption also in light of sexual differentiation. If both, the male and the female, belong to the human (humana natura), both must be involved in the work of redemption.

Keywords: Augustine of Hippo – man-woman – soul-body – feminine – redemption

 

Archibald L.H.M. van Wieringen, Genesis 1–4 as Harmony and Disharmony

Abstract - Genesis 1–4 presents a story about harmony and disharmony. Whereas Genesis 1:1–2:3 describes the basic harmony of the creation, 2:3–3:24 and 4:1–26 raise the issue of harm to harmony, the former concerning the relationship between woman and man coram Deo, the latter concerning the relationship between brother and brother coram Deo. From the perspective of harmony and the lack of harmony, the meaning of ‘knowledge of good and evil,’ ‘death,’ ‘garden,’ and ‘flora and fauna’ becomes clear.

Keywords: Book of Genesis – harmony – creation – woman and man – Cain and Abel – garden – death

 

Roland Meynet, S.I., La composition des Actes des apôtres

Abstract - Analysed according to the laws of Semitic rhetoric, Acts is divided into three sections, two very long and one very short. At the heart of the first section is the speech and martyrdom of Stephen, stoned to death in the presence of Saul (Acts 6:1-8, 1a); at the heart of the last, the speech and testimony of Paul, rescued from death by the Roman tribune (Acts 21:1-23, 35). At the centre of the book is the account of the “Council of Jerusalem” (Acts 15), which resolves the problem of “us”, the conditions of unity between the Jewish and Gentile disciples. This is the question of the whole book. The disciples are united, but Israel is torn apart.

Keywords: Acts of the Apostles – outline – biblical-Semitic rhetoric – composition and interpretation

 

Carl Scerri, The Catholic “Turn” in Natural Theology. The case of some twentieth-century Theologians

Abstract - This article explores the renewal of natural theology in early twentieth-century Catholic theology. This new approach was less interested in the rational understanding of God outside of revelation and more interested in understanding the human being. God is no longer the necessary conclusion of a rational argument, but the necessary condition for the comprehension of the human being. The article starts by examining the infamous debate between Barth and Przywara, showing how Barth fuses together nineteenth-century natural theology, Catholic theology, and the analogia entis. Przywara, however, had a very different understanding of analogy and natural theology in mind. Most importantly, he was part of a broader renewal of natural theology within Catholic theology. By comparing Przywara to Guardini, Rahner and de Lubac, the nature of this new trend in natural theology will become clear.

Keywords: Natural theology – Analogy – Przywara – Barth – Guardini – Rahner – De Lubac

 

Mateusz Switek, Filosofía, ciencias, teología. El caso de la profecía en la apologética neoescolástica

Abstract- The fulfilment of the prophecies in Jesus Christ constituted for many centuries an apologetic argument in favour of the divine omniscience and divinity of Christ. The culmination of the greatness and prestige of such argumentation was neo-scholastic apologetics, based on the principles of neo-thomistic philosophy and operating within the limitations imposed by the magisterium of the Church at the time. Its decline and numerous criticisms have brought the proof from prophecy into oblivion and it is only mentioned in a critical and superficial way. However, the question remains interesting. The presentation of the proof of prophecy in the classical apologetical textbooks has for decades shaped the thinking of Catholics on this issue. Its weaknesses should therefore be seriously considered, but also some interesting philosophical, biblical and theological elements are to be appreciated. In this way, we can better understand the reasons for the decline of this apologetic model and ask whether it can still inspire contemporary theology, so that the question of the fulfilment of prophecy does not remain ignored in apologetic reflection.

Keywords: proof from prophecy – history of apologetics – credibility of revelation – neo-thomism

 

James McTavish, Same Sex Attraction in Candidates for the Priesthood

Abstract - Comments by Pope Francis in 2024 brought again to the fore the issue of homosexuality and the priesthood. In 2005, the Vatican produced guidelines for admission to seminary and ordination, making a distinction between same sex attraction that is transitory or deep-seated. Although not utilized by many professional medical bodies, these terms are still useful at a practical level. This article will discuss the implications and application of the Vatican’s teaching, underline the importance of chastity and the universal call to holiness, present some issues relating to safeguarding and emphasize the need for careful discernment of all candidates to priesthood.

Keywords: homosexuality – same sex attraction (SSA) – deep-seated – transitory – abuse – safeguarding – seminary – discernment – priesthood

 

RECENSIONES

Biblia: S. L. Mckenzie – M. Richelle, ed., The Oxford Handbook of the Books of Kings (F. Martins), 649-651; M. Pavan, La mia preghiera sia davanti a te come incenso (Sal 147,2). Un’ introduzione alle rappresentazioni del culto e della preghiera nell’Antico Testamento (M. D. Rigoli), 651-654; X. Pikaza, Compañeros y amigos de Jesús. La iglesia antes de Pablo (G. De Virgilio), 655-658; G. Rougevin-Baville, L’apostolicité des Écritures. Au fondement d’une exégèse catholique (P. Basta), 658-661.

Theologia: A. Caccaro, L’uomo fa una differenza in Dio. La questione cristologica in Jacques Dupuis (F. Staffa), 661-663; B. Davary, Ecotheology and Love. The Converging Poetics of Sohrab Sepehri and James Baldwin (G. Mmassi), 664-665; S. Fenaroli, La teologia della deep incarnation. Indagine, dialogo prospettive (S. Duchi), 666-667; J. L. Martínez, Teología moral en salida. Deshacer nudos y afrontar retos (M. Yáñez), 667-670.

Ius Canonicum: I. Zuanazzi – M. C. Ruscanzio – V. Gigliotti, ed. La sinodalità nell’attività normativa della Chiesa. Il contributo della scienza canonistica alla formazione di proposte di legge (M. Visioli), 670-671.

Historia Ecclesiae: P. Fredriksen, Ancient Christianities: The First Five Hundred Years (C. A. Sáenz), 672-673; B. Knorn, Theologie in Umbrüchen. Jesuitenscholastik des 16. Jahrhunderts im Dienst der Reform (L. Lanza), 673-675; D. A. Lawell, ed., Thomas Gallus, Commentaries on The Angelic Hierarchy (A. Bartola), 675-677; G. Nützel, Religiöse Pluralisierung im öffentlichen Raum. Sakralräume in Berlin und Brandenburg (Y. Dohna Schlobitten), 677-679; C. A. Strine – M. Mclnroy – A. Torrance, ed., Image as Theology. The Power of Art in Shaping Christian Thought, Devotion, and Imagination (Y. Dohna Schlobitten), 680-682.

Spiritualitas: A. Miquel, Avec la Bible au fil des Jours (G. M. Djomandji), 682-683; B. O’Leary, God Ever Greater: Exploring Ignatian Spirituality (E. Chahwan), 684-686.

 

OPERA ACCEPTA

(687-688)