La rinascita del paganesimo

Translated title of the contribution: [Autom. eng. transl.] The rebirth of paganism

Flavio Dalla Vecchia (Editor), Giacomo Canobbio (Editor), Raffaele Maiolini (Editor)

Research output: Book/ReportOther report

Abstract

[Autom. eng. transl.] Taking into account the two models elaborated in the historical-religious context concerning the origin of monotheism (that of evolution and that of the original monotheism), the study intends to illustrate the perspective of those biblical texts in which a comparison or controversy emerges with the idolatry and foreign cults; these models are both present in the TA, but applied to two different areas: inward or outward. In inward reflection, Israel reflected in the Bible applies to itself the model of original monotheism, emphasizing the original divine election which is the foundation of its very existence. However, when Israel turns its gaze outwards, the model followed is that of overcoming a previous condition common to all human beings, which presents different analogies with the evolutionary model. The world is full of idolaters, but YHWH has torn its people from idolatry, presented as a depraved religious condition: in this way the relationship with YHWH becomes the realization of authentic religiosity, as opposed to environmental religious forms. From these two models two different approaches to idolatry are achieved. If the idolatra is the non-Jew it does not make a big problem: in reality, nothing in the TA suggests the denial of other religions or a struggle without quarter against them. The texts do not show an 'aggressive' attitude of the Jew towards the pagan: while denigrating the religious perspective of the other, he does not manifest a proselytizing intent and the controversy with the other takes on more often the defense character of his own specificity, threatened by a context in which the majority of the population follows religious traditions that are clearly contrary to his. If, on the other hand, the idolatra is the Jew, we are witnessing, on the one hand, the tightening of the conception of the Torah, as a mark of exclusive belonging (and consequently of the theme of divine jealousy), on the other hand to the qualification of the idolater as a foreigner . The investigation of biblical texts shows that the relationship that the believer weaves with pagans / idolaters is not at all defined once and for all: in reality different factors contribute to structuring this relationship and in many cases they are the changed historical and social conditions that require an update of the practice, despite the declared intention to remain faithful to the dictates of the law. This shows that it is not only a certain type of religion that induces violent behavior, but also the position that a specific religion occupies within society.
Translated title of the contribution[Autom. eng. transl.] The rebirth of paganism
Original languageItalian
PublisherMorcelliana
Number of pages353
ISBN (Print)978-88-372-2535-3
Publication statusPublished - 2011
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameQuaderni teologici del Seminario di Brescia

Keywords

  • religione
  • società

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