Theology of Arnold of Villanova: between Bible and politics

Authors

  • Bogusław Kochaniewicz Uniwerstytet im. Adama Mickiewicza

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21906/rbl.139

Keywords:

Arnold of Villanova, Bible, exegesis, history of theology, heresy, politics, mysticism, eschaton

Abstract

Biblical interpretation of Arnold of Villanova manifests us not only a specific and particular current of exegesis within 14th century. He emphasised the idea of eschaton fullfilled, manifested through the history more and more clear and perfect. His exegesis, based on Joachim de Fiore’s work presented the Bible as an instrument of the historical knowledge. The Bible, interpreted in allegorical perspective, manifested the meaning of the events pasted and presents and future. In order that Bible could be always actual, it required miracles and apparitions, which would support and manifest extraordinary divine interventions within the history of the world. In Arnold’s opinion, the Bible, without miracles and mistical experiences, could lost its own meaning. Arnold of Villanova, being inspired by the Franciscan spiritual movement, strived to evidence the ideas of the nearness of the end of the world. Even if he was not an eminent theologian, he impressed and inspired his epoch. Therefore his name is mentioned by the manuals of the history of theology.

Published

2011-09-30

How to Cite

Kochaniewicz, B. (2011). Theology of Arnold of Villanova: between Bible and politics. The Biblical and Liturgical Movement, 64(3), 255–266. https://doi.org/10.21906/rbl.139

Issue

Vol. 64 No. 3 (2011): Biblia i kultura

Section

Reflections, comments

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