Simbolo cristiano e linguaggio umano

Book Description

This scholarly collection emerges from the profound recognition that symbolic language holds transformative power within Christian spirituality and human experience. Drawing inspiration from the work of Jesuit philosopher-theologian Charles André Bernard, who declared that "the challenge of the symbol to theology is inescapable," this interdisciplinary volume explores how symbols serve as bridges between the material and spiritual realms.

The book traces the rediscovery of symbolic language in Catholic theology, beginning with twentieth-century advances in patristic exegesis and liturgical studies, alongside explorations of the Jewish roots of early Christian faith. Simultaneously, phenomenology and human sciences revealed the unique capacity of symbols to engage the whole person, facilitating profound inner transformation through sensible elements that connect us to deeper ontological realities.

Contributors from diverse fields—philosophy, biblical studies, psychology, theology, liturgy, and monasticism—examine how symbolic expression penetrates every aspect of spiritual life. The collection extends beyond Christian perspectives to include wisdom from traditional religious cultures, Semitic poetic theology, and Islamic Sufi mysticism, creating a rich tapestry of understanding.

For readers seeking to deepen their spiritual journey, this work illuminates how symbols function as essential vehicles for expressing and experiencing the divine, offering insights into the profound ways sacred imagery shapes human consciousness and spiritual development.