Il "patto con Noé": lineamenti storico-teologici

Abstract

The proposed contribution intends to examine the issue of the Noahide convenant in the context of the Jewish-Christian dialogue. Specifically, the interpretation of Noahide universalism and the significance of the “pact with Noah”, present in some texts of Christian theological reflection, will be analyzed, starting from some instances of Jewish origin. To do this, our reflection will be articulated in the four points outlined below. (a.) In the first place, we will examine the relationship between particularism and universalism, as recalled by the theme under consideration. (b.) We will then entertain ourselves in an examination of some patristic texts — specifically, some passages taken from the Adversus haereses by Irenaeus of Lyons and the Eclogae Propheticae and the Stromata by Clement of Alexandria —, which are characterized by a peculiar interpretation of the covenant with Noah. (c.) This will be followed by a rereading of some medieval and modern contributions and the relative observationsconcerning the theme under consideration. (d.) This article will close with a detailed reconstruction of the theses of some contemporary theologians and of certain passages of official documents (such as the Instruction Dialogue and Proclamation, by the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and the Catechism of the Catholic Church) which address, among others, the value and significance of the Noahide covenant within the history of salvation.