Catholic Eschatological Imagination and the Mystics of Fire

Possible Perspectives for a Muslim-Christian Dialogue

Datos Bibliográficos

ID3591010
AutoresPiotr Zygulski (0000-0002-2960-4903, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, autor de correspondencia)
Año2022
Volumen13
Número3
Páginas219
Fecha de publicación2022-03-04
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaReligions (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
EditorialMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel13030219
OpenAlexW4220877017
IdiomaEN
Referencias citadas28

During the twentieth century, Catholic theology moved to reject the misuse of imaginaries of the afterlife. By insisting on a de-cosmologization of the "last things", theologians endorsed a Christocentric eschatology. However, a physical material view remains dominant in the popular perception of the afterworld. Recently, some authors have engaged in a reevaluation of the role of imagination. In eschatology as well, several theologians assert the need for a more affective and effective Christian imaginary of the hereafter. In this essay, the image of fire serves as a case study. References to fire are frequent in the Bible, and many mystics also describe their encounter with God in terms of burning. For instance, Catherine of Genoa's experience of purification through Christ's fire of love led to a commitment to social justice. Appreciating the contribution of mystics of fire, theologians might fashion a revised imaginary of fire to address certain eschatological issues such as Purgatory. Despite the fact that in Islam "the Fire" is a synonym for Hell, Christian theologians could enter into dialogue with certain Shi'i authors and Sufi experiences regarding the ontology of imagination, the importance of unity with God, and the fiery imaginary of God's love

Afterlife · Art · Art history · Eschatology · Islam · Mysticism · Psychoanalysis · Purgatory · SAINT · The Imaginary · Theology · Historical, Religious, and Philosophical Studies · Media, Religion, Digital Communication · Philosophy · Psychology · Religious studies · Religious Studies and Spiritual Practices