One of the most intriguing subjects in the history of Christian theology and art symbolism is that of Jesus’ polymorphism. Its relevance has been and remains the target of very deep discussions, which, after a superb contribution written by Leonardo Olschki, strictly involve also the significant presence of a strong influence played by the speculative tradition of the Iranian Pre-Islamic world. Many scholars have usually supported the plausibility of this connection, but sometimes it has been simply ignored. the Magi, as ambassadors of the Oriental world and as representatives of the meeting between Christianity and Mazdeism, played in this very profound theological development their extraordinary role, showing that it is inappropriate to consider the history of ancient Christianity as a subject to which the Iranian world and other Eastern cultures did not strongly contribute.
Jesus’ trimorphisms and tetramorphisms in the meeting with the Magi
PANAINO, ANTONIO CLEMENTE DOMENICO
2015
Abstract
One of the most intriguing subjects in the history of Christian theology and art symbolism is that of Jesus’ polymorphism. Its relevance has been and remains the target of very deep discussions, which, after a superb contribution written by Leonardo Olschki, strictly involve also the significant presence of a strong influence played by the speculative tradition of the Iranian Pre-Islamic world. Many scholars have usually supported the plausibility of this connection, but sometimes it has been simply ignored. the Magi, as ambassadors of the Oriental world and as representatives of the meeting between Christianity and Mazdeism, played in this very profound theological development their extraordinary role, showing that it is inappropriate to consider the history of ancient Christianity as a subject to which the Iranian world and other Eastern cultures did not strongly contribute.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
