Anales de Teología

PABLO URIBE ULLOA, Hagamos al ser humano a nuestra imagen (Gn 1,26). Una síntesis bíblico-teológica de la categoría imagen de Dios en la tradición católica. Ediciones del pueblo, Paris (Francia) – Santiago de Chile 2022. 177 pp. ISBN: 979-83-67-43713-3.

Juan Carlos Inostroza — 2023-06-27

This review provides an account of a recent book published in Paris by Ediciones del Pueblo on the topic of theological anthropology. The central focus is on the reflection of the biblical category Imago Dei, which appears for the first time in the book of Genesis, chapter 1, verse 26. From this category, a biblical-theological discourse is developed, analyzing it in different treatises of classical theology. This methodology serves the author to present an optimistic itinerary of the creation of the human being as a created image. However, this image has been affected by sin as a fallen image. Yet, within this same loving dynamic that originates from God, it becomes a restored image through Christ in a life of grace. This same image tends to become a consummated image in the Christian hope of resurrection. Furthermore, the category of being God's creation as Imago Dei has other connotations of vital importance, such as moral, ecclesial, pastoral, and mariological aspects.

Listening to the signs of the times. Their discernment in the First Ecclesial Assembly of Latin America and the Caribbean

Patricio Merino — 2023-06-27

This article argues that in the current synodal process of the Church, particularly in the development of the First Ecclesial Assembly of Latin America and the Caribbean, there is a methodological innovation in the discernment process of the signs of times. This innovation better introduces the participation of the People of God in said discernment, characterized as a process of listening. It concretely embodies the faithful´s sense of faith in the exercise of synodality and the communion of the Church. This process of listening, in turn, implies an enrichment of the ecclesiological perspective in relation to previous discernment processes that have been predominantly Christocentric, now assuming more strongly the protagonism of the Holy Spirit, which has been referred to as an overflow of the Spirit.

Ayahuasca, coronavirus and transformation: the spiritual perspective of the Inner Mastery organization

Luis Santamaría del Río — 2023-06-27

The movement known as Inner Mastery (previously Ayahuasca International), founded by Argentinean Alberto Varela, and headquartered in Spain, is one of the most prominent neo shamanic groups in the current landscape. In March 2020, when many countries implemented home confinement due to the pandemic, Varela claimed that he was the creator of COVID-19 and continued to invite ayahuasca retreats as the best solution to the world situation. This study analyzes his blog posts over a span of nearly two years to examine their perspective on the coronavirus. Specifically, moving beyond purely medical or “conspiracy theory” interpretations, a vision of the pandemic is observed as an opportunity for personal transformation, with the keys of New Age therapeutic holism.

Stages of Spiritual Life: In its inner and outer dynamism

Ariel Zottola — 2023-06-27

This article aims to provide a concise presentation of the stages of spiritual life, condensed in a classical manner as purgative, illuminative, and unitive, taking as its starting point the understanding of spirituality as the dynamism of love infused in us by the Holy Spirit. At the same time, this exploration seeks to respond better to the contemporary reality by emphasizing the stage of encounter, which reveals God´s love and the personal mystery of vocation. In the purifying stage, seen as a path of growth, it will be integrated into the classic development of Saint John of the Cross and Saint Ignatius Loyola, along with the perspective of Evagrius Ponticus, who, despite being older, paradoxically, can offer more realistic keys for present day believers in their everyday lives. In the illuminative stage, where it was delved deeper, the theme of the vital experience of mercy and recognition of one´s own reality is incorporated, providing some hints for including one´s own fragility in the narrative of spiritual growth. Lastly, as an effort to dialogue with pastoral theology, it will seek to identify the missionary pastoral dynamism of each stage of the spiritual life.

The first synod of Temuco 1968: a pro-existing and synodal Church. A Pending Proposal for Ecclesial Reform

Tibaldo Zolezzi — 2023-06-27

The First Synod of Temuco in 1968 is paradigmatic of the numerous synods that were celebrated in Chile immediately after the Second Vatican Council. It represents a prophetic discernment ahead of its time. Many of its proposals have shaped the pastoral journey of the diocese to this day, but others were either quickly forgotten or diluted over time. Along with presenting the historical development of the Synod, its agreements, and main tasks, this work aims to approach its central core and reflect on the reasons behind the neglect of many of its contributions, as well as the aspects of its teaching that need to be recovered and those others in which it is possible to advance.

The marian year, an ecumenical reason in the thought of pope John Paul II

David Garrido — 2023-06-27

The Marian Year begins and concludes by proposing the believing journey of Mary as an opportunity for the whole Church. By following Mary´s faith, we can find the path, that leads us to reach fullness of belief. It is a faith lived with the joy of the Holy Spirit, lived in freedom and obedience to the Lord, and perpetually embraced as children of the Father. Mary is the gateway that has led us into the third millennium of the Church, and her faith becomes an essential path for all sons and daughters of God who journey through the course of history.

Claudio Clemente and Beheaded Machiavellianism: A critique of the State of The Prince

Simón Abdala Meneses — 2023-06-27

The main intention of this work is to provide a broad description of the Jesuit father Claudio Clemente´s work: Beheaded Machiavellianism by the Christian Wisdom of Spain and Asturias. In that regard, and to achieve a better understanding of the text, we will provide a brief introduction to the discussion in which the work is framed. From there, we will address the theological implications about the State deployed in The Prince, and how Father Claudio Clemente responds to it.

Compassion as the foundation of interreligious and cultural dialogue

Iván Mejía — 2023-06-27

This paper aims to argue how compassion is configured as a fundamental category that enables interreligious and cultural dialogue. In all major religious traditions, there is a wealth of wisdom that involves the assimilation of values and virtues that facilitate and foster feelings of compassion, which can lead to encounters with other religions and cultures in order to experience peace.