Abstract
This paper focuses on one specific theological tool regarding some Christian ritual practices, i.e., the character indelebilis or indelible mark. Though the notion existed in some patristic sources, the theologoumenon was reframed in early scholasticism. Theologians of the 12th–13th century used the restricted code of Aristotelian psychology in order to better control theological predication and moved from baptismal theology to the theology of priesthood. Since Thomas Aquinas is the main theological reference in the development of the theologoumenon, special attention will be paid to his proposal. Revisiting the metaphorical nature of some of his statements and the iconic value he assigns to the indelible mark may contribute to a better understanding of the current theological debate.
Highlights
This paper focuses on one specific theological tool regarding some Christian ritual practices, i.e., the character indelebilis or indelible mark
That may explain why Aquinas moved from the anointing metaphors of John 3:5-6 to the metaphor of Christ as the character of the God the Father according to Hebrews 1,3
Christ is mediated by images or signs because it is based on the exercise of faith: “the sacraments are proportioned to faith, through which the truth is seen through a glass and in a dark manner “(Aquinatis 1889–1906, III q.80 a.2 ad 2)
Summary
Indelebilis and the Iconic Dimension of Ritual Actions. Religions 13: 86. This paper focuses on one specific theological tool regarding some Christian ritual practices, i.e., the character indelebilis or indelible mark. 12th–13th century decided to use the restricted code of Aristotelian psychology in order to better control theological predication: as Thomas Aquinas declares metaphors should be reduced to their precise meaning (Aquinatis (1947) Super Sent., lib. d.4 q.1 a.1 co). Along with this process, the discussion moved from baptismal theology to the theology of priesthood, and it reflected on three main topics, the nature of the character, its efficacy, and its representational value. Special attention will be paid to the metaphorical nature of some of his statements and to the iconic value he assigns to the indelible mark
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