Imminence as a Key to Interpreting the Heterodoxy of Joachim of Fiore: the Radicalization of the Tractatus

Abstract

The writings of Joachim of Fiore are characterised by a progressive radicalisation of his eschatological positions, culminating in the Tractatus, in which he defends openly heterodox positions. This article seeks to demonstrate that the concept of imminence is an important presence throughout Joachim’s work, even from his earliest writings. Indeed, thanks to Joachim’s highly personal biblical exegesis, imminence becomes the key to understanding the development of his eschatology. Accordingly, Elijah, not Christ, is the centre of the story, and the Church of Peter is about to be superseded by that of John.