Theology as a historical schema: speculations about trinitarian conceptions of Joachim of Flore

Abstract

The article deals with some specific problems,
concerning certain characteristics of Joachims Trinitarian
theology used as a key to the philosophy of history. It emphasizes
particular qualities of his critical apparatus such
as «status», «aetas» and «tempus». Joachim shared with
many of his contemporaries the conviction that nature, persons
and events pointed beyond themselves to transcendent
realities. It was in this medieval and monastic environment
that Joachim formulated his theology of history. Focusing
particular attention on Joachims three-state schema of history,
modern Russian scholars lack for studying his Trinitarian
conceptions. Joachim assumed that God had given the
world, and particularly the history of the chosen people, a
multidimensional order and symmetry which reflects the Trinity
and its mysteries. The exegetical plan of Joachims four
major commentaries reveals that history for the abbot is an
allegory of the Trinity. Joachims various historical schemata:
two times, three states, and seven ages - are the symmetry
of the catholic doctrine of the Trinity.