M. CICCARELLI, "Un pentimento impossibile. L’apostasia nell’Epistola agli
Ebrei e nell’Halakhah mishnaica", in Bibbia e Oriente LII, 245-246
(2010), 171-226.
Abstract
This study aims at comparing the theme of the sin of apostacy in the
Epistle to the Hebrews with the same subject as it is considered in rabbinic
literature, especially in halakhic material in the Mishna. The Epistle to the
Hebrews considers apostasy from faith as an unforgivable sin (Heb 6:4-6;
10:26-29; 12:17). On the contrary, the Rabbis, although they were concerned
about apostates and those who attempted to abandon the covenantal community,
strove to show the importance of true repentance as a way by which even an
apostate could turn back to the Covenant stipulated by God with the people (Yoma
VIII,8; Tos.Yom.Kip. 5,9; b.Sheb. 13a; Pesikta R. Kahana 24,12). The main theme
of Hebrews is that there is only one sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins, for
the perfect salvation of mankind (Heb 7:25.27; 9:27-28; 10:10.12.14). The
rhetorical style of the Epistle allows the author to avoid dealing with various
cases in which one can obtain forgiveness, and instead to speak about the
impossibility of a Christian renewing his/her life after apostasy. The reason
for such impossibility is that metanoia is not seen, as in rabbinic writings, as
a means to restore the previous purity. On the contrary, it is considered as a
penitential process which is completed and finished through adhesion of faith to
the unique and once and for all sacrifice of Christ. In other words, faith needs
to be upheld and it is important to know that repentance and internal conversion
cannot be earned by the individual apart from the salvific mediation of
Christ.
Michele Ciccarelli
Pontificia Facoltà dell'Italia Meridionale
Istituto Superiore di Scienze Religiose "G. Moscati" - Avellino
No comments:
Post a Comment