Abstract

Joachim of Fiore’s theology is symbolic to a great degree both in the level of language as well as the subjects under analysis, which takes back to the tradition of monastic theology. However, unlike other monastic schools that incorporate elements of dialectics gradually and try to establish a dialogue between the new Aristotelian thought and the methodological schemes born from the dialectic instruments, Abbot Joachim of Fiore represents an alternative of theological nature (language, method, reality and religious time) as opposed to Peter Abelard’s Theologiascholarium. Nevertheless, alternative and discussion do not mean simple criticism and denial. Joachim of Fiore acknowledges the character of his own speculation and the intention of scholastic theology’s to understand the divine dynamics. At the same time, he opts for a figurative and symbolic theology which: a) is able to better penetrate and not disrupt the authentic order of reason felt in the history of salvation, b) is reflected in the events portrayed in the Bible and c) demands from the theologian that reason be at the service of a symbolic exegesis; not a denial of the symbol conceived as a reduction of a dialectic reason. A symbolic reason that is able to develop a notion of salvation interpreted in a geometric way, and is not reduced to a demonstration of the geometric mode.