Towards a Spiritual Empire: Christian Exegesis of the Universal Census at the Time of Jesus's Birth
Tiziana Faitini
This article focuses on the exegetical interpretation of Luke's narrative census (or registration) carried out at time Jesus's birth (Luke 2: 1–5). After some brief remarks juridical institution (the so-called professio ) in ancient Rome, a selection interpretations this pericope developed by various and medieval authors is presented. Origen, Ambrose, Orosius, Bede Bonaventure are discussed, among others. A number authors, including Dante Alighieri Bartolus Saxoferrato, also considered. The analysis argues, one hand, that spiritualization occurred led to spiritual empire Christ being seen as replacing temporal Augustus; other, reference was used legitimize political authority eyes believers. interpretative tradition thus shown offer vivid example close intertwining theological concepts practices which has characterized relationship between Church from former's very beginning.
Studies in Church History|Iris (University of Trento)