Chiara Lubich and the Theology of Jesus: The Trinity as Place, Method, and Object of Thinking

This article begins by outlining the variety of forms theology takes to illustrate that the key to theological knowledge is knowing God through participation in Jesus’ knowledge of God. This participation is apparent in scripture and theological tradition, and the author argues that the modern theological method, for all of its advances, must regain awareness of this participating, through Christ, in God’s self-knowledge. At the same time Coda presents the different gifts of the Spirit throughout history, namely, the charisms, and among these gives particular attention to Chiara Lubich’s charism of unity. Coda explains how this charism, via the experience of humans united in God, provides a participatory knowledge of God in which knowing and loving coincide. Various significant consequences are drawn from this participation. Coda then turns to the basis for this knowledge, namely, the forsakenness of Christ upon the cross, to show how the crucified intellect goes beyond its natural limitations to share in the intellect, the mind (nous), of Christ. Coda concludes with implications of this way of knowing for theological practice and suggests possibilities for a fresh approach that respects contemporary needs