(thematic section edited by Pietro L. Di Giorgi)
In this exceptional issue of the journal, the thematic section contains a single essay. It is a reconstruction divided into three parts of the relationship of Ernesto Balducci, the review “Testimonianze” and the theologian Teilhard de Chardin. Such relationship started in the early 1950s and Balducci’s consideration of the writings and theses supported by Teilhard debated in France in the sphere of “théologie nouvelle” increased considerably towards the time of the Second Vatican Council. This is followed by Balducci’s complex reflection on Teilhard’s work, mainly in reference to the figure of Christ, the history of humanity and the Redemption. Elements of convergence and divergence of his approach compared to that of the French theologian-scientist are also highlighted. The influence of Chardin on Balducci’s thought, which was present from the very beginning, with a certain focus on the “teologia del mondo”, re-emerges again in the last works of the founder of “Testimonianze”: for example in “L’Uomo planetario” of 1985, where, although not explicitly quoting the French theologian, it is possible to recognise the influence of his thought in the language and images proposed, in the attention paid to human evolution starting from prehistory, and, in “La Terra del tramonto”, in relation to the theme of planetary ethics. There are therefore shared points and divergences in their interpretation of the relationship with the Church and in their Christologies.
