Feminae: Medieval Women and Gender Index


  • Record Number: 17918
  • Author(s)/Creator(s): De Villalmonte , Alejandro.
  • Contributor(s):
  • Title: Duns Escoto, la Inmaculada y el pecado original
  • Source: Collectanea Franciscana 60, ( 1990): Pages 137 - 153.
  • Description:
  • Article Type: Journal Article
  • Subject (See Also): Duns Scotus, John, Philosopher Mary, Virgin, Saint- Doctrine of the Immaculate Conception Original Sin, Doctrine Theology
  • Award Note:
  • Geographic Area: British Isles
  • Century: 13
  • Primary Evidence:
  • Illustrations:
  • Table:
  • Abstract: One knows that John Duns Scotus is recognized as the Doctor of the Immaculate. He seems to have had no personal idea about the common doctrine of original sin in all the other descendents [sic.] of Adam, except in the case of Mary. In light of the discussions since 1960 on the theory of original sin, could one not ask himself if the principles which permitted the Subtle Doctor to hold the immaculate conception of Mary, would not also hold for the original innocence of all humankind? A. de Villalmonte demonstrates it in three stages. I. The argumentation of Scotus in favor of the immaculate conception of Mary shows that Scotus is not convinced by the traditional arguments for the "without sin" thesis. He exposes his own opinion of perfect Redeemer and perfect Redemption, which does not purify sin but prevents it. It is a preservative redemption in virtue of the excellence of the plenitude of grace accorded to Mary. She is not only preserved from original sin but also from all actual sin. This notion of the preservative redemption is the mark of the theological system of Duns Scotus, just as Christ is predestined to the greatest love of God possible in a creature. Christ is the main work of the Trinity. Mary is the masterpiece of redemptive grace. II. How can one pass from the mystery of Mary Immaculate to the mystery of redeemed humankind? The A. [sic] exposes first of all the actual situation of the theology of original sin and sees a great resemblance between the theology of the Immaculate at the time of Scotus and the actual theology of original sin, with this favorable difference at a time of a christological concentration of all discussion as a benefit of the II Vatican Council. The theory of original sin falls or is maintained according to the interrelation which one gives to the dogma of the redemption of Christ. III. A. de Villalmonte shows then that in the same way Scotus had to demonstrate that the immaculate conception does not oppose the greatness of the redemption accomplished by Christ, so one can maintain that the very same excellence of the redemption of all humankind is not only reconciliable with original innocence of all humankind, but also elevates one to the redemptive privilege accorded to Mary. This privilege does not limit itself to the exemption of original sin, but constitutes Mary in an exceptional state by the fullness of grace received and from the correspondence to grace which is the model of all christians and their advocate next to her Son. On December 8, 1854, does the Pope not proclaim that Mary is chosen by God "in the same and unique decree with Christ?"
  • Related Resources:
  • Author's Affiliation:
  • Conference Info: - , -
  • Year of Publication: 1990.
  • Language: Spanish
  • ISSN/ISBN: 00100749