Aproximació al concepte de Κόσμος en el Quart Evangeli

Abstract

It is well kmown that the term 'Kosmos' has great importance not only in the theological structure of John's thinking but also makes difficulties of interpretation due to its semantic plural content. This article again tries to approach the concept of Kosmos according to the fourth evangelist. In the first part the plural meaning of the term in question is studied: Kosmos as creation (in its anthropological sense); as earth; as humanity in general; and as sinful humanity and an area hostile to God. The importance of the concept of creation involved in the term 'Kosmos' then leads us to its analysis. The formulation of Jo. 1,lOb is studied in relation to 1,3a to underline the dynamic-anthropological aspect of the creation. Also, in a particular manner, the function of the 'Logos' in its mediating aspect. Kosmos as darkness is examined in the third part. It sets out its essence as well as its paternity and its singularity that is made evident in Jesus of Nazareth. The last part deals with the Gad-Kosmos relationship, that the death and resurrection of Jesus decides in either faith or unbelief as the response of man to the Revelation of God the Father in His Son. Thus, the difference between community add Kosmos is considered, between being-in-the-Kosmos and being-of-the-Kosmos. Starting from the Christology of John that cornmences with the death and resurrection of Jesus, it considers the so-called duality of John, noting not only an ethic duality but also that in the unity and love which could be called aesthetic, because what is involved is the Definitive Life as an advance gift to the believer. In John it is not merely that one cannot talk of a metaphysical dualism, but not even of doctrinal dualism in its proper meaning. In the death and resurrection of His Son, God reveals to us a single possibility for being. There is no other possibility for realization, only non-realization. In his reflection and account of the person and the life of Jesus of Nazareth, John has arrived at the plan of.harmony, expressed in terms of victory, between God and His creation.