Estilo espiritual de un misionero jesuitael P. José de Acosta (1540-1600)

Abstract

This work investigates José de Acosta (1540-1600) from a historical, a theological and a spiritual point of view. First, we examine him from the historical data offered by recent publications and archival documents. His biographical journey begins with his own family roots, linked to the Society of Jesus, which he entered and from whom he received his religious formation. In the Jesuits he is trained in theology to assist the American mission, allowing him to reflect afterwards from the perspective of a missionary. Special attention is given to his later involvement in the question of the memorialists in so far as he collaborated in the convening of General Congregation V. In this respect, illumination of some dark places for traditional historiography helps us to understand the character as well as the repercussions of the Congregation both within the Jesuits and its important consequences on evangelization. Secondly, Acosta’s character is delved into through his works. An attempt is made to systematize his theological worldview in which he integrates missionary, theological and preaching into the patronage of the Americas aspects. Acosta perceives the entire reality of the native people composed of interdisciplinary elements with which he feels called to dialogue. Whether natural, anthropological or theological, they are all integrated into a comprehensive overview of the history’s theology. Starting from creation, which he ties to the discovery of nature in the New World and his ideas on the humanity of the native people, under his missionary framework he wants to lead everything toward the possibility of proclaiming the gospel. His fight against Millennialism, which anchors him in the biblical data, deserves special attention. From here, he deepens in the times of evangelization and Christology. Furthermore, Acosta’s eschatological vision indirectly affects the responsibility of the Spanish in America, once the “Indian Question” had been overcome. Thirdly, we approach the emphases of his preaching theology. Being of liturgical inspiration, it does not cease to be related to the framework of the previous theology of history, since it is inspired from the same Americanist works. There we find an intuition, not explicitly formulated, but that reveals a spiritual style of the preachers that had to assimilate the theology in order to give reasons for their faith. In this way, it illuminates the task of the laity, who have their role within the vision of the evangelizing mission according to Acosta's thought. In the conclusions I try to articulate the three previous points, so that their mutual dependence is evident. This makes it possible to discover how elements of the historical context have been read theologically by Acosta. From this theology, Acosta considers the content of preaching that may take place in the viceroyalty. This, in turn, allows him not to forget his dedication to promoting vocations of the different members of the Church in terms of his evangelization project.