Theology and Canon Law: initial clarifications on the basis of the “law”

Abstract

Is there continuity between the "Law" of the Old Testament (the Tôrâ) and the Canon Law itself? The subject expressly concerns -and puts to the test- the “quality” of the Theology of Canon Law (before Moral) and can find unambiguous or ideological support and direction in the reflection about “ritual purity”, which was key to Jewish observance, openly questioned by Jesus himself and the apostolic Church (Luke and Paul) and not transposed in the first four centuries of the Church, after the decision of the Acts 15 on non-circumcision. On the other hand: since Canon Law regulates only the life in the Community of Christ’s disciples, the Jewish rules (that regulate the life of the People of Israel) have no relevance in it. The analysis of the repetitions of "Law" in the Gospels, together with some key concepts of the New Testament (= new, shadow-reality, plenitude, fulfillment) leave no room for doubt in this regard.

Keywords: Theology of law; Ritual purity; Law.