Una controversia sulle tradizioni degli antichi (Mc 7,1-13) : contributo all'antropologia marciana

Abstract

A Controversy over the Traditions of the Elders (Mk 7,1–13). A Contribution to the Markan Anthropology. The controversy over the defiled hands concerns a question of fundamental importance for the anthropology of the Gospel of Mark. Jesus’ polemics against the Pharisees and against the Scribes is aimed at showing that any human tradition, without foundation in God’s will or incompatible with it, is always harmful to a right relationship with God. Even the teaching, directed to the crowd and to the disciples, is instigated by the apparition of these two groups and by their role in the diffusion of the tradition of the elders. The recipients of this teaching are called to understand what really defiles a person: exclusively the deeds against God’s will, for which a subject is responsible, both internal as thoughts and desires, and external as words and actions.