La grande teologia a Firenze. I. Un episodio di donatismo

With respect to the question of church reform in the XI century the author's aim is to present the theological, practical and doctrinal positions operative in that dramatic period of church history. Attention is given not only to the popel contribution but first and foremost to Peter Damian and Humbert of Silva Candida, who appear, respectively, as the leaders of the moderate and the intransigent positions, which theoretically and practically characterize the church in that century. The article is not simply the description of a period in which Florence was one of the most important centers, thanks to the presence of great churchmen of the XIth century reform and to active monastic and popular participation in debates and praxis. As a matter of fact, in the question about the invalidity of simoniac ordinations one of the most delicate and requent sacramental themes reappears. The question regards the validity of sacraments administered or conferred by heretics or by unworthy ministers, a question which began with the Donatist problem but which had received further development due to generous but incautious commitments requiring a form of holiness for the church and its ministers that was not only misterical but also ethical. Analysis of the question shows the necessity of ecclesiological, christological, pneumatical and trinitarian contributions so as to place it in a pattern of foundational and declarative truths necessary for an adequate analysis from a sacramental point of view ; some notes are added about the consequences of such theological richness in pastoral praxis.