The dawn of a New Epoch: Joachim of Fiore's Three Ages, the Era of Peace, and echoes in Giordano Bruno

The concept of a "New Era" has captivated thinkers and theologians for centuries, with its roots deeply embedded in apocalyptic and millennialist thought. A pivotal figure in shaping Western perceptions of the future is Joachim of Fiore, a 12th-century Italian abbot whose theories profoundly influenced ideas of history, progress, and societal transformation. Moreover, some authors have analysed Joachim's framework of the Three Ages (status), with a particular focus on the anticipated Age of the Holy Spirit, and have explored how these themes resonate with the philosophy of Giordano Bruno, a Renaissance figure who envisioned his own kind of transformation.

Joachim of Fiore, the Three Ages and The Age of the Holy Spirit

Joachim of Fiore introduced a dynamic interpretation of history, diverging from the more static Augustinian view that dominated medieval thought. He proposed a model of the Three Ages (status), each linked to a person of the Holy Trinity, thereby providing a theological framework for historical evolution.

The first age, the Age of the Father, corresponded to the Old Testament, the Kingdom of Israel, and the reign of the flesh. This was a period characterised by a more materialistic and worldly existence. The second age, the Age of the Son, began with the incarnation of Christ and represented a period of struggle between flesh and spirit.

However, it would be the third age, the Age of the Holy Spirit, that would hold the promise of radical change and ultimate transformation of the world. This would be an era of spiritual renewal and purity, where the humankind would reject its worldly power, and the faithful would live directly under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The age would be marked by Unity among all people, Christians, Jews and Muslims etc, who would come together. This age would be a time of Peace, Prosperity, and Harmony, fulfilling God’s Plan for Humanity. The Age of the Holy Spirit would be transformative, correcting the corruptions and injustices that had plagued our world.

Joachim envisioned the Age of the Holy Spirit as an era of profound transformation. He prophesied the rectification of society's corruption, with a return to the purity of Christ's teachings. The Universal Unity would be restored, and even other faiths would find Harmony within a Universal Spiritual Understanding. This new age would be characterised by genuine Peace and widespread Prosperity, lasting until the end of the world.

Central to this progress was the rise of "spiritual men," who would be active in the world, embodying Christ's teachings through service and compassion. Joachim foresaw new ascetic orders that would synthesise contemplation and action, driving the transformation of the world.

Furthermore, Joachim's vision included the unveiling of new, previously unknown Spiritual Truths, facilitated by the development of "spiritual intelligence" in humanity. This would lead to an evolution of humankind, moving away from hierarchy and towards egalitarianism and communal living. In essence, Joachim painted a picture of a future characterised by social Justice, spiritual Enlightenment, and continuous Progress, accessible to all people.

Finally, the transition to the Age of the Holy Spirit, however, wouldn't be seamless. Joachim predicted a period of tribulation and upheaval, a necessary "cleansing" of the old order. This era of tribulation, while difficult, was seen as a necessary prelude to the coming Peace and Justice.

 

Echoes of transformation: Giordano Bruno and the Renaissance

While separated by centuries, the themes of transformation and a new era found resonance in the philosophy of Giordano Bruno. This Renaissance philosopher and cosmologist challenged the established order of his time with his heliocentric worldview and his vision of an infinite universe. Like Joachim, Bruno envisioned a shift in understanding and a move away from the limitations of the old world.

Furthermore, Bruno's final moments were marked by a profound dialogue with his disciple Sagredo. The philosopher reflected on history's frequent marking by death rather than life, noting that an illustrious death often provokes fear, disquiet, and inquiry. This realization brought him peace, as he understood himself to be fulfilling his destiny. When Sagredo expressed concern about the impending flames, Bruno admitted his physical fear but asserted his spiritual immortality. He envisioned witnessing his own body's demise and the reactions of his persecutors. Moreover, Bruno lamented the illusions and ignorance that plague humanity, asserting that unhappiness, stemming from the limitations of the human mind, rather than inherent evil, is the root cause of suffering.

The philosopher described this fate as common to all those who seek the Truth in a world governed by falsehood. He also prophesied a future awakening for humanity, a realization of their true nature and a rejection of the deceptive forces that enslave them. He declared humanity's boundless potential and the eventual attainment of freedom in this world. Turning to Sagredo with an almost radiant expression, he affirmed that Life had foreseen this freedom since ancient times. Then, in response to Sagredo's questioning of this cruel destiny, Bruno stated that he himself had chosen it before his earthly existence. He described the fiery death of the physical body as a profound purification, a Baptism of Fire chosen by many, both as an example to a misguided humanity and to fulfill a divinely appointed task undertaken out of Love. He posited that even his death would unveil the hidden power structures behind all worldly authorities. In an illusory realm dominated by deceit, hypocritical virtue, and fear, an illustrious death, he argued, holds more power than a lifetime, etched in human memory. Besides, Bruno characterised Earth as a rigorous learning environment where every action leaves an indelible mark, asserting the existence of True Justice, even if unseen in the present world.

Then, when Sagredo questioned if True Justice demanded his death, Bruno replied that it was willed by their true, immortal selves, not their transient physical forms. He stated that beings are ultimately the architects of their own experiences. The true Self, he explained, does not fear death, recognizing its illusory nature. Birth into this world brings about a sensory deception, a belief in appearances, and an ignorance of our innate blindness and deafness. We are, he declared, children of the singular, True Sun that illuminates all worlds. In addition, Bruno foresaw a coming New Era on Earth where death would be understood as non-existent, and misery and suffering would be recognised as products of fear and ignorance of true reality. Some Celestial Beings, he asserted, watch over Earth's development, and some are born into the world to aid humanity in understanding that transformation hinges on their awakening. Sagredo was profoundly impacted, gaining insight into previously unknown truths. Bruno continued, explaining that the "Baptism of Fire" serves to transmute the physical body and reveal the true, immortal Beings. He deemed their unveiling inevitable, though the timing remained uncertain. He knew that many had come in their era to advance arts and sciences, planting the seeds of a new culture that would blossom unexpectedly, precisely when the established powers believed they had triumphed. In the end, Bruno concluded by assuring Sagredo that they were not truly separating, for separation is an illusion, and all beings are eternally connected to the One Soul.

 

Characteristics of the New Era

This New Era, the Third Age of the Holy Spirit, emerging from this period of transition, would be characterised by several key features:

· Spiritual Renewal: The mankind would be purified, focusing on spiritual guidance rather than worldly power.

· Social Justice: Society would become more egalitarian, with a focus on communal living and mutual service.

· Universal Peace: Conflict and division would give way to Harmony and understanding between peoples and faiths.

· Progress and Evolution: Humanity would experience continuous spiritual and intellectual growth, with new Truths being revealed over time.

· Emphasis on Transformation: Both thinkers, in their respective contexts, saw the need for a radical shift away from the limitations of the old world.

· Human Potential: Both expressed a belief in the untapped potential of humanity. Joachim's "spiritual intelligence" and Bruno's emphasis on expanding human understanding resonate with this idea.

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References: 

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/innewestdays/2023/09/joachim-of-fiore-the-man-who-invented-the-future/

“La futura scienza di Giordano Bruno e la nascita dell’uomo nuovo” di Giuliana Conforto.

 

Awakening the Divine Spark: Humanity’s journey toward Truth and Unity

Humanity has long grappled with the nature of existence, oscillating between blaming external forces and recognizing its capacity to influence and transform the world. The cascading effects of corruption, environmental destruction, and the proliferation of hate illustrate how our choices reverberate across the fabric of life. Such consequences underscore the immutable Law of Cause and Effect, a reminder that our actions shape not only the physical world but also the collective soul of humanity. Yet, beneath this tumult lies a profound truth: we are not mere bodies bound to earthly desires, but complex beings comprised of body, soul, and spirit.

The physical form, while transient in this earthly dimension, is a sacred vessel for the eternal essence within. To elevate spiritually, we must transcend the shackles of materialism, greed, and divisiveness. Furthermore, philosophers from Plato to Seneca, and even Giordano Bruno, have illuminated this path, urging us to cultivate Virtues such as Love, Justice, and Humility. Bruno, in his defiance of oppressive powers, envisioned humanity as capable of awakening from the slumber of ignorance. He believed that through self-discovery and alignment with the Divine Principles, we could transform this "harsh school" of earthly life into a springboard for spiritual elevation.

The last dialogue between Bruno and his disciple Sagredo, as recounted in historical and philosophical reflections, reveals an unyielding faith in humanity's potential. Bruno’s martyrdom, embraced as a conscious choice, symbolizes the transformative power of suffering when guided by higher purpose. He posited that all beings, even those who perpetrate injustice, are fragments of the Divine Whole. This unity, obscured by fear and ignorance, is a beacon calling us to awaken to our true nature.

One of Giordano Bruno’s pivotal declarations was: "Man has no limits, and when one day he realizes it, he will be free even in this world." This assertion encapsulates his vision of human potential—an infinite capacity for growth, creativity, and transcendence. It challenges us to see beyond the constraints of material existence and recognize the boundless power within. Such realization, Bruno believed, would lead to liberation from the illusions of fear and separation, typical of the corruptible earthly dimension.

Moreover, Bruno proclaimed: "The Being does not fear death, because it knows well that it does not exist." These words speak to the eternal nature of our essence. Death, as perceived in the physical realm, is but a transition, a shedding of the transient form to embrace the infinite. This perspective reframes suffering and mortality as steps in a grand journey toward unity with the Divine.

His notion that we choose our earthly existence, veiled by the amnesia of incarnation, suggests a deeper purpose behind life’s trials. As the philosopher asserted, suffering is not an arbitrary affliction but a catalyst for growth. The fire that consumed his physical body was, in his words, a "baptism of fire," a purification leading to greater understanding and alignment with the Divine. Such perspectives invite us to reconsider our hardships, not as punishments but as opportunities to reconnect with the Infinite.

Throughout history, enlightened figures, like Socrates, Leonardo, and countless unnamed souls, have sown seeds of Wisdom and Transformation. Their message is clear: the journey toward Truth requires creating a Union among all inhabitants of Earth, as One Big Terrestrial Family, by embracing Virtues like Love, Peace, Order, Righteousness, and Justice. This Unity, guided by the Divine Messengers—Angels and Saints who bask in higher Beatitudes—prepares us for a Universal Alliance with all beings of the Cosmos. However, above all entities, the Union with God remains paramount.

Therefore, Giordano Bruno’s final conversation with Sagredo, as recounted in Giuliana Conforto’s La Futura Scienza di Giordano Bruno e la Nascita dell’Uomo Nuovo (The Future Science of Giordano Bruno and the Birth of the New Man), highlights his unwavering faith in a new dawn for humanity. "One day," the philosopher said, "humanity will awaken from oblivion and finally understand who it truly is and to whom it has surrendered the reins of its existence—a fallacious, deceptive mind that enslaves and blinds them." These words challenge us to confront the illusions of power and control that dominate human society and to reclaim our Divine Heritage.

Bruno’s vision extends beyond personal awakening to encompass the entirety of creation. "We are children of the one true sun that illuminates all worlds," he proclaimed, reminding us of our interconnectedness with the Cosmos. His martyrdom, embraced with full consciousness, was not an end but a seed planted in the soil of history. "Even those who perpetrate injustice," he said, "are part of the One. My death will serve to reveal the true power, occult and hidden behind all institutions and powers of this world."

The ultimate revelation lies in understanding that the Divine Spark resides within each of us. This realization transcends temporal suffering and leads to a profound connection with the Eternal. To awaken to this Truth is not merely an intellectual exercise but a call to action. It demands that we recognize the illusions of fear and separation and we fulfill the purpose of existence: to illuminate the infinite and to stand united as reflections of the one True Source.

The journey is arduous, but the reward is unparalleled. By awakening the Divine Spark within, we reclaim our birthright and pave the way for a New Era of Peace, of Universal Harmony. In this realization, the words of Giordano Bruno echo through time, urging us to rise beyond illusion and embrace our infinite potential toward the Divine Truth.

 

 

References:

Conforto, Giuliana. La Futura Scienza di Giordano Bruno e la Nascita dell’Uomo Nuovo (The Future Science of Giordano Bruno and the Birth of the New Man).