IMMAGINI TRINITARIE PRIMA DELLA TRINITÀ

Abstract

ABSTRACT – Because of the weakness of language resources it is difficult to describe God. The
only way is through similes (paradeigmata). With reference to Trinity many Christian authors
used some similes such as: sun, ray and light, source and rivers, fire and brightness. However
similes prove inadequate (παραδείγματα οὐχ ὅμοια) since they are unable to convey all features
of Trinitarian mystery.
This article explores the use of those similes in some pagan authors (like Celsus, Plotinus and
Platonic traditions, Philo of Alexandria), who influenced the Christians’ reuse.