La superbia dell'angelo

Many medieval theologians have questioned the episode of the angelic rebellion, which, although not narrated in the Bible, takes on the connotations of a historical event in medieval texts. Among the many issues debated, is the discussion on the nature of the sin committed by Lucifer and his companions. The texts of three theologians are analysed here: Albertus Magnus, Bonaventure of Bagnoregio and Thomas Aquinas. If all three agree in defining the sin of the rebel angels as a sin of pride, different interpretations are given regarding the specific content of the angelic insubordination: what exactly did they want to achieve with their rebellion? If for Albertus and Bonaventure Lucifer aspired to a power equal to divine power, for Thomas the object of his desire consists in the aspiration for a beatitude achieved by his own strength alone and independently of divine grace.