La silenziosa difesa di Karl Adam: significato e censura de L'Essenza del cattolicesimo in Italia

This essay retraces the editorial process and censorship of The Spirit of Catholicism, a Karl Adam’s study appeared in Germany in 1924. The book was part of a rediscovery of mysticism and community dimension of the Church during the years between the two world wars, affecting ecclesiology and theology of the laity. “Morcelliana” translated the volume in 1929, arousing discontent in Vatican circles and the intervention of the Holy Office. The research reconstructs the doctrinal revision carried out by Adriano Bernareggi and Carlo Figini, following the request of Mario Bendiscioli, curator of the Italian edition. In particular, behind this work, the essay highlights the presence of a larger project, which aimed to protect the theological space opened by the German christology and by the studies of Adam published after The Spirit of Catholicism, especially Christ our brother and Jesus Christ.