Bogoslovska smotra, Vol. 92 No. 5, 2022.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.53745/bs.92.5.7
Saint Bonaventure as the Theological Inspirer for Joseph Ratzinger/Benedict XVI. Revelation, History and Eschatology
Nedjeljka Valerija Kovač
orcid.org/0000-0002-7535-1951
; Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
The article focuses on Ratzinger’s interpretation of the theological thought of Saint Bonaventure and explores the latter’s impact on Ratzinger’s theology. Three thematic circles have been identified within which the German theologian dealt with Bonaventure: the historical understanding of God’s Revelation, the theological interpretation of history, and the eschatological fulfilment in the present time. Parallel to that, the article explores how Joseph Ratzinger / Benedict XVI incorporates the insights gained from Bonaventure into his own thought about the current topics of his time. Those twofold observations are presented through the following thematic aspects. Firstly, Ratzinger’s historical and personal notion of God’s Revelation inspired by Bonaventure and in opposition to neo-scholastic theology, together with his focus on man as the addressee of God’s Revelation; proceeding from that, Ratzinger’s insistence on the understanding of Revelation within the faith of the Church and his critique of the historical-critical exegesis. Furthermore, Ratzinger’s acceptance of Bonaventure’s interpretation of Joachim of Fiore as well as his reservation about the earthly eschatological fulfilment and accordingly, Ratzinger’s criticism of the chiliastic endeavours of his time and of the excessive postconciliar enthusiasm of the Church for this world. Ratzinger contributed significantly to the contemporary deeper understanding of St. Bonaventure and showed his relevance for today’s questions of the Church and theology.
Keywords
Joseph Ratzinger; Saint Bonaventure; God’s Revelation; theology of history; Holy Scripture and tradition; Joachim of Fiore; liberation theology; Church and the world
Hrčak ID:
301115
URI
Publication date:
2.5.2023.
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