Sed Contra: A Podcast of Catholic Theology Is Ratzinger Right? Theology and History IV
Dec 1, 2025
Dr. Joey Belleza, an expert in medieval theology, and Fr. Harrison Ayre, a Catholic priest researching Ratzinger’s theology, dive deep into Pope Benedict XVI’s engagement with St. Bonaventure. They explore Ratzinger’s methodological approach and highlight how medieval revelation is viewed as an act rather than mere propositions. The duo also discusses the intricate relationship between Protestant debates and Catholic theology, while examining Bonaventure’s insights on mystical union and divine revelation. Their insightful analysis bridges historical context with modern theological questions.
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Sabbatical Finishes The Thesis
- Fr. Harrison mentions carrying the full German habilitation and finishing his thesis while on sabbatical.
- He admits relying on friends for German translation help and racing to complete his dissertation.
Medieval Answers To Modern Debates
- Ratzinger reads Bonaventure to address mid-20th-century Protestant debates (Barth, Bultmann, etc.).
- He uses medieval theology to respond to modern disputes about revelation and the analogy of being.
Four Stages Of Wisdom In Bonaventure
- Ratzinger highlights Bonaventure's four stages of wisdom where revelation transforms human knowing.
- The final mystical stage surpasses discursive reason and points to union with God.
