The Theology of History in Saint Bonaventure

Drawing extensively on Joseph Ratzinger's study of Bonaventure, this article presents the Franciscan doctor's dynamic theology of history and revelation. It explains how, for Bonaventure, Scripture and revelation are not static but contain 'seeds of meaning' that germinate through history under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and how Bonaventure's Christocentric vision places Christ at the center rather than the end of time, correcting Joachim de Flore's more deterministic scheme of ages. The paper explores Bonaventure's notion of contemplation, the Expressio-Impressio dynamic exemplified in Francis' stigmata, and the fourfold degrees of wisdom culminating in mystical, 'formless' knowledge, illustrating these ideas with the author's own pastoral experience of encountering peace amid suffering in a poor Brazilian community.