Abstract

Kaspra Sannikova:
The Spirituality of the Blood of Christ in History and in Contemporary Theology
(FKTh 2020-3, p. 187–215)

The first part of this work outlines the contribution of the different epochs of the Veneration of the Blood of Christ, starting with the biblical-patristic period, then a reinforcement stage in the Middle Ages, followed by a period of sensitivity to atonement and co-redemption in the modern age and, finally, the recognition of the centrality of the Blood of Christ for the very core of Christian existence (19th century) and the strive towards overcoming the separation between faith and life (20th century). The second part presents two contemporary approaches to bringing the Spirituality of the Precious Blood up to date, with contrasting hermeneutics: The first suggestion (R. Schreiter, B. J. Fischer) arises from the approach taken by Liberation Theology; the second (W. Wermter) - with its vision of the „mystical-universal presence“ of the Blood of the Redeemer in the world - points us towards an important, new horizon for this particular kind of spirituality.