Ratramnus

Ratramnus was a Frankish monk and theologian active in the ninth century, known for his contributions to debates on the Eucharist, predestination, and the filioque clause. He was associated with the monastery of Corbie and wrote extensively on theological topics. His most famous work, *De corpore et sanguine Domini* (On the Body and Blood of the Lord), argued against the realist view of the Eucharist proposed by Paschasius Radbertus, advocating instead for a more spiritual interpretation. This work was later misattributed to John Scotus Eriugena but gained prominence during the Protestant Reformation, influencing figures like Thomas Cranmer in their rejection of transubstantiation. Ratramnus also engaged in the predestination debate, defending double predestination against criticisms from John Scotus Eriugena. He supported Gottschalk of Orbais and wrote *De Praedestinatione Dei* (On the Predestination of God) to address the relationship between predestination and sin. Additionally, Ratramnus responded to the Photian schism by defending Western theological positions, particularly the filioque clause, in his work *Contra Graecorum Objectiones* (Against the Objections of the Greeks). He authored other notable works, including a treatise on Christ's birth, where he defended the natural humanity of Jesus, and two works on the soul, upholding Augustinian psychology. Ratramnus also addressed questions about cynocephali, arguing they were human based on their rational behavior. His writings are characterized by methodological clarity and consistency. Ratramnus’ influence extended into later centuries, with his Eucharistic work being used by Berengar of Tours in the eleventh century and becoming a key text for Protestant reformers in ...