Page Range
40-53
Keywords
Francis of Assisi, Preaching, Sermons, Bonaventure, G. K. Chesterton
Abstract
Francis of Assisi believed his mission was to preach the gospel, and his reputation shortly after his death was that of a prolific preacher. However, members of his Order eventually began to present his life differently due to controversies that developed after his death. They began to de-emphasize his preaching ministry to instead focus on his holiness, miracles, or reformed mindedness. In the twentieth century, these works served as the foundation of Francis studies, resulting in scholars neglecting his reputation as a preacher. Francis became caricatured as anti-oracular, most notably by his association with an apocryphal quote: “Preach the gospel at all times; if necessary, use words.”
Recommended Citation
Gravitt, Jackson. 2023. "Francis of Assisi: A Reputation Marred Beyond Recognition." Eleutheria: John W. Rawlings School of Divinity Academic Journal 7, (2). https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/eleu/vol7/iss2/4
Included in
European History Commons, History of Christianity Commons, History of Religion Commons, Medieval History Commons