Saint Francis of Assisi continues to be counted among the most important personalities of history. The lif..."> Saint Francis of Assisi continues to be counted among the most important personalities of history. The lif..."/>
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Francis Of Assisi: Performing the Gospel Of Life
Drawing on peerless scholarship- Cunningham argues against common stereotypes that sentimentalize Francis as a "blesser of animals-" as a church rebel- or as the precursor of the "spirituality" movement. According to Cunningham- Francis was a devotedly orthodox Catholic whose life must be understood as a response to reforming elements abroad in the church of his day. Francis's originality derived from his success in articulating the "ideal gospel life": his message and actions were a kind of "acting out" of the scriptures. Really seeing Francis requires the lens of theology rather than the lens of quaint spirituality so often used.
In constructing his portrait of Francis- Cunningham follows the saint's life in chronological order- placing him within his culture- exploring official developments within the Catholic Church- and highlighting the many conversions of Francis as his life played out. Cunningham also reflects on the modern rediscovery of the Franciscan charism- including its relevance to contemporary Christian social action.
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