Francis of Assisi, frequently referred to as a vernacular theologian, was at the center of that perfect storm known as the Franciscan Movement. While the Order's roots are unmistakeably lay, it quickly became established as a clerical organ of the thirteenth century Roman Catholic Church. As such, it was often at the forefront of theological and philosophical debate affecting every aspect of the faith life that time. Leaders from within the Order rose up to guide the development of those discussions and to safeguard the orthodoxy of the faithful. Names like Anthony of Padua, Alexander of Hales, Bonaventure of Bagnoregio, John Duns Scoutus, Peter John Olivi and William of Ockham - to mention just a few- still entice us into that world of subtlety and complexity which was Medieval Scholasticism.Scholars, both within the Family and without, search the teachings and writings of these medieval giants for insights that can be applied to contemporary challenges of moral decision-making and the relevance of these thirteenth and fourteenth century Franciscans to today's world and today's Church.In 2001, the English Speaking Conference of the orders of Friars Minor (ESC), in collaboration with Franciscan theological schools of the English-speaking world, committed itself to promoting the renewal of Franciscan theological and intellectual formation among the members of the Franciscan family. This promotion as a twofold purpose: to help members understand the beauty and wealth of the Franciscan intellectual tradition and to extend to the whole Franciscan family and to society the intellectual heritage of the Franciscan school so that it can support effective evangelization. This series of publications aims to carry forward this purpose. It is hoped that, with hope, joy and enthusiasm, Franciscans can once again look at their intellectual history, make it part of their lives, and prepare to become better proclaimers of the Word to the world.
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