St Francis of Assisi and Nature by Roger D Sorrell

St Francis of Assisi and Nature by Roger D Sorrell

This book examines one aspect of the life and thought of Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan monastic order. Contemporary interest in Francis has focused on his attitude toward nature. Sorrell argues persuasively that Francis' ideas can only be properly understood in their thirteenth-century context. Through close analysis of Francis' writings, Sorrell shows that many of Francis' beliefs concerning the proper relation of man to the natural world have their antecedents in scripture and in the medieval monastic tradition. Other Franciscan ideas and practices, however, appear entirely original; his nature mysticism, his concept of familial relationships with created things, his extension of Christian almsgiving to creatures. Sorrell insists, however, that only by seeing Francis in terms of the Western traditions in which he arose can we appreciate the true originality of this extraordinary figure, and the relevance of his thought to modern environmental concerns.

'Sorrell is a professional historian, who brings a fund of learning and insight and common-sense, as well as a strong commitment to an inspiring theme, to a well-worn pathThe result is a fresh appraisal of the evidence ... helpful, thoughtful, sensitive study.' Rosalind B. Brooke, Clare Hall, Cambridge, Journal of Ecclesiastical History

Independent scholar (Ph.D. Cornell University)

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780195053227
ISBN 10	0195053222
Title	St Francis of Assisi and Nature
Author	Roger D Sorrell
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Hardback
Publisher	Oxford University Press
Year published	1989-04-06
Number of pages	236
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.