St. Francis of Assisi, or Francis as he is also known, is considered one of the most famous saints of the Catholic Church. Its significance, however, extends far beyond the Catholic Church and finds recognition outside Christianity as well. Especially in recent times, there has been an increasing use of the founder of the order by Protestant theologians and congregations.
But is it justified to call Francis “evangelical”? Appropriating the saints? Opinions differ on this issue. Some see in its personified poverty and love of nature a connection to Protestant ideals. Others argue that the veneration and canonization of Francis is a central part of Catholic tradition and dogma and therefore lacks a purely Protestant interpretation.
In this article, a plea is made against the premature indienstnahme of the founder of the order. Both historical and theological arguments will be used to support this viewpoint. To show that the veneration and interpretation of the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi originates primarily from Catholic tradition and therefore largely contradicts a purely Protestant interpretation.
The background
Francis of Assisi is considered one of the best known and most venerated saints in the Catholic Church. However, his life and teachings have had much influence in the Protestant Church as well. In particular, his emphasis on poverty and his deep connection to nature appeal to many people who are searching for a spiritual path.
However, we should be careful not to see Francis as an “evangelical” saint To look at saints and to harness him for our own purposes. For while his teachings can certainly be relevant to Protestant believers, it is important to do them justice with his Catholic background and context as well.
It is also important to recognize that Francis was part of a society and church that was very different than the one we have today. His decision for poverty and against wealth also had political and social dimensions that cannot be so easily transferred to our society today.
Ultimately, then, we should be aware that while Francis is an important spiritual leader, he should always be considered in the context of his times. We should not refer to him hastily, but include other sources of inspiration and guidance in our faith journey.
The importance of Francis as a saint and the danger of a hasty indienstnahme
Francis of Assisi is one of the best known and most venerated saints of the Catholic Church. His radicalism in following Christ and his commitment to the poor and vulnerable have made him an icon, and his words and deeds continue to influence the practice and spirituality of many people today.
However, there is a danger in simplifying Francis as a saint and using him exclusively as a model for social justice or ecological engagement. A premature acceptance of the founder of the Order can lead to a neglect of his spiritual dimension and his theological reflection.
Therefore, it is important to consider Francis as a whole and to balance his spirituality, his theology, and his social practice in equal measure. His contemplation and mystical experience are as important as his actions and social engagement. Only in this way can St. Francis be understood in his complexity and his message adequately interpreted today.
As Christians, we should remember that the saints are not our agents, but that we can rely on them in prayer to strengthen us in our own relationship with God. A hasty simplification of the saint’s figure would only keep us from discovering and appreciating the full potential of his legacy.
- Francis of Assisi
- Spirituality
- Theology
- Social practice
- Contemplation
- Mysticism
- Worship
Plea against appropriation
The use of saints for political and religious purposes is a sad reality. In the case of Francis, the founder of the Franciscan Order, it is important not to hastily exploit his personality and history for one’s own purposes. Caution is needed, especially with regard to the question of whether he can be considered an “evangelical” saint.
It is important to consider Francis as a man of his time, who lived in a time of great social and religious change. His teachings and ideals were shaped by his personal faith and spirituality, and they should not be misused for political or religious purposes.
- It is dangerous to pigeonhole Francis and reduce his life and teachings to a single idea.
- His values and principles were complex and multi-layered.
- It is unfair and inappropriate to use Francis as a mere symbol or tool for your own purposes.
We should strive to treat Francis with respect and reverence, using his teachings and life as a source of inspiration and guidance. However, we must be careful not to use him as a propaganda tool.
Instead, we should focus on realizing his vision of a world of peace and justice. This means working for a world in which all people are respected and valued, regardless of their faith or origins.