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Document Details :

Title: Franciscan Obedience
Subtitle: Fraternity and Virtue in Thirteenth-Century Literature and Instruction
Author(s): PANSTERS, Krijn
Journal: Studies in Spirituality
Volume: 22    Date: 2012   
Pages: 149-174
DOI: 10.2143/SIS.22.0.2182851

Abstract :
This article provides an in-depth and systematic analysis of the essential virtue of obedience according to the works of three major Franciscan authors: Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan order; Bonaventure of Bagnoregio, the order’s foremost theologian and religious writer from the thirteenth century, as well as its most prominent minister general; and David of Augsburg, a novice master and author of one of the most influential religious instruction manuals within the Franciscan order. The article offers a historical and source-based treatment of early Franciscan virtue discourse, by answering the following questions: How do the authors define, describe, and prescribe this virtue necessary for the life in the footsteps of Jesus Christ? How is the virtue acquired, kept, or lost? And how do the practice, development, and application of obedience shape ‘perfect’ individuals as well as the ‘good’ of the community?

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