Poverty and Joy: The Franciscan Tradition (Traditions of Christian Spirituality.) [Paperback]

William J. Short (Author)

Book Description

Series: Traditions of Christian Spirituality | Publication Date: August 1, 1999

The Franciscan tradition is as appealing a way of life today as it has been for centuries. William Short focuses first on the importance of the order's founders, Saint Francis and Saint Clare of Assisi, offering an historical introduction. He then reflects on key themes: the Incarnation, poverty as a way to God, suffering and healing, and creation--humanity and nature in harmony. He introduces as well key figures in the Order: Bonaventure Angela of Foligno, and John Duns Scotus, who have helped shape the Franciscan vision and brought it to life through the ages.

"Written in lucid prose [this book] rings with Franciscan passion. Highly recommended."--Lawrence S. Cunningham, University of Notre Dame

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

William J. Short, OFM, is Dean of the Franciscan School of Theology, Berkeley, California. He is author of The Franciscans (The Liturgical Press).

Product Details

• Paperback: 143 pages
• Publisher: Orbis Books; First Edition edition (August 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570752958
• ISBN-13: 978-1570752957
• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 0.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #660,025 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Earthy and illuminating!, October 30, 2006

By 

Linda Conroy (North Yorkshire, Enlgand) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Poverty and Joy: The Franciscan Tradition (Traditions of Christian Spirituality.) (Paperback)

This book is written with such clarity and life giving energy that one is left with a wonderful sense of understanding some key aspects of the Franciscan Tradition such as Franciscan poverty and the "Humility of the Incarnation. I do ecumenical retreat work and am a spiritual director. I recommend this book to anyone who expresses some interest in knowing more about Francis and Clare and the early beginnings of the Franciscans. I am organizing an ecumenical trip to Assisi this summer and encouraging people to consider reading this book before they go on pilgrimage.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Modern Fransiscans, July 20, 2005

By 

Raymond J. Gurney "FCM Minister" (Milwaukee, WI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Poverty and Joy: The Franciscan Tradition (Traditions of Christian Spirituality.) (Paperback)

Easily and quickly readable with some interesting meat in each chapter. Does not dwell much on "mythology of the saints" as does some older books on the Fransiscan movement. Adds some interesting historical sources for Fransiscan theology such as John Duns Scotus.