History is not an easy realm of culture to communicate with
the written word. Facts are one thing, but being able to transport the reader
into the chronological story is something completely different. Perhaps this is
why so many claim to dislike history: They fail to see history as “story”. In
essence, history is simply telling the story of what has been, and in ancient times
was meant to capture the imagination and enable the reader to travel with the
story teller into a place and time of which they were never actually part. The
reader becomes part of history and the story becomes part of them. In fact, one
could dare say that a true historian is not merely a collaborator of facts, but
a teller of stories. This is what author John Sweeney has accomplished with his
most recent work, When Saint Francis Saved the Church: How a Converted Medieval Troubadour Created a Spiritual Vision for the Ages.
“I don’t read many books about history,” a friend of Sweeney
tells him as they discuss his new book over breakfast. “It isn’t a ‘history’,”
was his reply, and so the book begins. This is not a book of history. It is a
story whose seeds were planted many hundred years in the past; in a time that
was very different, but also so similar that it could have been written on
events that have only just transpired. This is what makes this book so
accessible. Sweeney writes in a way that brings the history of Francis of
Assisi, not only to life, but to reality.
The author tells the story of Francis in such a way that
captures the reader’s interest and communicates how his life, teaching and
ministry are just as relevant today as they were over 800 years ago; possibly
even more so. In a personal manner, Sweeney takes us on a journey, not so much
by vehicle of history, but conversation. The reader will feel as if they are
sitting across the table from the author in a favorite coffee shop, listening
intently to a story that they want to be a part of. In light of the popularity
of the Catholic Church’s newly elected Pontiff, Pope Francis, and his
refreshingly simplistic and holistic approach to the Gospel, the understanding
of Saint Francis’ impact on the Church is even more significant for us today.
In fact, one might say that this impact is being felt even more in our time
than it was when Francis walked the earth.
Sweeney has created a very accessible and understandable
book in the structure in which he has chosen to present it. In three parts, he tells
the story of Francis in a realistic and demythologized manner.
Part One: A New Look
at Francis
In order to clear the air, Sweeney immediately puts to rest
some of the myths and misconceptions about Francis and reveals who he really
was. It is much easier to relate to a man than a statue, and it is quite
possible that this is the point at which the myths began. There is no real
commitment to be made in following a fantasy. But to learn and follow the
actions of a man is something that requires more than sentimentality.
So why is the life of a man living on the cusp of a world
transitioning to modernity so significant to a culture awakening to the
postmodern? Even more specifically, how is this particular segment of “Church”
history important to the active work of Christ and a Church that seems to be
evolving each day? In a powerful way, Sweeney reveals the deep significance of Francis’
life in the strikingly similar aspects of faith and the critical issues that he
confronted within the Church and culture. It is one thing to see a historical
figure’s impact on the past, but it is quite another to see that impact being
made manifest in the present. The author makes this clear by immediately
connecting Francis’ vision for 13th century Christianity with ours
in the 21st. What the reader will realize is that the reality of his
life and vision for the Church are just as relevant today as they were in his
time. The very same problems that Francis confronted are many of the same
problems that the postmodern Church faces today.
Part Two: Six Way
Francis Quietly Created a Spiritual Vision for the Ages
Building on the deconstruction of some of the myths of St.
Francis, Sweeney elaborates by focusing on his humanity. The reader will become
familiar with Francis’ high regard for friendship and his all-inclusive
holistic view of embracing all of humanity as a gift from God. Even before his
conversion to Christianity, Francis had a love for others; a love that
eventually found its roots in a friendship with God. Francis’ life was
intertwined with friendships and this extended to all aspects of his life,
faith and view of the natural world. The author elaborately describes how
Francis not only embraced the familiar, but challenged his followers to also
the reach out to the “others” of life, the marginalized within society and even
the non-believers; most significantly Muslims.
Sweeney also illustrates how Francis’ spiritual vision embraced
poverty and living a life that was radically different to the religious leaders
of his time. These were the same religious leaders that he insisted did not
have a special divine link to the spiritual, but that all people had access to
a deeper and more fulfilling spiritual life. The practices of the spiritual
were not religious mandates that only pious clergy were called to, but holistic
disciplines that each human could live out.
Going further, the author touches on Francis’s natural view
of humanity’s spiritual unity with nature and all living things. Francis saw
that humanity was not only being called to love one another, but having the
natural instinct to care and love nature and the living creatures that
populated the earth. This was an active and fluid love that called for care,
not simply sentimental emotions. There was a oneness in Francis’s vision to the
created order as something to be embraced, a vision that he held to ever in the
facing of his own death. Life, death and all of creation was not inherently
evil to Francis, but a unity of life created by God in which each human is an
intricate part of.
Part Three: Why
Francis Matters Right Now
Sweeney concludes by connecting Francis’ vision for ministry
and the Church to the here and now. As he does throughout the book, he
reiterates that Francis is just as relevant for the post-modern Church as he
was in his time. The revolutionary life that he lived is being lived today because
of the spiritual simplicity of his message and his example that has transcended
time and space. Sweeney calls the readers to reflect on their own “Francis”, in
the radically unusual leadership of Pope Francis I. The author calls us to ask
the difficult and urgent questions. Is the Church facing the same state of
complacency that it faced in the time of Francis? Are we seeing the very
beginnings of reforms and deep transformations that will “save” the Church of
2015? Are Christians asking the same questions and desiring the same refreshing
wind that blew in the 13th century?
When Saint Francis
Saved the Church is a book for anyone who finds themselves trying to find
their place in the construct of the post-modern Church. Christianity faces many
struggles and complex issues; calling pastors, leaders and the countless
faithful who follow Christ to change the way we view the Church. The chaotic
world in which we live is forcing us to take a fresh look at the Gospel message
and the essential words that Christ has for the world. Francis saw and embraced
a similar chaotic world and chose to return to the simplicity of God’s message
for all of creation. Is it possible that the message has not changed, but only
being rediscovered once again?
Peace and All Good Things!
You can connect with Jon on facebook, twitter or his blog AlmostCatholic.
You can connect with Jon on facebook, twitter or his blog AlmostCatholic.
