Franciscans

Definition

The Franciscans are a religious order founded by St. Francis of Assisi in the early 13th century, characterized by their commitment to a life of poverty, humility, and service to the poor. They played a vital role in the development of monasticism during the Middle Ages and significantly influenced the rise of universities and scholastic thought by promoting education and theological discourse.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Franciscans were officially recognized by Pope Innocent III in 1209, which allowed them to spread rapidly across Europe.
2. They emphasized a lifestyle of simplicity and served as itinerant preachers, making theological teachings accessible to all classes of society.
3. Franciscans contributed to the establishment of many universities throughout Europe, advocating for education and theological study.
4. Their focus on natural theology led to an appreciation for the natural world, influencing art and literature during the Middle Ages.
5. The order eventually split into several branches, including the Conventuals and the Capuchins, each adapting Franciscan ideals in different ways.

Review Questions

• How did the Franciscans influence the structure and culture of medieval universities?
  • The Franciscans played a significant role in shaping medieval universities by advocating for education that combined faith with reason. Their commitment to studying theology and philosophy contributed to a rich academic environment that emphasized dialectical reasoning. By establishing schools and encouraging scholarship among their members, they helped lay the groundwork for scholasticism and made higher education more accessible to a broader audience.
• Discuss the impact of St. Francis of Assisi's teachings on the Franciscan order's mission and how it differed from other monastic orders.
  • St. Francis of Assisi's teachings emphasized radical poverty, humility, and a deep connection to nature, which profoundly shaped the mission of the Franciscan order. Unlike other monastic orders that focused on contemplative lives within cloisters, Franciscans were active in society as itinerant preachers. They sought to serve the poor and marginalized directly, promoting social justice and compassion in contrast to the more ascetic practices seen in some other orders.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Franciscan philosophy on Western thought and society during and after the Middle Ages.
  • Franciscan philosophy had lasting effects on Western thought by introducing a harmonious relationship between faith and reason, influencing both theology and philosophy well beyond the Middle Ages. Their emphasis on caring for creation helped shape environmental ethics in later centuries. Furthermore, as they encouraged lay participation in spirituality and education, they laid important groundwork for movements that would emerge during the Renaissance, impacting art, science, and humanist thought.

Related terms

St. Francis of Assisi: The founder of the Franciscan order, known for his love of nature, commitment to poverty, and dedication to serving the marginalized.

Poor Clares: A monastic order for women founded by St. Clare of Assisi, closely associated with the Franciscans and sharing their ideals of poverty and community living.

Scholasticism: A method of critical thought that dominated teaching by the academics (scholastics) of medieval universities, blending faith with reason and emphasizing dialectical reasoning.