Author: Frank M. Rega Publisher: TAN Books ISBN: 161890910X Category : Religion Languages : en Pages : 174
Book Description
Describes in gripping detail St. Francis’ historic efforts to convert the Sultan of Egypt to the Catholic faith. Discusses St. Francis’ approach to ecumenism and the conversion of other religions to Catholicism. Also includes a comprehensive biography of St. Francis and his dynamic reform of the Church.
Author: John V. Tolan Publisher: OUP Oxford ISBN: 0191608181 Category : History Languages : en Pages : 400
Book Description
In September, 1219, as the armies of the Fifth Crusade besieged the Egyptian city of Damietta, Francis of Assisi went to Egypt to preach to Sultan al-Malik al-Kâmil. Although we in fact know very little about this event, this has not prevented artists and writers from the thirteenth century to the twentieth, unencumbered by mere facts, from portraying Francis alternatively as a new apostle preaching to the infidels, a scholastic theologian proving the truth of Christianity, a champion of the crusading ideal, a naive and quixotic wanderer, a crazed religious fanatic, or a medieval Gandhi preaching peace, love, and understanding. Al-Kâmil, on the other hand, is variously presented as an enlightened pagan monarch hungry for evangelical teaching, a cruel oriental despot, or a worldly libertine. Saint Francis and the Sultan takes a detailed look at these richly varied artistic responses to this brief but highly symbolic meeting. Throwing into relief the changing fears and hopes that Muslim-Christian encounters have inspired in European artists and writers in the centuries since, it gives a uniquely broad but precise vision of the evolution of Western attitudes towards Islam and the Arab world over the last eight hundred years.
Author: Paul Moses Publisher: Image ISBN: 038552370X Category : History Languages : en Pages : 322
Book Description
An intriguing examination of the extraordinary–and little known meeting between St. Francis of Assisi and Islamic leader Sultan Malik Al-Kamil that has strong resonance in today's divided world. For many of us, St. Francis of Assisi is known as a poor monk and a lover of animals. However, these images are sadly incomplete, because they ignore an equally important and more challenging aspect of his life -- his unwavering commitment to seeking peace. In The Saint and the Sultan, Paul Moses recovers Francis' s message of peace through the largely forgotten story of his daring mission to end the crusades. In 1219, as the Fifth Crusade was being fought, Francis crossed enemy lines to gain an audience with Malik al-Kamil, the Sultan of Egypt. The two talked of war and peace and faith and when Francis returned home, he proposed that his Order of the Friars Minor live peaceably among the followers of Islam–a revolutionary call at a moment when Christendom pinned its hopes for converting Muslims on the battlefield. The Saint and the Sultan captures the lives of St. Francis and Sultan al-Kamil and illuminates the political intrigue and religious fervor of their time. In the process, it reveals a startlingly timely story of interfaith conflict, war, and the search for peace. More than simply a dramatic adventure, though it does not lack for colorful saints and sinners, loyalty and betrayal, and thrilling Crusade narrative, The Saint and the Sultan brings to life an episode of deep relevance for all who seek to find peace between the West and the Islamic world. Winner of the 2010 Catholic Press Association Book Award for History
Author: Kathy Warren OSF Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers ISBN: 1725231905 Category : Religion Languages : en Pages : 152
Book Description
September 11, 2001, highlighted the urgent need for greater understanding among religious traditions. Specifically, the lack of acceptance and appreciation between Muslims and Christians was suddenly catapulted into headlines around the world. Now, in the aftermath of war in Iraq, the need for understanding and respect among religious traditions and various cultures becomes ever more important. It is my hope that this book might nurture that mutual respect that fosters peace and justice, for they are God's desire for us, and gifts that all races and religions seek.
Author: John V. Tolan Publisher: Oxford University Press ISBN: 019923972X Category : Art Languages : en Pages : 399
Book Description
In September, 1219, Francis of Assisi went to Egpyt to preach to Sultan al-Malik al-Kâmil. John Tolan examines the varying depictions of this brief but highly significant meeting and how they reveal the changing fears and hopes that Muslim-Christian encounters have inspired in European artists and writers in the centuries since.
Author: Lawrence Cunningham Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing ISBN: 9780802827623 Category : Biography & Autobiography Languages : en Pages : 174
Book Description
In this new biography of St. Francis, Cunningham follows the saint's life in chronological order, placing him within his culture, exploring official developments within the Catholic Church, and highlighting the many conversions of Francis as his life played out.
Author: Jon M. Sweeney Publisher: Ave Maria Press ISBN: 1594714878 Category : Religion Languages : en Pages : 192
Book Description
When Saint Francis Saved the Church offers a surprising new look at the world’s most popular saint, showing how this beloved, but often-mythologized character created a spiritual vision for the ages and may very well have rescued the Christian faith. In When Saint Francis Saved the Church (paperback), popular historian Jon Sweeney presents an intriguing portrait of Francis beyond the readily familiar stories and images. In the tradition of Thomas Cahill’s How the Irish Saved Civilization, Sweeney reveals how the saint became a hinge in the history of the Christian faith and shows how in just fourteen years—from 1205 to 1219—the unconventional and stumbling wisdom of a converted troubadour changed the Church. Sweeney outlines Francis’s revolutionary approach to friendship, “the other” (people at the margins), poverty, spirituality, care (for people, creatures, and the natural world), and death. This vibrant book presents the unsullied life and message of Francis in its essential details, offering a sweeping, informative, remarkable look at how Francis and his movement quite literally saved the Christian faith—and continues to offer a spiritual vision with contemporary relevance.
Author: Frank M. Rega Publisher: TAN Books ISBN: 1618901575 Category : Religion Languages : en Pages : 343
Book Description
The fascinating life story of Padre Pio, with emphasis on his life as a seminarian, young priest and his early years at San Giovanni Rotondo. From this small, remote mountain friary, he became world famous and exercised unbelievable influence on the entire world, though he was soon forbidden by his superiors to preach, to correspond or to write. Covers his early work with Mary Pyle, and with the American GIs who came to visit him during WWII when his part of Italy was liberated. Padre Pio developed a special love for America and Americans - to the point that he wished that all Americans would become his spiritual children. This book demonstrates his amazing sense of humor, his prayer and fasting, his uncanny knowledge of people (even before they visited), and his profound supernatural awareness. In sum, Padre Pio and America will instill a profound awe in readers over the impact a truly saintly priest can have on all who come into contact with him!