Lawrence S. Cunningham is John A. O'Brien Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame.
America
"Lawrence S. Cunningham's small study of St. Francis demonstrates
the value of sound critical judgment and solid theology for
grounding healthy devotion to the saints and deepening the faith in
the Christian realities to which they dedicated themselves. . .
Cunningham's solid historical scholarship is omnipresent, although
it is so smoothly and thoroughly integrated that the work is in no
way pedantic, nor is there any trace of jargon or obfuscation."
First Things
"An engaging and informative contribution to the vast literature on
the man commonly described as, next to the Virgin Mother, the most
popular of saints. Among the merits of this little book is
Cunningham's guide to that literature and his description of the
frequently conflicting reasons through history for the celebration
of Francis." Catholic Historical Review
"A stimulating account of one of the most attractive figures in the
history of Christendom. . . This study is one of the best and most
perceptive portraits of the saint in recent years." Wayne
Hellmann
"Lawrence Cunningham's years of reflection on the sources of and
about St. Francis of Assisi open new doors for understanding his
spiritual significance. This book approaches Francis in the context
of the Catholic reform tradition that he inherited and embraced.
Cunningham demonstrates that this tradition is key to understanding
Francis's originality -- a trait that continues to affirm Christian
identity and provokes all toward the solidarity that God intended."
Bernard McGinn
"Among the scores of books devoted to Francis of Assisi, Lawrence
Cunningham's stands out for its balance and insight. This
beautifully written volume argues for a view of Francis as a
spiritual classic, a devoted follower of Christ whose greatest joy
was performing the gospel through a life of voluntary poverty and
service to the poor. Francis of Assisi: Performing the Gospel is a
gem. " Cistercian Studies Quarterly
"This beautifully produced and beautifully written book by a
well-known scholar and frequent write on Franciscan spirituality
argues against the entirely too familiar sentimental image of
Francis that is coterminous with what the author calls
'spirituality lite'? a spirituality disengaged from religion that
comforts its practitioners rather than challenging them."
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