Franciscans and the Scriptures: Living in the Word of God: Washington Theological Union Symposium Papers, 2005

Francis of Assisi was able to bridge the gap that had developed between the Church and the many popular approaches to being poor disciples, who often became separated from the Church. By bridging that gap, and by remaining rooted in the Gospel, Francis articulated the foundations for reform in the Church. His life was evanagelical, Catholic and reforming.

For those of us who are Christian, the Word of God is a primary experience of the Divine. It is more than a mere carrier of ideas framed in concise propositions. It is, as much Scriptural scholarship maintains today, a life-changing, transformative encounter with the Father, Christ the Anointed One and the life-giving Spirit. It is an invitation into the life of the Spirit and an affirmation of each person's human destiny. The contribution of careful biblical scholarship to the Franciscan Movement yields a rich harvest of insight and depth. This present volume by four noted Franciscan scholars provides a valuable step forward in our Christian journey.

In 2001, the English Speaking Conference of the Order of Friars Minor (ESC), in collaboration with Franciscan theological schools of the English-speaking world, committed itself to promoting the renewal of Franciscan theological and intellectual formation among the members of the Franciscan family. This promotion has a twofold purpose: to help members understand the beauty and wealth of the Franciscan intellectual tradition and to extend to the whole Franciscan family and to society the intellectual heritage of the Franciscan school so that it can support effective evangelization. This series of publications aims to carry forward this purpose. It is hoped that, with hope, joy and enthusiasm, Franciscans can once again look at their intellectual history, make it part of their lives and prepare to become better proclaimers of the Word to the world.