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Saint Francis of Assisi did not "play it safe".

Francis is one of Christianity's best know figures, often depicted as a sensitive and passive saint who communes with nature. But, Francis'  Admonitions, written toward the end of his life between 1223 and 1226 A.D., are far from passive. Join Professor Jay M. Hammond in his 9-lecture series, What Did St. Francis Teach? Interpreting the Admonitions of Francis of Assisi, as he explores and expands on the infamous Admonitions of St. Francis of Assisi. Through this course, you will come to understand Francis' life and teachings anew. You will be able to relate more than you thought possible to the context of the Admonitions as well as the teachings and meanings of St. Francis' words.

Francis wrote the Admonitions at a time of economic decline, international conflict and marginalization of powerless classless, much like the times we live in today. But instead of addressing these social issues directly, the Admonitions focus on the day-to-day relationships that form specific communities and, by extension, society more generally.

The Admonitions intricate structure, literary devices, word associations and comparative contrasts all work together as catalysts for spiritual insight into a Gospel inspired "form of life" that must be embodied by words and deeds.

In this program, Professor Hammond will show you how to explore these works with him, and for yourself.

Learn about downloadable programs.

With this order you will receive, free of charge, a detailed Electronic Study Guide. With your confirmation email, you will receive a link that will take you to this Electronic Study Guide, which includes outlines for each topic, review questions and suggested readings for further study. The link to access this Electronic Study Guide will also be included on the case of your CDs or DVDs. You are allowed to print up to 7 copies of your guide. Simply click on the link, or type it into your browser, to access the file.

About Your Presenter

Jay M. Hammond is an associate professor of historical theology at Saint Louis University. His research focuses in three related areas of Franciscan Studies: the writings of Francis of Assisi, the writings of Bonaventure, and the mural decoration of the upper church of the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi. His publications include: Studies on the Early Franciscan Sources, vol. 1: The Writings of Francis and Clare, co-edited with Michale Blastic and Wayne Hellmann (Franciscan Institute, 2011) and The Virtual Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi (Institute of Digital Theology, 2007) among many others. He frequently delivers presentations on Francis and the Basilica to both academic and non-academic audiences.

Topic Titles

• The Admonitions’ Historical and Literary Contexts
• The Spirit vs. the Flesh: Admonitions 1-4
• God’s Good Works vs. Self-Glorification: Admonitions 5-8
• Love vs. Sin: Admonitions 9-12
• The Beatitudes: Loving Neighbor and God: Admonitions 13-16
• The Self and Neighbor: Admonitions 17-20
• Giving Satisfaction vs. Expecting a Reward: Admonitions 21-24
• Honoring God and Neighbor: Admonitions 25-28
• The Admonitions as Franciscan Spiritual Exercises