Kontakt

Karlheinz Schaper
Wormser Str. 26
42119 Wuppertal, DE
+49 202 4968695

[email protected]

Virtus, Vita, Votum: Minorite Conceptions of Obedience from Francis to Bonaventure

Bearbeiter:
Nicholas W. Youmans		 FOVOG-Dresden
Wormser Str. 26
D - 01062 Dresden
Kontakt: nicholas.youmans(at)mailbox.tu-dresden.de
The current dissertation purports a diachronic approach to conceptions of obedience in early Minorite literature in pursuance of developments in the order´s theology and self-conception. Previous studies, predominantly theological in nature, have discussed obedience as a principle of spiritual progress in the early Minorite movement. Other studies, often with a historical perspective, have considered the phenomenon of obedience in its broader significance as a category for interpreting Francis of Assisi´s legacy and God´s will for the order at large. The current project seeks to both build on earlier studies while additionally combining the two spheres of analysis into a dynamic, hybrid approach to the sources. A threefold division fosters such an approach.
Firstly, a section surveying the pre-Franciscan conceptions of obedience shall examine the manifold expressions of monastic obedience and charismatic authority in prior centuries and in the period leading up to that of Francis. Subsequentially, the project shall delineate and clarify the model of obedience proposed in the writings of Francis in its complex entirety, thereby evidencing any problematic notions, contradictions, or progressions in thought. A third section shall investigate the two above-mentioned levels of obedience during the chief phase of institutionalisation, that is from the time of Francis until the end of Bonaventure´s generalate. One shall consider, on one level, the variety of attempts in intellectual, instructional, and institutional literature within the Minorite order to accomodate, transform, and omit elements of Francis´ vision while at once introducing other concepts into a theological tapestry, and on another level, the ways in which Francis´ charismatic authority was evoked or curtailed.

A useful (begriffsanalytisch) hermeneutical principle shall aid in analysing models of obedience. One can consider obedience from two fundamental standpoints, one objective, the other subjective. The objective dimension of obedience corresponds essentially to two questions, “obedientia erga quem? ” and “unde et quo obedientia? ” Analysis thus ensues regarding concepts of authority and legitimization of obedience to such authority and of obedience in terms of origin, which mainly concerns efficient cause, and prospective end or goal. The subjective dimension in turn corresponds also to two questions: “cur obedire (vel non)? ” and “quomodo imperare? ” The questions illicited by the subjective dimension consider the role of proper motivation in obeying, the role of dissent in disobeying, and models of leadership.

http://www.fovog.de/gradoboedientiadt.html