Book Description

“Simply Bonaventure may very well become the standard English introduction to Bonaventure’s thought for college and graduate school teachers and students.” Joseph P. Chinnici, OFM Professor of Church History Franciscan School of Theology Graduate Theological Union Berkeley, California. Simply Bonaventure provides an introduction to the life, thought and writings of the medieval Franciscan, Bonaventure of Bagnoregio. The majority of the work is devoted to Bonaventure’s theology, which is summarized according to his own metaphysical scheme of origin (God), purpose (creation), and destiny (goal of creation). His trinitarian, Christocentric theology is highly relevant to a global world and to the postmodern Christian experience. Sr. Delio’s work is the first to provide a comprehensive view of Bonaventure’s theology, together with an introduction to his life and writings, and to place his theology in dialogue with contemporary human experience. “With this book Ilia Delio has provided a long needed introduction to Bonaventure’s thought. But she has done more than merely open the door to Bonaventure’s world. Because of the depth of her own mature scholarly and spiritual insight, her book can enrich not only beginners but seasoned Bonaventure scholars as well.” Ewert Cousins Editor and Translator of the Bonaventure volume in The Classics of Western Spirituality “Ilia Delio's work combines the adroit use of primary sources, the best of critical commentaries on Bonaventure's thought, and contemporary questions to take the reader on an exciting journey into the heart of one of the medieval period's most dynamic Franciscan thinkers.” Joseph P. Chinnici, O.F.M. “This fine book is deeply rooted in the very best scholarship yet presented in a gentle spirit and un-intimidating style. Those who study it carefully will gain not only a renewed appreciation of a truly great theologian and saint, but also an admiration for the loving way in which Delio has treated his spiritual vision. I strongly recommend this work to anyone interested in the very best spiritual writing.” John F. Haught Professor of Theology Georgetown University