Illness and Authority: Disability in the Life and Lives of Francis of Assisi

Illness and Authority explores the lived experience and early stories about St. Francis of Assisi through the lens of disability studies, highlighting how his illnesses and infirmities became barriers to wielding traditional modes of masculine authority.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 03 November 2020
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

Illness and Authority: Examining the Lived Experience and Early Stories of St. Francis of Assisi through the Lens of Disability Studies

In his groundbreaking work, "Illness and Authority," author John W. Rafferty delves into the lived experience and early stories of St. Francis of Assisi through the lens of disability studies. This innovative approach seeks to re-center Francis' illnesses and infirmities, highlighting how they became significant barriers to wielding traditional modes of masculine authority within both the Franciscan Order he founded and the church hierarchy. The concerns of the Franciscan leadership were so profound that the future saint was compelled to seek medical treatment, leading to him spending the last two years of his life in the constant care of doctors. Unlike other studies that focus solely on Francis' spiritual authority, "Illness and Authority" emphasizes the impact of his illnesses on his autonomy and secular power. Rafferty challenges the notion of downplaying the comfort Francis received from music or omitting doctors from the narratives of his life, as early biographers often attempted to minimize the realities of his infirmities. When faced with the challenge of portraying a figure whose life deviated from the traditional rhythms of a founder saint, these authors resorted to various strategies. They sought to present Francis' experiences as teachable moments, demonstrating his saintly and steadfast devotion and his unwavering trust in God. By exploring the struggles that early authors of Francis' vitae experienced, Rafferty sheds light on the complexities and challenges they faced in trying to make sense of a figure whose life defied conventional expectations. Through his meticulous research and insightful analysis, Rafferty provides a fresh perspective on St. Francis, challenging our understanding of him as a religious leader and highlighting the importance of recognizing the intersection of disability and religious identity in the medieval world.

Weight: 580g
Dimension: 160 x 238 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487507411