Truth and Reality: The Wisdom of St Bonaventure

The Collations on the Hexaëmeron is a significant text of medieval theology, composed of lectures given by St Bonaventure in Paris in 1273. It is a thorough study and exposition of the last work for which he was responsible before his death in 1274. The text has been well translated and edited, and its significance for theology and prayer in the life of the Church today is examined.

Format: Hardback
Length: 267 pages
Publication date: 28 January 2021
Publisher: James Clarke & Co Ltd

This is a comprehensive and detailed examination of St. Bonaventure's final work before his passing in 1274. The Collations on the Hexaëmeron, also known as The Illuminations of the Church, consists of lectures that he delivered in Paris in 1273 to Franciscan and other students and masters at the university there. These lectures were recorded by two independent witnesses, and one version, the definitive one, was prepared for publication and approved by Bonaventure. This is one of the most fascinating, original, and significant texts of medieval theology, and it has been excellently translated and edited in a new edition. The purpose of this study is to examine the precise context for the approach that Bonaventure took in presenting this work as the culmination of his spiritual theology. Additionally, it aims to provide the reader with a clear and concise summary of the contents of the text, highlighting their significance for theology and prayer in the life of the Church today.

St. Bonaventure's Collations on the Hexaëmeron is a profound and influential work of medieval theology. It consists of a series of lectures delivered in Paris in 1273 to Franciscan and other students and masters at the university there. These lectures were recorded by two independent witnesses, and one version, the definitive one, was prepared for publication and approved by Bonaventure. The Collations are a rich source of theological insights and spiritual wisdom, and they have been widely translated and studied over the centuries.

The purpose of this study is to examine the precise context for the approach that Bonaventure took in presenting the Collations as the culmination of his spiritual theology. We will also explore the significance of the Collations for theology and prayer in the life of the Church today.

One of the key themes of the Collations is the relationship between faith and reason. Bonaventure argues that faith and reason are not opposed to each other but rather complementary to each other. He believes that faith is the foundation of our spiritual life, while reason is the tool that helps us to understand the teachings of the Church and to apply them to our lives.

Bonaventure also emphasizes the importance of the spiritual life in the life of the Church. He believes that the spiritual life is not just a matter of personal devotion but is also a matter of communal worship and service to others. He encourages the Franciscan community to live a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and to serve the poor and marginalized members of society.

The Collations also contain a number of important teachings on the nature of God, the soul, and the human person. Bonaventure argues that God is a Trinity of Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He also teaches that the soul is the essence of the human person, and that it is immortal and will live forever.

In conclusion, St. Bonaventure's Collations on the Hexaëmeron is a profound and influential work of medieval theology. It provides a rich source of theological insights and spiritual wisdom, and it has been widely translated and studied over the centuries. The Collations are a testament to the depth of Bonaventure's spiritual understanding and his commitment to the life of the Church. They continue to be a source of inspiration and guidance for Catholics and other Christians today.

Weight: 556g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780227177327