Franciscan mission to Muslims prized martyrdom above actual conversion.

Evidence

Mission to the Saracens, for the Franciscans, was part of the vita apostolica, serving to bring the friars to glorious martyrdom and, incidentally, to convert unbelievers. Such mission is encouraged by the earliest extant version (1221) of the Rule of the Friars Minor, the so-called Regula non bullata (or Regula prima). This rule is more than a simple legal document; “it is a description of a concrete way of living the Gospel”—in other words, a sort of handbook to living the apostolic life. The rule enjoins mission, characteristically, with the very words Jesus (according to the Gospel of Matthew) sent the apostles to preach the word: “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Brothers who are inspired to go on mission should seek the permission of their superiors, who in turn should not refuse them unless they are unfit to go. The rule specifies that there are two ways to live among the Saracens: either humbly, avoiding dispute and confessing to be Christians, or boldly preaching the Word in hopes of converting them. — John V. Tolan, Saracens, 1109

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to the earlier chapter on Córdoba martyrs (Chapter on ninth-century voluntary martyrdom), and to the reader’s interest in ‘small acts of decorum’ and sacrifice themes.