Pope Gregory IX framed Franciscan missions as fulfilling end-times prophecy of universal conversion
Evidence
These missions were from the outset seen as playing a key role in the scenario of the final days. One of the traditional signs of the end of the world was the preaching of the Word of God to all non-Christians, unto the ends of the earth; this would result in the massive conversion of pagans, and then Jews, to Christianity. In 1239 Gregory IX issued the bull Cum hora undecima, which underlined the apocalyptic importance of the Franciscan mission: Since the eleventh hour has come in the day given to mankind . — John V. Tolan, Saracens, 1128 (
#corroborates, via linked claim)
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. — John V. Tolan, Saracens, 1109 (
#complicates, via linked claim)
The “Franciscan School” stressed a radical difference between “the God of philosophers” and “the God of Christianity”. In the neo-scholastic tradition, belief was systematized and rational. It became a doctrine against the ideologies of the time: modernism, liberalism and socialism. In the Franciscan tradition, belief remained an act and way of life. Belief was more spiritual, affective and active (Van Dam 2006: 174). — Frans Dokman, Beyond Bantu Philosophy_…, 83 (
#complicates, via linked claim)
Categorization
- XREF: connects to: Franciscan missions were framed as eschatological preconditions for the end times. — John V. Tolan, Saracens, 1128; Franciscan mission to Muslims prioritized seeking martyrdom over conversion — John V. Tolan, Saracens, 1109; Christian missions beyond Islam were framed as end-times prophecy fulfillment (+3 more)
Broader Connections
- Franciscan missions were framed as eschatological preconditions for the end times.
#corroborates(0.95) — John V. Tolan, Saracens, 1128 - Franciscan mission to Muslims prioritized seeking martyrdom over conversion
#complicates(0.85) — John V. Tolan, Saracens, 1109 - Franciscan theology opposed rational systematic belief with affective lived faith
#complicates(0.75) — Frans Dokman, Beyond Bantu Philosophy_…, 83 - Franciscan mission to Muslims prized martyrdom above actual conversion.
#complicates(0.70) — John V. Tolan, Saracens, 1109 - Critics saw Franciscan missions as suicidal martyrdom-seeking rather than preaching
#complicates(0.70)