Franciszkańska teologia moralna (zarys problematyki)

Abstract

The paper reflects on the role of Franciscans in the development of moral theology over the ages. It shows the contribution of Franciscan writers into the development of moral theology in Poland and points to the characteristic traits of the theology they pursued. By laying the foundation for a new religious family, St. Francis of Assisi stamped it with his Christocentric experience through the evangelical life in simplicity and poverty. Franciscan referred to the figure of their founder and wrote various works on theology. They were practical in nature and addressed to the students of religious schools and served as aids in the administration of the sacrament of penance. The handbooks took on various forms in respect of the period in which they were written. Basically, their authors based themselves on the accomplishments of the philosophy of St. Bonaventura and the BI. Duns Scotus, although there were also advocates of St. Thomas and authors who sought to present a synthesis of the great masters. Franciscans did not create their own theological school, but their handbooks were different than those written by other authors. A specific characteristic of the theology pursued in Franciscan orders was its faithfulness to St. Francis’ admonition to lecture about virtues and vices, therefore the treatise on aretology was made part of the handbooks. Generally, Franciscans were probabiliorists, although there happened to be advocates of other systems among them. The most prominent Franciscan moralists are as follows: A. Reiffenstuel, B. Elbel, P Sporer, Jacob of Corella, J. A. Hirsinger, Thomas of Charmes and K. Luydl and H. Jone.