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4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Story, Feb 15 2003
In Donald Spoto?s latest biography, we meet the fascinating and engaging character of one of the great Christian saints. Indeed, he is probably one of the most well-known saints, and the impression he made on the church is still extremely palpable. The memory of St. Francis is served well by this thoughtful but realistic biography.It is hard to know much about Francis, for so much of his story is hidden with post historical fantasy. Spoto does a good job of presenting these sources and letting the reader know what he considers reality and what he considers fiction. What we do know is that Francis was born in the town of Assisi, in present day Italy. The color and culture of the town in the area is described very well, as we can tell much from St. Francis? origins. Born to well to do parents, Francis quickly gained a reputation as a lazy playboy, living off his parent?s profits. He showed little interest in his fathers merchant business, his only real motivation was his own enjoyment. However, as he grew older, something really changed. Of course, as later observers, we can only guess at the spiritual catalyst for Francis? conversion, but the results are so very exciting. Spoto does a great job of describing this amazing change of heart, as Francis quickly leaves his comfortable lifestyle in the pursuit of ?true Christianity?. Although some of the mystical elements of Francis are stripped away, such as his alleged stigmata, Francis does emerge from this book as a very admirable person, selflessly dedicated to the health of others. His story should be inspirational to Christians and non-Christians alike. Spoto also provides an intriguing look at the religious politics of the time. While conventional Catholicism was growing in power and political influence, it was losing its connection to the laity, quickly. Many clergy members were corrupt and amoral, with little actual understanding of the gospels themselves. Rome grew more powerful under the reign of various politically astute Popes, but many, including Francis, felt the Church was losing its spiritual mission. This became even more apparent as war after war was waged against the Muslims and various native heretics. The Church was becoming just another nation state, a fate people like Francis were determined to change. Through a mix of strategy and church reluctance to crack down on such an unimposing and pious figure, Francis managed to create an extremely prevalent order that survives and thrives to this day. While it was a little too short, Spoto provides the reader with a readable and concise biography of a great man.
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