The Humility of God: A Franciscan Perspective

by Ilia Delio O.S.F.

The humility of God is really about God's relationship to the world and God's fidelity to the world, even when everything in the world seems to fail.—from the Introduction

"Here as in her previous work, Sister Ilia builds on her outstanding command of the scholarship about the work of Bonaventure which has developed so remarkably in the twentieth century. Together with this she brings her personal knowledge and experience of contemporary scientific understandings of the cosmos. In a style that is preeminently readable, she offers insights into issues and problems that are widespread in the present period of Christian history. Sister Ilia has taken on these monumental issues and has opened insights, which can be helpful to many who take their Christian faith seriously."—from the Preface by Zachary Hayes, O.F.M.

The Humility of A Franciscan Perspective is the first extensive treatment of a Franciscan theology of divine humility. Through the lens of St. Bonaventure's theology, Ilia Delio searches for God today "in a fast-paced, scientific world that in many ways views God as an unnecessary hypothesis." Using Bonaventure's Christ-centered mysticism, Ilia Delio illustrates God's humility and his relationship to the world, while at the same time tackling these tough How can a God of love exist in such a time of turmoil and suffering? How can a well-educated Christian reconcile contemporary science with the central symbols of his or her faith?

Genres: Theology, Christian, Religion

192 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2005

Reviews

[Irene · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Franciscan theologian, the author uses the life of St. Francis and the writings of St. Bonaventure to argue that humility is the quality of God evident in the inner life of the Trinity, the Incarnation, the processes of the natural world, the suffering of humanity and in the mandate of Christians to divinize all of creation. Delio applies some very traditional Franciscan spiritual language to some contemporary theological notions such as Process Theology and a “Cosmic Christ”. This is a great deal of material to cover in less than 170 pages. My prior familiarity with the Franciscan theological giants made some sections, such as her exploration of the Incarnation, familiar and easy to follow. But, other elements, such as quantum mechanics or the concept of “Cosmic Christ, needed a fuller explanation. At times, it felt as if she was clinging to a handful of sufficiently vague catch phrases and repeating them chapter after chapter. This book is intended for a non-scholarly reader. Maybe I need to look at her more scholarly works in order to find the deeper clarity I desire. 3.5 stars

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delio has wrote a succinct and prayerful work detailing the Franciscan perspective towards God. I highly recommend this to anyone seeking to deepen their own faith journey.

[Virginia Aguirre · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Practicing Catholic I have had a hard time being surrounded by strongly opinionated people who want to keep the church “safe” from science and those who feel that the church is being brought down by progress. This book helped me take a deep breath and not feel alone. It gave me a sense of hope.

[Katherine Stevick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely, but I think I will need to read it again to fully get it. Some of what Sr. Ilia has to say makes me nervous and some of it seems excellently and intuitively true. All my Franciscan friends love her, but her writing can be a little abstract and dense for a layperson like me--this book is more accessible, but still somewhat challenging.

[Kelly Laughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those rare times that I look forward to reading again. Lots of food for thought regarding how religion reconciles itself with today's world, spirituality, science and our search for celebrating the God who breathes life into each of us.

[Alberto Lagomarsini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excelente exposición práctica de la Teología Franciscana. Tremendo análisis profundizando referentemente con San Buenaventura. Un libro que vale la pena leer para entender un poco más la espiritualidad de San Francisco de Asís.

[Nathan]

I read over half of it and may have just quit too soon. I do hope to finish it eventually. (2021)

[Patty Fitts · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Christian, I found this very thoughtful and helpful. I may not agree with all of it but I thought there were many good insights.

[Deb Weina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best spiritual book that I have picked up in a long time. This book helped me understand in a much clearer way, why I am Franciscan, my relationship with God, and why I can walk life in no other manner. Illia writing is clear and passionate.

[Michael]

A different view of christ, one of relational and one of reaching out in humility, deeply thought provoking

[Ephrem Arcement · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sr. Ilia goes to the heart of Christian spirituality and to the heart of God in this illuminating work which offers great wisdom for Christian seekers in the 21st century.