Franciscans and Creation: What Is Our Responsibility (Washington Theological Union Symposium Papers 2003, CFIT/ESC-OFN - Number 3) by Ilia Delio (2003-06-15)

The articles in this work where originally presented at a symposium sponsored byt the Franciscan Center at Washington DC. Creation is a vast and awesome mystery. From the furthest horizons of an ever-expanding universe to the organization of a single cell, every level of nature manifests intricate beauty. For Francis of Assisi, as for Bonaventure, created reality reveals God's overflowing goodness reflected in the order, beauty, and harmony of nature. In this paper we hope to catalyze further discussion and exploraton of creation as the sacrament of God. The insights of our Franciscan heritage have much to offer our planet, which is today in a perilous situation. We believe that this rich theological tradition can provide a freamework for incorporating environmental sensitivity into contemporary religious practice.