Kolejna książka o. Dariusza Wiśniewskiego, czyli kilka uwag na temat publikacji Franciszkanie i islam w XIII wieku, Poznań 2020, ss. 243

Abstract

Next book by fr. Dariusz Wiśniewski, that is some comments on publication of Franciszkanie i islam w XIII wieku (en. Franciscans and Islam in the 13th Century), Poznań 2020, s. 243 Fr. Dariusz Wiśniewski devoted his next book to the complicated and still relevant problem of the inter-religious relations between Latin Christians and Muslims. This time he has focused on the activity of St. Francis and the Order of Friars Minor during the 13th century. In those days, the Latin Christians were involved in the Crusades, missions and diplomatic affairs in Iberia, North Africa and the Holy Land. St. Francis and the Franciscans were among the loyal supporters of the papacy. At some point they had created their own policy towards Muslims as well. The author of the book brought the opinion that St. Francis and his disciples were fanatic pacifists in question. He proved that both the authorities and the members of the Order accepted the Crusades and missions as a different, but still acceptable way leading to the conversion of Muslims as the idea of preaching the Gospel of Christ to all the people in the world was one of the most important tasks of the Order. One may criticise some of the author’s decisions regarding the structure of the book and question some of his opinions that were not proved sufficiently. Fr. Dariusz Wiśniewski’s book is nevertheless both interesting and inspiring as it proves that there are several serious problems to be discussed and solved regarding this particular topic.