Franciscan Spiritual and Intellectual Tradition: Alexander of Hales, OFM (c. 1185–1245)

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Alexander of Hales (c. 1185–1245) was a significant medieval theologian and philosopher, often recognized as the founder of the Franciscan school of theology. Though he was not a Franciscan at first, he joined the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans) in 1236, making him one of the first significant intellectual figures to do so. His teachings and philosophical contributions were influential in shaping the intellectual tradition of the Franciscans.

For Secular Franciscans, Alexander of Hales is important in a few ways:

1. Theological Foundation for Franciscan Spirituality:

Alexander’s work helped to integrate the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi into a broader theological framework. He emphasized the importance of poverty, humility, and following Christ, all key elements of Franciscan spirituality that are integral to Secular Franciscan formation. His theological insights can inspire Secular Franciscans to deepen their understanding of the Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis.

2. Scholasticism and Faith:

As a Scholastic, Alexander of Hales worked to reconcile faith and reason. His integration of theology with philosophical rigor highlights the Franciscan commitment to intellectual life as a way to serve God. Secular Franciscans, in their formation, can draw from his approach to see how intellectual reflection can deepen their spiritual journey, making them better equipped to engage in the world as lay people.

3. Community and Ecclesial Contribution:

Alexander’s joining of the Franciscan order while holding a significant academic position represents the harmony between the pursuit of knowledge and commitment to communal life. In Secular Franciscan formation, which involves a commitment to living in fraternity and working for the common good, Alexander’s life serves as a model for how one can contribute to the Church and society intellectually while remaining humble and grounded in community.

In the formation process of a Secular Franciscan, learning about figures like Alexander of Hales can enhance one’s appreciation of the Franciscan intellectual tradition, emphasizing the balance between action and contemplation, knowledge, and spirituality.

Source: https://www.franciscanconnections.com/blog.php?bid=141

The Summa Theologica of Alexander of Hales (also called Summa Universae Theologiae) was one of the most comprehensive and foundational theological works of the 13th century. As a prominent Scholastic theologian, Alexander was one of the first to systematize Christian theology in the manner that influenced later thinkers like Thomas Aquinas. His Summa was a key step in the development of the scholastic method and shaped Franciscan intellectual tradition.

Here’s a summary of its key features and importance:

1. Comprehensive Approach to Theology

• Structure: The Summa covers a wide range of theological topics, from the nature of God and the Trinity to creation, humanity, sin, and salvation. Like later works, it is divided into sections that follow a question-answer format, allowing for systematic exploration of complex theological issues.
• Influence: It established a model for subsequent theological work, notably inspiring Aquinas’ own Summa Theologica. Alexander’s Summa was unique because of its comprehensive nature, attempting to synthesize all theological knowledge available at the time.

2. Influence of Aristotelian Philosophy

• Integration of Philosophy: Alexander was one of the first theologians to use Aristotle’s philosophy extensively in theological discussions. This was revolutionary because it merged Greek philosophy with Christian doctrine, an approach that would later dominate Scholastic theology.
• Scholastic Method: His work exemplified the Scholastic method, which sought to reconcile faith with reason. It involved rigorous logical argumentation, making use of dialectics to address theological issues from multiple perspectives and arrive at rational conclusions.

3. Key Theological Themes

• Theology of God: Alexander extensively discusses the nature of God, emphasizing divine simplicity, the Trinity, and attributes such as omnipotence and omniscience. His work on the Trinity was influential in shaping later Scholastic treatments of this central Christian doctrine.
• Creation and the Role of Humanity: The Summa provides a detailed account of creation, asserting that God created ex nihilo (out of nothing) and governs creation with providence. Humanity’s role in creation and their relationship with God is deeply explored.
• Sin and Grace: One of the defining characteristics of Alexander’s Summa is its detailed treatment of original sin and grace. He articulated how sin distorts human nature and how divine grace is necessary for redemption and salvation.
• Christology: He made significant contributions to the theology of Christ, particularly regarding the nature of the Incarnation and the Atonement. His work paved the way for deeper exploration of the mystery of Christ as both fully divine and fully human.

4. Franciscan Emphasis on Poverty and Humility

• Franciscan Spirituality: Though a Scholastic theologian, Alexander’s work reflects the Franciscan emphasis on poverty and humility, which are central to the Franciscan way of life. He elaborates on the theological significance of these virtues, particularly in relation to Christ’s own life of poverty and humility.
• Moral Theology: Alexander’s treatment of ethics and moral theology incorporates a Franciscan concern for love, charity, and the moral life, reflecting St. Francis’ vision of the Christian life as one of humble service and love for all of creation.

5. Legacy and Influence

• Impact on Scholasticism: The Summa Theologica of Alexander of Hales laid the groundwork for the Scholastic method, and its influence was felt in the works of later thinkers such as St. Bonaventure and St. Thomas Aquinas. His blending of Aristotelian logic with Christian theology became the hallmark of Scholastic thought.
• Development of Franciscan Theology: As one of the early Franciscans, his theological system helped define the intellectual tradition of the Franciscan Order. His concern for integrating theological knowledge with lived spirituality influenced the development of Franciscan thought, particularly through thinkers like Bonaventure and Duns Scotus.

Key Contributions

• Divine Simplicity: Alexander argued that God’s attributes (such as omnipotence, omniscience) are not separate from His essence, which is simplicity itself. This was an important metaphysical point in Scholasticism.
• Illuminative Theory of Knowledge: He supported the view that human knowledge is ultimately illuminated by God, a view that had far-reaching implications for the understanding of human reason and divine truth.
• The Role of the Virtues: Alexander developed a sophisticated understanding of the virtues, grounding them in love and charity, which align closely with Franciscan values.

Practical Use in Secular Franciscan Formation

In the context of Secular Franciscan formation, Alexander of Hales’ Summa can be used to:

• Deepen Theological Understanding: His rigorous exploration of theological topics can be used to educate Secular Franciscans on core doctrines such as the Trinity, grace, and Christology.
• Intellectual Spirituality: Highlight the role of intellectual reflection as part of one’s spiritual growth, demonstrating how Scholastic theology is not separate from daily faith but enhances it.
• Emphasize Poverty and Humility: His reflection on Christ’s poverty can be linked to the formation of Secular Franciscans, encouraging them to live simply, humbly, and in solidarity with the poor.
• Ethics and Morality: Discussions around sin, grace, and virtue can provide a moral framework for Franciscans seeking to live out their faith in concrete ways.