The purpose of this book is to present some general and major themes of the theological formulation of the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition as these themes intersect with contemporary perspectives. It provides a fine starting point for further reflection and a solid foundation for future expositions in this series. It is meant to help readers plumb the spiritual depths of our Franciscan inheritance and challenges readers to express these theological themes in preaching, in pastoral practice, in the works of evangelization and in the formative experiences of friars, sisters and the laity.