In between studying for his doctorate at Boston College and traveling to give lectures and retreats, Daniel Horan, OFM, has released his third publication of 2012.
“Francis of Assisi and the Future of Faith: Exploring Franciscan Spirituality and Theology in the Modern World” (Tau Publishing, 2012), is Daniel’s second book. His first book, “Dating God: Live and Love in the Way of St. Francis”(St. Anthony Messenger Press), was published earlier this year. Dan is also the author of “Franciscan Priesthood: The Possibility of Franciscan Presbyters According to the Rule and Tradition” (Koinonia Press), a booklet. The friar also has a book set for publication in 2013 with Franciscan Media.
“Francis of Assisi and the Future of Faith” was officially released in September.
“This new book… is a different kind of book from the two books published by St. Anthony Messenger Press in that it is slightly more academic, although still written in an accessible style, and it is quite a bit longer than the other two,” wrote Dan on his blog, Dating God, which he updates frequently. “’Francis of Assisi and the Future of Faith’ contains 13 essays about the Franciscan spiritual and theological tradition, including themes like Christology, spirituality in a digital age, and a Franciscan understanding of death, among others.
“What makes this book particularly exciting is the unique approach that highlights the insight of the Franciscan tradition, while exploring the ways it remains relevant to us today,” he continued.
Description
In “Francis of Assisi and the Future of Faith,” Dan strives to answer two key questions: How much do people know about the actual spirituality and theology of St. Francis of Assisi? What does a medieval man from Italy and the religious movement he founded have to say to a complex, globalized, technologically advanced, and modern world?
According to the publisher’s description of the book, Dan “answers these questions and more. Returning to the sources and the best of contemporary scholarship, Horan presents a multifaceted approach to questions about the rich meaning and deep significance of the Franciscan spiritual and theological tradition for our present day.”
The book is divided into three parts. The first presents “the contemporary relevance of the Franciscan tradition for the modern world in an intelligent and accessible way,” touching on a variety of topics, from the terrorist attacks of 9/11 to evangelization in the digital age and social media.
In the second part of the book, Dan “presents illuminating original research and introduces readers to a wealth of insight and inspiration found in the broader Franciscan spiritual and theological tradition.” The last section features “an exciting introduction to the influence of the Franciscan tradition on Pope Benedict XVI and an in-depth look at the pope’s twelve public addresses on the Franciscan tradition.”
Endorsements
Notable authors such as Fr. Murray Bodo, OFM, Sr. Margaret Carney, OSF, Jim Forest, Beth Knobbe, and Mary Stommes have supported “Francis of Assisi and the Future of Faith” through pre-publication endorsements.
“As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of that great Council, friar-author Dan Horan opens the doors of the Church which for his generation is ‘today,’ not ‘tomorrow’!” said St. Bonaventure University president Sr. Margaret Carney, OSF. “Fr. Horan is particularly adept at translating the importance of a Franciscan approach for today’s ‘digital natives.’ His voice is sure to capture the attention of contemporaries and create a bridge for older readers who know themselves to be strangers to this new way of learning and knowing.”
“Francis of Assisi and the Future of Faith” can be ordered several ways — on Tau Publishing’s website, on Amazon.com (for Kindle), through iTunes (for iProducts), and through Barnes & Noble (for Nook).
In addition to his studies in the Ph.D. program in systematic theology at Boston College, Dan frequently travels to give lectures and retreats. From Dec. 1 through Dec. 4, he will be leading an advent retreat at the Catholic Center at the University of Georgia, where Thomas Vigliotta, OFM, is director. Dan will also preside at the weekend Masses and address two audiences on the topic of “The Coming of Christ in Our Lives.” The retreat will conclude with a communal penance service.
From Jan. 12 to 13, 2013, Dan will take part in the Vatican II Lecture Series, speaking on “Vatican II and the Laity.” More information on Dan’s speaking schedule and other upcoming events can be found on his website.
In addition to frequently updating his blog, Dan, who celebrated his 29th birthday earlier this month and who was ordained last May, is also a regular contributor to several publications, including The Huffington Post, Give Us This Day (Liturgical Press), and The Christian Century Online. Previously, he taught in the department of religious studies at Siena College and was a visiting professor in the department of theology at St. Bonaventure University.
He regularly serves as the Sunday celebrant for the weekly Mass at Babson College in Wellesley, Mass., and frequently assists at St. Anthony Shrine in Boston.
— Maria Hayes is communications coordinator for Holy Name Province.