Robert J. Karris

I came across Peter Of John Olivi while re-reading the Encyclopedia Of Apocalypticism series. He was interesting in that he was both an apocalyptist and a mystic. He was among the so-called Spiritual/Minorite Franciscans that were not only stringently dedicated to Franciscan poverty, but also often followers of Joachim of Fiore -an influential medieval apocalyptic writer. The Conventual Franciscans were a bit more lax on the poverty rules of St. Francis and that made them more acceptable to the Papacy. People like Olivi, Ockham, Jacopone Da Todi etc, found themselves on the outs with the Papacy; not only with their insistence on poverty but also their apocalyptic theological tendencies.
Olivi is an interesting writer. He has mystical sensibilities that are quite undeniable. His apocalyptic side comes out here and there as well. This is quite an interesting little book from the writings of a Franciscan that is an early example of how not all pre-Reformation Catholic Christians were dutiful followers of the Papacy. Well worth reading.… (more)