Theologies of Hope

[larksegg]

I wonder how many English-speaking Franciscans of all kinds have been able to read Jacque Bougerol's interesting book (only in French) on The Theology of Hope in the Twelfth and Thirteenth Centuries. It is well worth the effort, especially for those who want to make connections between modern theologians and medieval ones. His emphasis is on Franciscan authors, for whom hope was a significant theme. He points out that Eudes Rigaud (Odo Rigaldus) was the first theologian to write a whole treatise on hope.
I have been researching and writing on this topic for a number of years, and find it more and more relevant and fascinating. I haven't published on this so far, but I would be keen to hear from anyone who shares this interest, or would like to share it. We have tended to present Franciscan theology as purely an incarnational one. But the gospels combine incarnation and eschatology. So do the lives of Francis, and so does the theology of St. Bonaventure. This means, as Eric Doyle used to tell us in class, we ask not only who we are, and where we have come from but also where we are heading to.
I would love to see a symposium or conference on this topic, designated as a specifically Franciscan one. If this was planned well in advance, I would be happy to contact members of the Catholic Theological Association of Great Britain and invite them to contribute or to attend. Quite a few members know me reasonably well. We do need to build up our links with other theologically-minded people outside of the Franciscan family here in the UK especially, don't we? If I were asked to help in the organisation I might suggest a more central location such as St. Mary's in Twickenham or Newman College in Birmigham. However, since we would probably start samll, Canterbury might nevertheless be the best place to start.
All opinions to this suggestion, or thoughts of any kind on this subject will be warmly welcomed by me! A good lively discussion of this theme, with accompanying illustrative material would make this site an attractive one for casual and impartial visitors. Living in hope.... pace e bene.