Spiritual Warfare and Six Other Spiritual Writings by Peter of John Olivi

Cover Page

Download PDF (24.7 KB)
 

Front Matter

Download PDF (13.8 KB)
 

Table of Contents

Download PDF (18.2 KB)
pp. 3-

Abbreviations and Short Titles

Download PDF (37.6 KB)
pp. 4-6

Introduction to the Seven Treatises

Download PDF (30.1 KB)
pp. 7-8

People generally identify Peter of John Olivi (d. 1298) as a theologian or philosopher. Some might also characterize him as a Franciscan reformer who ran afoul of the Roman authorities after his death. Few would venture to call him a Spiritual Director. ...

Chapter I: The Prayer of Thanksgiving

Download PDF (50.6 KB)
pp. 9-16

Peter of John Olivi has constructed this brief treatise to thank the Lord, to give instruction on the Creed, and to inspire a change of life. As he offers prayers of thanksgiving, Peter of John Olivi treats the mysteries of the faith: creation and re-creation (nn. 1-2), the Old Testament Law and Promises (n. 3), the incarnation (n. 4), ...

Chapter II : Lessons on Growth in the Spiritual Life

Download PDF (68.2 KB)
pp. 17-24

The heart of this spiritual treatise lies in nn. 15-16. In these numbers Peter of John Olivi reminds his readers that it is not sufficient to think about growing in virtue. One must take certain steps. In contemporary society so many people are concerned about losing weight. ...

Chapter III : Remedies Against Spiritual Temptations

Download PDF (68.4 KB)
pp. 25-36

This short treatise is rather straightforward as Peter of John Olivi gives twelve remedies against spiritual temptations in n. 2-13 and four safeguards against those who broadcast corrupt teaching in n. 14-18. Peter of John Olivi notes that his teaching stems from traditional sources, ...

Chapter IV : Interpretation of Luke 1:26-38: Mary’s devout prayer, vigilance, and loving obedience

Download PDF (76.4 KB)
pp. 37-54

I have included sections of Peter of John Olivi’s interpretation of Luke 1:26-38 for three main reasons. First his astute observations on the spiritual life are not limited to special treatises, but are also found in his commentaries, originally offered to young Franciscans in the Order’s study houses. ...

Chapter V: Treatise on The Lord’s Prayer

Download PDF (92.0 KB)
pp. 55-76

Just about every theologian in the Middle Ages wrote a treatise on The Lord’s Prayer. I would venture to say that Peter of John Olivi’s is unique. He isn’t content to give a petition by petition interpretation. Rather in his first two sections he treats the seven petitions from the philosophical/ theological category of matter and form.⁴⁹ ...

Chapter VI : On the Seven Sentiments of Christ Jesus

Download PDF (103.0 KB)
pp. 77-102

This treatise is a profound meditation in eleven steps on Philippians 2:5: “Have this mind in you that was also in Christ Jesus.” Readers should keep in mind that seven is a number of perfection for Peter of John Olivi and other medieval commentators. ...

Chapter VII : Peter of John Olivi’s Treatise on Spiritual Warfare or “The Armed Soldier”

Download PDF (335.1 KB)
pp. 103-124

Peter of John Olivi’s spiritual treatise on Spiritual Warfare or “The Armed Soldier” presupposes medieval arms and armor.¹⁵⁰ In the footnotes I will explain the various medieval arms and armor involved in Peter Olivi’s treatise. In the footnotes I will also refer to two interpretive parallels for Peter of John Olivi’s spiritual thought. ...

Scripture Index

Download PDF (48.9 KB)
pp. 125-128