A Criticism of the Life and Doctrines of Francis of Assisi

Take on the role of a secular cleric (i.e., a priest or bishop) or monk critical of St. Francis and the Friars Minor. Using Bonaventure's biography of Francis as your guide, write a critique of his life and teachings. You may specifically refer to Bonaventure's biography as a source (though you do not need to footnote it), or you may simply refer to Francis' beliefs, teachings, and way of life based upon what you find there as though it were common knowledge. Pay particular attention to the apostolic life, the doctrine of radical poverty, and the imitation of Christ. You may use other sources for the life of Francis if you wish (such as Thomas of Celano's biography available here: http://www.indiana.edu/~dmdhist/francis.htm). Think about what kind of criticisms would be effective in the mind of a medieval audience, particularly for members of the secular clergy, or for monks. You may write as a contemporary of Francis, or as someone looking with alarm upon the growth of the Franciscan order after Francis's death; the time period in which you situate yourself will obviously affect the emphasis of your criticisms.