What do you think of the well-known quote attributed to St Francis of Assisi?

Question

Here is a common rendition of the quote:
“Preach the gospel. And if necessary, use words.”

If God’s general revelation were sufficient for the salvation of men, then why did He give us His special revelation?

In other words, WHY did God Himself use words?
That is, why did God provide us a Bible?

Does this seem to indicate that God Himself deemed it necessary to use words?

Why did the Word become flesh and dwell among us full of grace and truth? Why did Jesus use words?

Are words “necessary” to “preach the gospel”?

Do you think St. Francis of Assisi used words to preach the gospel?

He was making a point, and a strong point he made!

But do you think his point was that it is “OK” to just love and serve non-Christians...without even presenting the gospel of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to them in actual words?

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Answer 1

I think Paul answered this well.

Rom 10:13 For everyone, "whoever may call on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Joel 2:32)
Rom 10:14 How then may they call on One into whom they have not believed? And how may they believe One of whom they have not heard? And how may they hear without preaching?

Answer 2

A) Learn the difference between "need" and "desire".

B) St. Augustine said it even more succinctly than St. Francis. He said, "Love. And do as you will." Meditate on that for awhile. It's definitely one of the most powerful messages delivered by anyone other than the Lord Himself.

C) No, nor does the quote you gave say that. "If necessary" Remember? Meaning that if actions are not getting the message through, then by all means, use words.

Answer 3

St Francis is one of my personal heros.

Everyone that I have ever met has been exposed to the Gospel of Christ. Either casually or in a more formal setting. If I am going to preach the Gospel to THEM, I would choose not to use words.

BTW, I'm a practicing United Methodist (protestant).

Answer 4

Thank you for the kindness you have show to us Catholics. Especially since there is so much bashing on here. Just as others have said we are called as Catholics to lead by example, respect others beliefs and have consideration of those who are worshiping different then us. I have always believed that is not up to us to convert men, it is God's job. We are just to put it out there for the world to see and what better way to show God's love and kindness then by example. Have a great day and Peace be with you.

Answer 5

You're misinterpreting his quote.

What he is saying is that we should "preach the gospel" by LIVING it every day, in every way, with every person we meet. Our lives should speak of God's love and draw others to God even if we don't go around 'preaching' with words. I don't for an instant believe that he thought once someone was drawn to us we should not share our faith with words.

Answer 6

I think St Francis was basically just trying to say that sometimes our words can hurt our cause for Christ. Sometimes, we get in the way. I don't think he was saying that we should never use words, but moreso that we should focus on actually following Christ instead of just walking about it...

Answer 7

Exactly when have you come across a catholic whose doctrines line up with the actual word of God? If you're looking for it in catholicism and their leaders, here's your warning--straight from Jesus:
Matthew 15:14

Answer 8

I don't think that's what St Francis meant.

To modernize a bit: "Don't talk the talk if you're not willing to walk the walk."

I think a lot of Christians forget this...myself included.

Answer 9

St. Francis was a great example. His actions spoke much louder than his words. Do yours?

Answer 10

hi vicar, i thought st francis was the man who loved the animals.xx