"A significant and important contribution to the field and will help recast the interpretation of Bonaventure on fundamental issues such as the value of philosophy and his view of Aristotle."
~Christopher M. Cullen, SJ, Fordham University
"Simply put, Wisdom in Bonaventure’s Hexaëmeron, will recalibrate how most scholars interpret Bonaventure’s particular integration of philosophy and theology within his presentation of ‘understanding given through nature.’ This first vision of the ‘six days of creation’ serves as an orienting motive for the other visions that follow, which is why this work is so critical. Winter’s exposition expertly weaves medieval history, philosophy, theology into a lucid re-presentation of Bonaventure’s synthesis that is both a corrective to earlier interpretations that were too narrowly focused as well as a catalyst for newer considerations of his thought, both theoretical and practical. On the more theoretical side, Winter, better than any other author, explains the significances of three errors that concerned Bonaventure: the eternity of the world, the unicity of the intellect, and fated necessity. Winter does well to explain why Bonaventure sees these ‘theoretical’ errors presenting practical ramifications for understanding ‘reality.’ On the more practical side, Winter also provides excellent structural analysis to illustrate Bonaventure’s objective: to guide a learner through the scientia of Aristotelian learning – natural philosophy, rational philosophy, moral philosophy – and into the sapientia of contemplation via the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love. Far from being anti-philosophical in general or anti-Aristotelian in particular, Winter presents overwhelming evidence that Bonaventure considered the integration of philosophy and theology as indispensable for the emergence of wisdom within the learning process. Such a vision culminating with wisdom remains relevant if education still seeks to integrate the vast, intersectional diversity of existence (e.g., physical, mental, socio-ethical) toward a more complete view and understanding of that multi-dimensional reality. To be sure, the specifics of Bonaventure’s medieval rendition of that wisdom will not work today, but Winter’s study nevertheless identifies indispensable ingredients that catalyze integrating of scientia with sapientia."
~Jay Hammond, Saint Louis University
"Long-standing scholarly advocates of the perennial beauty and contemporary import of the Franciscan wisdom tradition, along with the ever-growing number of students of the Seraphic Doctor, will revel in Benjamin Winter’s comprehensive, well-sourced, and engaging treatment of sapientia in Bonaventure’s Hexaëmeron. At a time when many are considering and retrieving the classical/medieval tradition in curriculum reform and pedagogy, Winter’s work, both incisive and approachable, fosters a deep appreciation of the virtuous life for individuals and communities. This book, yet another example of the resplendent renaissance in Bonaventurian studies, reflects the enduring desire for the transformative wisdom of Francis of Assisi and his followers, and all those, yesterday, today, and tomorrow, who humbly, yet resolutely embrace the pilgrimage of life."
~Timothy J. Johnson, Flager College
"Benjamin Winter recasts Bonaventure’s engagement with Aristotle to show that he did not simply reject the need for philosophy. Rather, in the Collationes in Hexaëmeron, the Seraphic Doctor exhorted his audience to balance knowledge with wisdom in humility. Winter’s attention to the text, with extensive new translations in Latin, demonstrates that his reading of Bonaventure has much to recommend it."
~Charles G. Kim, Jr., author of Way of Humility: St. Augustine’s Theology of Preaching and host of the podcast A History of Christian Theology
"It may be celebrated that a new generation of Protestant theologians have a renewed interest in the thought of Saint Thomas Aquinas, and conversely lamented that the same cannot be said for the thought of Saint Bonaventure. Toward the end of rectifying that deficiency, I gladly recommend Dr. Winter’s engaging analysis of the seraphic doctor’s philosophical thought and detailed re-evaluation of its place among the intellectual giants of the thirteenth century. If Protestants learn from Thomas to see God, it may be hoped that we learn from Bonaventure to taste that he is good."
~Joshua Schendel, Yellowstone Theological Institute
