St Francis of Assisi

Introduction: St Francis Abridged Vexen and St Francis A church without power or corruption Franciscans Today

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1. St Francis Abridged
St Francis, 1181/2 - 1226 Italy, Assisi

Francis found himself totally unimpressed with the riches and glitz of society. His father was a very wealthy businessman and was at times abusive. His father's social circles included the local Church head (who was also the judge) and other supposedly good hearted people. Like all organisations where power, money and responsibility mix, corruption and abuse was no doubt rampant.

He wanted Francis to be "normal" and take up the family's business but Francis refused. He saw the way the workers were treated and was repulsed by it. Francis refused to dress "properly" in the trendy upper class garments. He wanted, initially, to be a proud and noble Knight.

This insight into the hypocrisy of the Church is shared by other unlikely people such as Anton LaVey, who for many years played as a top class organist whilst working as a Lion tamer. He would see the same people in the Church, praying for forgiveness as he would in the sex shows and gambling tents [Barton, "Secret Life of a Satanist"].

Francis was a man of deep prayer and a follower of Christ but never shook off the destructive religious ideas he had been brought up with. He was harsh on his body with penance and fasting and lived quite strictly. Later he demanded total self-discipline from himself and his followers.

The Call
Whilst young he was put into the army to fight in one of the crusades. The reality of war was repulsive and ugly to him, and after being captured, and facing death, he deserted and turned back. Cowardice say cynics, a healthy dose of self preservation say Satanists, or say Christians a case of conscience where the will to avert evil overcame social obligation. Recovering slowly, he became deeply introverted.

“St Francis of Assisi (1181 or 1182-1226) was one of the most lovable men known to history. He was of a well-to-do family, and in his youth was not averse from ordinary gaieties. But one day, as he riding by a leper, a sudden impulse of pity led him to dismount and kiss the man. Soon afterwards, he decided to forgo all worldly goods, and devote his life to preaching and good works. [...] He soon gathered a band of followers, all vowed to complete poverty.”

"History of Western Philosophy" by Bertrand Russell, p441

He was shunned, and with his record of rebellious behaviour towards his Father's will, he lost both his friends and family. It is during this time that "in 1206, he had a vision in which Christ called him to repair His Church. Francis interpreted this as a command to repair the church of San Damiano, near Assisi. He resolved to become a hermit, and devoted himself to repairing the church" [2].

He then sold items and some of his Father's items to buy materials to physically repair the decaying Church. His dad saw this and got really angry and said he was going to sue him for the cost of his belongings. The priest (who at that time served as a judge) was to settle the dispute. A big crowd gathered around to watch. Francis could repay his father. He continued, stripped and gave everything he owned to the Church. Then wandered off singing merrily. From that point on Francis wore the cheapest, undyed gray garments until the day he died. This became the Franciscan habit. He never returned to regular society.

He begged for stones and wood to repair the Church. He lived simply, owning virtually nothing. He and his companions never owned a house, they travelled around by foot and slept wherever they found shelter, eating bread and drinking water. They produced no food, done no useful work for society, and lived parasitically off the farm produce of other kind people.

Realisation
In his own life time he realized he was repairing the Church in the wrong way. The church needs spiritual repair, not physical repair. This was the trend at the time: Most conscientious writers condemned the money-grabbing ways of the Church, which had become obesely powerful and rich. Pardons and forgiveness were commodities, sold to the guilty at great expense. Corruption and immorality came to define priests... if anything needed repair, it wasn't the Churches that Christians dealt in, but the Christians themselves.

2. Vexen and St Francis

Obviously I couldn't say that St Francis is my patron Saint because I'm a Satanist so Satan is my Patron and Idol. But St Francis and I appear to share a plethora of things in common. On the surface Francis could be described as very humble, a social vampire (feeding off the produce of society (ie, begging) without producing anything himself), a Monk and of course the founder of the Franciscans.

St Francis had much respect for animals, especially birds, for their ability to always sing, be happy, despite having nothing. Vexen finds much inspiration from Squirrels (in particular). Statues of Francis usually show him standing next to a squirrel with a bird on his shoulder.

Comparisons (third person tense, for clarity):
Vexen and Francis are both said to be very happy, finding enjoyment in very simple and basic things. Sometimes just being happy in the face of adversary. Both lead a very personal and self-ruled life, not bowing to the norms of society. Both are untainted by society... despite being rejected by many they both show a distinct lack of bitterness. Also, they are in person very agreeable.

Francis and Vexen are accepting of all people, not judging them according to appearances or stereotype. Most of Francis' circle of friends, later his Order, were also rejects from society.

Vexen is strangely humble and serene; this is common amongst a lot of mature Satanists of LaVey tradition, an inner peace and knowing calmness. Francis had the same aura, only it manifested itself as humbleness before God. Vexen is humble before death, the life cycle and the "abstinence to come".

Vexen and Francis both find themselves with unexpected followers and fans, and both don't really know what to do with them. They are both preachers, Vexen through his website and Francis through his Order of Friars Minor, and his Rules.

"So, I see you as having a similar spirit as Francis...but you've developed it independently, on your own. What you've said about simplicity...the simple things...is right in line with Francis. Your enjoyment of simple clothes and food. You're perpetual happiness. The fact that you don't care what other people think. You have a natural inclination towards "peace" I've noticed...like in your approach to your Satanist mailing list...and the fact that you were open and able to get along with me...a Christian. Your dislike and ability to remove yourself from societal/cultural influences. Your ability to see the wisdom in animals/nature and take lessons from them."

Rev. D. R. Deinsen to Vexen by email, 2001

3. A church without corruption
A church without power

Vexen, as a Satanist, opposes all gods and god worship. The only worship in Satanism is self worship, meditation and materialism. Vexen once said, "I differ from Francis is that he wishes to repair the Church, whilst I wish to repair and beautify the ground under where Churches now stand". Francis' life actually showed that the church does not need walls, power, and ownership, etc....these are false...and unnecessary. He was controversial because he entire order lived independently...as a community, without any buildings, structures, or power...exactly the opposite of the church in his day

So although he misunderstand the spiritual meaning of "repair the Church", armed with nothing but innocence and naivety Francis actually found the way to repair the Church! By not having Churches. Very poetic. The Church without any power or organisation is purely spiritual and minimalist but also free of corruption and impurity. This purely introverted worship, Buddhist in its nature, does exist in Satanism, as Satanism does employ a much more Eastern approach to meditation, relaxation and self development.

4. Franciscans Today

It is interesting that after comparing St Francis to one of Britain's most infamous Satanists, we finally come to look at what actually happened to the Franciscans in history, after the death of their founder. It was hardly what St Francis had in mind; his innocence and naivety in the administration of his followers led them to great evil.

“The saint's immediate successor as head of the order, Brother Elias, wallowed in luxury, and allowed a complete abandonment of poverty. The chief work of the Franciscans in the years immediately following the death of their founder was as recruiting sergeants in the bitter and bloody wars of Guelfs and Ghibellines. The Inquisition, founded seven years after his death was, in several countries, chiefly conducted by Franciscans. [...] The net result of St Francis's life was to create yet one more wealthy and corrupt order, to strengthen the hierarchy, and to facilitate the persecution of all who excelled in moral earnestness or freedom of thought. In view of his own aims and character, it is impossible to imagine any more bitterly ironical outcome. [...] If Satan existed, the future of the order founded by St. Francis would afford him the most exquisite gratification.”

"History of Western Philosophy" by Bertrand Russell, p441-442

Modern-day Franciscans don't associate with the way their early community went, the same as Christians don't practice the same Jewish rituals that the Disciples practiced. Franciscans understand that the Church is always in "ruins" but cannot be repaired physically...it needs spiritual repair. Part of this understanding no doubt comes from the memories of how tragically immoral the Franciscans became. Francis' legacy among Franciscans include radical departures from societal ways, simplicity, justice, a love/respect for animals, and acceptance of all people. (Incidentally Franciscans have been at the forefront of gay rights, inter-religious dialogue, animal rights [most are vegetarians], justice for the poor/homeless, human rights, and ecological issues...this is how Franciscan theory works itself out today.