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Speaking of Christian mysticism, St. Francis suggested that the Gospel should be preached to animals.

Do you advocate this approach?

Christian mysticism is just as dangerous as Christian Bible reading.

I find it indescribably sad that you believe this.

On another instance St. Francis invited his friend to go and preach in town. Together, they crossed the town in silence and came back to where they started. -- I thought we were going to preach, -- said the friend. -- We just did, -- said St. Francis.

No, Frank and his pal did not preach.

Although perhaps that is to our benefit.

Christian mysticism is just as dangerous as Christian Bible reading.

This thread just keeps getting weirder and weirder. I thought I'd seen it all. Then this. Then Saints preaching to animals and preaching through silence.

Too weird.

Although perhaps that is to our benefit.

Considering some of the stuff I've read on this thread, I'd have to agree.

Good Night.

Christian mysticism is just as dangerous as Christian Bible reading.

I go away for a day and come back to read a quote like this. Astounding. Even more so when you think about it and most Catholicism is nothing but mysticism, lol. These people know not what it is they worship (to quote some sage or other).

Preaching Gospel to the animals is something we should do if we are to imitate Christ in all we do. They are God's creation and just like the planets and the stars are sustained by Christ's love. Christ often compared us Christians to sheep, and taught us to learn from birds. It is solely through our love that animals get to heaven. Now, I am not sure of St. Francis literally quoted the Gospel to birds and dogs, and if he did, that would be eccentric. But most likely by Gospel he meant the good news of Christ's love, which can, and must, be transmitted to the animals in a way in which they can understand.

did not preach

If there is a single man post-patristic period that truly reformed the Church, that would be St. Francis. So, silent or vocal, he surely knew something the blabbermouths of Spurgeon's mold don't.

I find it indescribably sad that you believe [that Christian mysticism is just as dangerous as Christian Bible reading]

Well, look where Bible reading got you. Christ left you the Church. You stormed out. He left you the Eucharist. You refuse it. His Church left you the Gospels. Do you read them? You made a statement in 1,032, that works are not a requirement of salvation. I reminded you of the gospel that shows you wrong. You pretended you did not recognize it and demanded a quote (1,045). I obliged in 1,058. Do you recognize it now? Have you read it before? Do you suppose Luther read it?