Augustine Thompson, a professor of history at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology at the University of California, Berkeley, will be a guest lecturer at the University tonight. He will present the findings of his upcoming book, “Francis of Assisi: A Critical Life,” in a lecture entitled “The Search for the Historical Francis of Assisi.”
St. Francis di Assisi founded the Franciscan religious order to emphasize brotherhood and equality. Assisi, an Italian man who died in the early 13th century, was brought up in wealth, but he became famous for choosing to live in simplicity as the poor did, rather than to take advantage of his family’s wealth. He promoted peace and respect for all, said Daniel Falk, head of the University’s Department of Religious Studies.
“Francis is one of the most universally beloved of all Christian figures and who especially resonates with contemporary values,” Falk said.
Falk said he encouraged people with or without religious backgrounds to attend Thompson’s lecture because Francis di Assisi inspired not only people who practiced
religious traditions, but also those who didn’t.
Falk hopes people who attend the lecture will leave with a deeper appreciation for Francis of Assisi’s historical significance, as well as a new understanding of the complex figure he was.
Thompson was a faculty member in the religious studies department from 1990 until 1999, according to a University news release. He was a professor of religious studies and history at the University of Virginia from 1999 until 2009. He accepted his current position at DSPT in 2009.  He was recently recognized as a Master of Sacred Theology, a prestigious academic honor of the Roman Catholic Dominican Order of Preachers.
“(He) was much beloved by students and faculty alike for his engaging teaching style, his sharp wit and prodigious historical knowledge,” Falk said.
Thompson’s lecture will begin at 7:30 p.m. tonight in room 175 of the Knight Law Center at 1515 Agate St. The lecture is free and open to the public. It is being co-sponsored by the religious studies department, the St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center, the Oregon Humanities Center, the Medieval Studies Program and private donors.
There will also be a student seminar on Thursday at noon entitled “What Would Francis Do? The Saint in His Own Words.” Students interested in attending the lecture should contact the Department of Religious Studies for the location and readings.

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