Why Failure is Necessary for Faith

Francis knew what he wanted—to become a knight. He wanted to become something more, to attain the honor and wealth that came with success on the battlefield. Things didn’t go as planned. Not only did he fail, but he returned to Assisi a broken man. For the early biographers of Francis, this failure was the beginning of his conversion. What does this failed knight, who today is most often thought of as a garden decoration, have to say to those who have abandoned religious faith? How does a medieval miracle worker, immersed in a religious world of angels, demons, and spectacular visions provide an example of religionless faith? This episode explores these questions and more.