John Duns Scotus

Duns Scotus was an enormously important theologian He significantly influenced Catholic theology, early on, A brilliant man of considerable influence in Scotland Doctrines we take for granted were from him drawn. A thirteenth century Franciscan, he was very erudite Strange the idea of the dunce cap comes from his name Though never pictured wearing a pointy-head funnel His scholarship and philosophy contribute to his fame Theories he believed came down through the tunnel He opposed ideas of the Renaissance and Reformation He would not give up his orthodoxy without a fight, As far as we know, he was conservative in formation. Because so little is known of him, much apprehension He died young, perhaps without a full-rounded life And since it was true then as in the modern priesthood We know he never knew the joys of a faithful wife.
THIRD PLACE WINNER Written March 3, 2022 For the “John Duns Scotus” Poetry Contest Sponsored by Joe Maverick
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Calasibetta Avatar
March 28, 2022 at 8:38 AM
Back to congratulate you on your win in the contest. You describe him so well, I think we have been enlightened! :)Paulette
Hankins Avatar
March 28, 2022 at 8:50 AM
Thanks, Paulette. A little research went into this one. It was an enjoyable write, however.
Alex Avatar
March 28, 2022 at 2:58 AM
A great writing, almost like a short biography on the philosopher-theologian- saint. Congratulations!
Hankins Avatar
March 28, 2022 at 7:53 AM
Thank you, Chris. I tried to do my best to paint a portrait of this little-known theologian, except for his having given his name to the dunce cap!
Krutsinger Avatar
March 6, 2022 at 11:59 PM
I like knowing about him, I had never heard of him, and now I know a bit. Good luck in the contest Hank!
Hankins Avatar
March 7, 2022 at 8:49 AM
I thought the contest was very interesting because he is such an obscure person in history. His claim to fame, which is the dunce cap, actually he had nothing to do with and is never pictured wearing one.
Chies Avatar
March 4, 2022 at 1:36 PM
In my adolescence I devoured mountains of books. At that time I dated a girl whose last name was ESCOTO. I always told her that she reminded me of Duns, but she had never heard of him... Anyway, I doubt that even today she knows anything about our Franciscan.
Hankins Avatar
March 4, 2022 at 3:52 PM
There really isn't much to know, Marco, except the basic facts of his existence and his beliefs, and, his influence on the Catholic church.
Calasibetta Avatar
March 4, 2022 at 4:48 AM
You have given us an education with lots of flair. Good Luck in the contest! :)Paulette
Hankins Avatar
March 4, 2022 at 8:10 AM
Thank you, Paulette. I had to dig down deep to rediscover Scotus.
Daniel Avatar
March 4, 2022 at 4:38 AM
I agree with Jeff, you have summarized it extremely well:)
Hankins Avatar
March 4, 2022 at 8:10 AM
Jo, thank you for your thoughts on the poem.
Liguori Avatar
March 3, 2022 at 10:27 PM
Very educational! Enjoyed reading this poem. Thanks.
Hankins Avatar
March 4, 2022 at 8:11 AM
Thank you so much, Robert. I really appreciate your read and your thoughtful comment.
Kyser Avatar
March 3, 2022 at 8:29 PM
Well, new info abounds from this site daily. I read a wiki page on him, but didn’t get anywhere near all that out of it. Nice summary!
Hankins Avatar
March 3, 2022 at 9:30 PM
My doctorate is in theology, so it wasn't a hard write for me. Although we didn't spend a lot of time on Scotus, he was a memorable character. Yes, lots of expertise in various fields represented here in the Soup.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace