This volume offers a fresh approach to the structure of Bonaventure?s thought. Ruben Martello argues that Bonaventure employs the Genesis creation account as an overarching framework and fecund source for understanding nature, theology, and even Scripture itself. Beginning with Bonaventure?s view of the literal meaning of Scripture, the reception of the hexa meron is traced chronologically in a number of major theological works. Bonaventure is interpreted in light of the hexameral commentarial tradition like Augustine?s De Genesi ad litteram, and filtered through Dionysian and Victorine inspired hermeneutics. It is proposed that reading Genesis in Bonaventure may clarify a number of contemporary disputed theological, exegetical and epistemological concerns. This study also unpacks the Bonaventurian understanding of the distinctive senses of the 'image' and 'likeness' of God, aiding in the articulation of a rich theological anthropology. TABLE OF CONTENTS Preface Introduction Outline and Objectives A Profile of Bonaventure Rationale and Vantage Point of the Study Methodology Sacra Scriptura: Bonaventure?s Exegetical Method Augustine on the Hexa meron Bonaventure?s Responses to Augustine 1. Omnium Artifex and De Reductione Artium ad Theologiam The Commendation of Scripture: Omnium artifex docuit me sapientia The Resumption: De reductione artium ad theologiam Concluding Remarks 2. The Breviloquium The Prologue Part One: On the Trinity of God Part Two: On the Creation of the World Part Three: On the Corruption of Sin Part Four: On the Incarnation of the Word Concluding Remarks Part Five: On the Grace of the Holy Spirit Part Six: On the Sacramental Remedy Part Seven: On the Repose of the Final Judgment 3. Itinerarium Mentis in Deum An Ascending Hexa meron: Prologue and Chapters One and Two Image and Likeness: Chapters Three and Four Moses, Jesus and the Sixth Day: Chapters Five and Six Conclusion 4. The Reception of Genesis from 1259?1273 Collationes in decem praeceptis Apologia pauperum Conclusion 5. Collationes in Hexa meron Introduction The First Vision: ?Understanding Implanted by Nature? The Second Vision: ?Understanding Elevated by Faith? The Third Vision: ?Understanding Instructed by Scripture? The Fourth Vision: ?Understanding Suspended by Contemplation? Excursus ? The Importance of St. Francis in the Collationes in Hexa meron 6. The Growth of Genesis in Bonaventure?s Works Introduction The Seminal Reasons The Function of Scripture in Light of the Seminal Reasons Concluding Remarks 7. The Similitudo Dei and Angelic Exegesis Introduction The ?Image and Likeness? of God (Genesis 1:26) The Restoration of Divine Likeness through Exegesis Concluding Remarks 8. Concluding Matters Summary The Limitations and Strengths of Bonaventure?s Approach A Consideration of Objections Conclusion Bibliography