Spirituality and Virtue in Christian Formation: A Conversation between Thomistic and Ignatian Traditions

Author:

Austin, Nicholas

Format:

Journal Article

Year:

2016

Journal Title:

New Blackfriars

Volume:

97

Issue:

1068

Language:

English

Abstract:

This paper reflects on Christian formation, the growth of the disciple into the image of Christ, from two traditions, the Thomistic and Ignatian. The Thomistic tradition offers a rich theological theory of virtue, but seems to require a more convincing narrative of how "infused" virtue develops in the Christian life. The Ignatian tradition offers amore experiential spirituality, but today needs to explain how spiritual experience can be lived out. It is argued that the two traditions can be seen as mutually complementary, and that, by understanding the relation of virtue to the practice of spiritual discernment, a fuller account of Christian formation is possible.

Who (Jesuits):

Ignatius, of Loyola, Saint, c.1491–1556

What (Subjects):

Theology -- Sources -- Thomism

Theology -- Moral

Spirituality

Institute -- Formation -- Identity

When (Centuries):

16th century

17th century

18th century

19th century

20th century

21st century

Publisher URL:

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nbfr.12191/abstract

Page Range:

202–217

ISSN:

0028-4289

1741-2005

DOI:

10.1111/nbfr.12191