Ignatius Loyola

Paper Summary:

This essay examines the way in which a five-hundred-year-old tradition, established by Ignatius Loyola, can still remain relevant to modern day spirituality, despite age, religious affiliation, or culture. It outlines Loyola's biography and how he came to be the Jesuit founder and to develop the "Spiritual Exercises", which have become a core aspect of Jesuit spirituality worldwide. Included, necessarily, in an explanation of the "Spiritual Exercises"are Loyola's own views on God, religion, and spirituality, and his understanding of how to know and follow the Will of God. The crux of the essay is the argument that Loyola's spirituality is still relevant in today's times due to its far-reaching and practical essence.

From the Paper:

"Although having lived and died over five hundred years ago, the spiritual writings of Ignatius of Loyola have come to both directly and indirectly influence the way Christians live and view their religion today. The direct influence of Ignatius is demonstrated by the sustained existence of the Jesuit order, founded by Ignatius, who continue to maintain his Spiritual Exercises as an integral part of their spirituality. However, it is not necessary to be a member of the Jesuit order to practice Ignatian Spirituality as the Spiritual Exercises, which focus on the discovery of God's Will in relation to our lives as Christians, transcend culture and time, providing a practical contribution to Christians everywhere today."

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