Ignatian Spirituality

Ignatius Loyola wrote his Spiritual Exercises, as a guide for discernment. Through them, we are encouraged to interpret our feelings, before God, to detect signs of whether we are moving towards, or away from, him.

Over a period of time, we examine our responses of consolation and desolation. Consolation is given by the Good Spirit, as an encouragement as we make intentions towards God. Desolation comes from the Bad Spirit, to discourage us, and make us move away from God. 

 One person suggested that I ask whether I have peace before the presence of Christ, as I contemplate making a particular decision; and afterwards as if I don’t make that choice. Where the peace is, before Christ, lies the good decision.

I detect two problems with this approach, however. Firstly, historically, Ignatius is associated with the Jesuit Order, which he founded; and which participated in the Counter-Reformation, and the Inquisition. In their hands, the Spiritual Exercises became a tool for authoritarian control.

Today though, the opposite true. The Jesuits have been influenced, in particular, by Liberation Theology, and have taken a decisive step towards solidarity with the oppressed. In the West, this has been extended to other marginalised groups, such as LGBTQ people.

In this context, this move has had positive pastoral impact. The guilt feelings formerly inculcated by hellfire preaching in Catholic churches has been replaced with a more accepting welcome towards those whose lifestyles don’t conform with official church teaching.

But it has also changed the way in which the Exercises are deployed. Subjective feelings are now emphasised over objective teaching, on doctrine or ethics. If it feels good, then do it. If it feels like I’m moving towards Christ, then I really am.

The original Exercises, however, were more sophisticated. The Good Spirit did not only send Consolation, but also Desolation, and the Bad Spirit, would also send Consolation - if we moved away from God. The task of discernment is therefore much more complicated.

This is where the role of a skilled Spiritual Director is useful, to help us interpret our spiritual feelings. Where previously the Jesuits’ establishment position made their advice conservative or quietist, many are now influenced, however, in the direction of subjectivity and liberalism.

Nevertheless, the Ignatian method is still helpful, especially over time, in highlighting the spiritual movements within our souls. Perhaps it is most helpful, therefore, in revealing our own internal heart orientation, towards the various choices before us.

No human method is infallible, however; and I still use the Spiritual Exercises in making major decisions. For, if we find fault with the Jesuits, then so too with us Baptists. None of our church histories are completely pure; and we all need to beware of the cultural tendencies of our age.

After all, many, when they hear the word, ‘Baptists’, think in the UK of the of the massacres of Irish Catholics by Cromwell’s Parliamentary armies; and in the US, of the lynchings of black people by the Ku Klux Klan.