Saint Cicero and the Jesuits
Book Description
This scholarly exploration reveals how one of history's most influential religious orders navigated the complex terrain between divine law and personal conscience. Robert A. Maryks examines the evolution of Jesuit thinking through their confessional manuals published during a pivotal century, from 1554 to 1650.
At the heart of this investigation lies a fascinating spiritual tension. The Jesuits grappled with two competing approaches to moral decision-making: should individuals strictly follow established religious law, or should they trust their own conscience when facing ethical dilemmas? This question remains deeply relevant for anyone seeking to understand how spiritual communities balance institutional authority with personal discernment.
Drawing from an extensive survey of Jesuit penitential literature, Maryks traces how classical humanist thought gradually influenced the order's theological positions. The study illuminates how external cultural forces can reshape even the most established religious teachings, offering insights into the dynamic relationship between tradition and adaptation.
Through careful analysis of these historical texts, readers discover how the Jesuits' approach to confession and moral guidance transformed over time. The book demonstrates how publishing practices, theological debates, and humanist philosophy converged to alter fundamental beliefs within this powerful religious institution.
For those interested in the intersection of spirituality, ethics, and institutional change, this work provides a compelling case study of how religious communities evolve while maintaining their core mission.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Short (< 200 pages) (~5 hours)
📄 Length: 168 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Jesuits, education
- ✓ Explore Casuistry
- ✓ Explore Cicero, marcus tullius
- ✓ Explore Institutions & Organizations
- ✓ Explore Jesuits
- ✓ Explore Jezuïeten
- ✓ Explore Bußbuch
- ✓ Explore RELIGION
