Jesuit Theology of Mission

Catalog description

Taught by JST. This course offers in depth studies of how Jesuit theology of mission was formulated and developed starting with the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius, being embodied in the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus, and flowing out into Jesuit practices and policy in their missions in Asia during the 16th and 17th century. The core reading materials come from primary sources such as the Spiritual Exercises, the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus, Ignatius' correspondences and the first five Jesuit General's correspondences to Jesuits in Asia as well as commentaries and critiques from contemporary scholars. Format is seminar. Student participation in class through classroom discussions, 3 written short reflections (2 - 3 pages), an annotated bibliography, and a final research project (15 - 20 pages). [Experience with the Spiritual Exercises; Any previous course in Ignatian Spirituality or familiarity with Ignatian charism; reading Spanish is advantageous; Faculty Consent required; 15 max enrollment; Auditors with faculty permission].