Jesuit Spirituality Relevant for Turbulent Times Saint Louis University Theologian Finds in New Book
Professor also offers compelling accounts of significant Jesuits
ST. LOUIS -- St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order, is one of a handful of individuals who permanently changed the way we understand God. In his latest book, Saint Louis University theological studies professor Ronald Modras, Ph.D., examines why Ignatian spirituality remains so relevant today, nearly 500 years after Ignatius’ death.
Vividly written and meticulously researched, “Ignatian Humanism” also explores how Jesuit spirituality and culture have evolved during the last five centuries.
“At its heart, Ignatian spirituality is a humanism that defends human rights, prizes learning from other cultures, seeks common ground between science and religion, struggles for justice, and honors a God who is actively at work in creation,” Modras said.
To bring the towering achievements of the Jesuits to life, Modras offers compelling accounts of Ignatius and five other Jesuit heroes and humanists: Matteo Ricci, Friederich Spee, Karl Rahner, Pierre Theilhard de Chardin and Pedro Arrupe.
Modras also finds that the timing of the Jesuits’ founding during the Renaissance influences its current relevance. In his book, Modras reveals the effect Renaissance humanism had on Ignatian spirituality and the Society of Jesus. The impact has not diminished over many decades.
“The Renaissance is an apt model for our troubling and transitional times,” he said. “Ignatian humanism truly is a dynamic spirituality for the 21st century.”
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Ronald Modras, Ph.D. |
Modras was on a mission of sorts when he penned “Ignatian Humanism.” The noted theologian has spent several years attempting to explain the Jesuit mission and vision to others, and the new book is the culmination of that calling.
The journey began seven years ago, when Modras helped develop the video series “Shared Vision,” which details the foundations of Jesuit spirituality and how it still inspires and guides those who teach and work in Jesuit schools today. The videos became hugely popular at Jesuit colleges and schools across the country, including SLU.
Modras then wrote an article about Jesuit spirituality for “America” magazine. After that, Jesuits and other scholars started sending letters to see if he was planning to write a book on the subject. The thought really hadn’t occurred to him until he went through Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises, which offer ways of making contact with God through meditation, contemplation and prayer. While completing the exercises, Modras said he felt a deep desire to write “Ignatian Humanism.”
“This wonderful spirituality is the reason that even those who are not Catholic feel so engaged, connected and comfortable in a Jesuit institution,” Modras said.
Modras is a professor of theological studies at Saint Louis University, where he has taught since 1979. He was born in Detroit, Mich., where he received his early education. He received a doctorate in theology at the University of Tubingen, Germany.
He has been involved in ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue for more than 30 years. For many years, he served on the Advisory Committee to the National Council of Catholic Bishops’ Secretariat for Catholic-Jewish Relations.
Modras is the author of six books and more than 50 articles. In 1989, he received the Micah Award of the St. Louis Chapter of the American Jewish Committee and was named a Fellow of the Annenberg Research Institute. His 1994 book, “The Catholic Church and Antisemitism: Poland, 1933 to 1939,” received the College Theology Society Book of the Year Award and has been translated into Polish.
He has lectured at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Oxford University and the University of Berlin. He resides in Webster Groves, Mo., with his wife, Mary Elizabeth Hogan, Ph.D., associate dean of Saint Louis University’s College of Arts and Sciences.
Saint Louis University is a Jesuit, Catholic university ranked among the top research institutions in the nation. The University fosters the intellectual and character development of 11,000 students on campuses in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Founded in 1818, it is the oldest university west of the Mississippi and the second oldest Jesuit university in the United States. Through teaching, research, health care and community service, Saint Louis University is the place where knowledge touches lives. Learn more about SLU at www.slu.edu.
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