On philosophy and theology as way to understand Jesuit mystique:
The Society of Jesus can be described only in narrative form. Only in narrative form do you discern, not in a philosophical or theological explanation, which allows you rather to discuss. The style of the Society is not shaped by discussion, but by discernment, which of course presupposes discussion as part of the process. The mystical dimension of discernment never defines its edges and does not complete the thought. The Jesuit must be a person whose thought is incomplete, in the sense of open-ended thinking.
Deep stuff here. Discussion not the ticket, but it’s presupposed. Mystical dimension, open-ended thinking? Where’s he going with this? Ignatius was rather matter-of-fact about decision-making, as in “rules for eating” and the like. This? I don’t know.
On openness to same-sex-attracted people:
Tell me: When God looks at a gay person, does he endorse the existence of this person with love, or reject and condemn this person? We must always consider the person, he said in an interview published Thursday. The church cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage, and the use of contraceptive methods.”
[The Monitor comments:] While Franciss comments do not represent a change in doctrine, they mark an important symbolic shift for the church that is likely to anger conservative factions more closely aligned to the views of Pope Benedict XVI, who railed against gay marriage and legalized abortion.
Very old stuff here, encapsulated in the dictum or motto or byword, Hate sin, love sinner. Church cannot insist only on abortion etc. Unimpeachable commentary.
And Benedict “railed”? How about that for loading one’s expression.
Blithe Spirit 