Ignatian Humanism

A powerful analysis into the heart of Ignatian spirituality reveals its relevance in today's world. Ignatian spirituality is a dynamic and ever-evolving practice that has great relevance in the twenty-first century. In Ignatian Humanism, author Ronald Modras explains the importance of a sixteenth-century spirituality in a post-modern world and reveals the impact Renaissance humanism had on Ignatian spirituality and the Society of Jesus. In this vividly written and meticulously researched book, Modras explores the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola, his founding of the Society of Jesus, and the development of the Spiritual Exercises. He also outlines the characteristics of Renaissance humanism and its influence on Ignatian spirituality and the Jesuits. This impact is made tangible in five compelling biographies of Jesuit heroes and humanists: Matteo Ricci, Frederic Spee, Karl Rahner, Pierre Theilard de Chardin, and Pedro Arrupe.

"A fine resource for prayer! This remarkable and rich collection of Catholic devotional prayer can be mined for prayer by individuals, families, and communities." -- Jim Schellman, executive director, The North American Forum on the Catechumenate "An invaluable companion to those who wish to deepen their spiritual life, prepare more profoundly for participation in the liturgy, and bring the riches of the liturgy more effectively into their daily living of the Gospel." -- Brother Stanislaus Campbell, FSC, Provincial, West Coast Province, Brothers of the Christian Schools "This treasure-trove of devotions deserves pride of place wherever one has opportunity to join the communion of saints in offering devotional prayer to God." -- Arthur Paul Boers, author, Take Our Moment and Our Days

Ronald Modras is professor of theology at St. Louis University. He is the author of five other books and lectures throughout the United States, England, Israel, and Germany. He currently resides in Webster Groves, Missouri.

"Ignatian Humanism puts into perspective our contemporary search for a spirituality that responds both to our search for meaning and desire for God." --John W. Padberg, S.J., director, Institute of Jesuit Sources "Modras integrates fascinating history, contemporary theology, and inspiring spirituality with consistent focus on central issues for our day." --Joann Wolski Conn, associate professor of religious studies, Neumann College "A stunning book! Modras has profiled a number of Jesuit thinkers and activists as role models for our time--revitalizing humanism as a model for moderns." --Leonard Swidler, professor of Catholic thought and inter-religious dialogue, Temple University Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order, is one of a mere handful of individuals who has permanently changed the way we understand God. In this vividly written and meticulously researched book, Ronald Modras shows how Ignatian spirituality retains extraordinary vigor and relevance nearly five centuries after Loyola's death. 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. The towering achievements of the Jesuits are made tangible by Modras's vivid portraits of Ignatius and five of his successors: Matteo Ricci, the first Westerner at the court of the Chinese emper∨ Friederich Spee, who defended women accused of witchcraft; Karl Rahner, the greatest Catholic theologian of the twentieth century; Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, the scientist-mystic; and Pedro Arrupe, the charismatic leader of the Jesuits in the years following Vatican II.

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