Growing in Wisdom and Grace: Constructive-Developmental Theory as a Heuristic Framework for Interpreting the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola

McCallum, David C. (2001) Growing in Wisdom and Grace: Constructive-Developmental Theory as a Heuristic Framework for Interpreting the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. UNSPECIFIED thesis, Weston Jesuit School of Theology.

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Abstract

In sum, the thesis I am proposing is the following: The Constructive-Developmental Theory of Robert Kegan, used as heuristic framework for interpreting the Spiritual Exercises, illuminates a way in which the Exercises can function as an "evolutionary bridge," providing a sophisticated meaning-making construct as well as a dynamic vehicle to assist in the development of an individual's consciousness toward the apex of human maturity, what Kegan identifies as the Interdividual stage 5. The Constructive-Developmental theory suggests with great clarity the particular ways in which the Exercises have affected the minds and hearts of millions of men and women over the past four centuries, helping to draw people more deeply into a personal relationship with God, and through this relationship, revealing a theocentric cosmos. The C-D theory offers an explanation of the process by which persons are freed of disordered attachments and inordinate affections through a transformation of their subjectivity and an evolution of their individual "object relations."Most importantly, I propose that one reason why the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola have been and will continue to be so effective in promoting developmental evolution toward the most mature stages of human consciousness is that they can mediate a profound thematic experience of the love of God. As simple as this sounds, nothing can so effectively support and encourage developmental growth as the divine and unconditional love of God for persons as they are. Because of this potential mediation, the Spiritual Exercises have the capacity to facilitate growth toward the most mature levels of intimacy, and toward self-transcending agency.

Item Type:	Thesis (UNSPECIFIED)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BT Doctrinal Theology
Divisions:	Jesuitica
Depositing User:	JHI Africa
Date Deposited:	03 Nov 2014 13:13
Last Modified:	01 Apr 2022 06:16
URI:	http://thesisbank.jhia.ac.ke/id/eprint/126

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