Ignatian Humanism - by Ronald Modras (Paperback)

About the Book

Renaissance humanism had a huge impact on Ignatian spirituality and the Society of Jesus. In Ignatian Humanism, author Ronald Modras outlines the characteristics of Renaissance humanism and its influence on Ignatian spirituality and the Jesuits. This influence can clearly be seen in five compelling biographies of Jesuit heroes and humanists: Matteo Ricci, Friederich Spee, Karl Rahner, Pierre Theilhard de Chardin, and Pedro Arrupe. Throughout the book, Modras articulates the importance of a sixteenth-century spirituality in a post-modern world.

Book Synopsis

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 emperor; 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.

"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

From the Back Cover

"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 emperor; 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.

About the Author

Ronald Modras is professor of theology at Saint Louis University. He is the author of five other books, including Paul Tillich's Theology of the Church: A Catholic Appraisal and The Catholic Church and Antisemitism: Poland, 1933-1939. He lectures throughout the United States, England, Israel, and Germany. He currently resides in Webster Groves, Missouri. Additional information about his work can be found at www.RonaldModras.com.