Journal 4

1.     The major idea of this section is "The Golden Way." (102, rb)  "The Golden Way is Faith." (102, rb)  There are many alternatives people choose when they are too afraid to risk Faith.  Some of these include Radicalism and Nihilism.  The ladder goes parallels Skepticism.  Nihilists deny truth, especially moral truth.  The have no beliefs, and get by only on reason.  Skeptics believe that true knowledge in any area is not possible.  They believe that nothing can be known with certainty.  On the other hand, are the Radicalists, which consist of Fundamentalists and Fanatics.  Fundamentalists interpret their holy book literally and take everything they say as true in terms of history and science.  Fanatics believe in something so intensly that they sometimes become unreasonable and hypocritical.  Faith has two main definitions, the biblical idea and the Catholic definition.  The Biblical definition of Faith is that it "is a loving trust, involves periods of doubt and struggle, periods of risk and darkness, and is an ongoing series of decisions." (87, rb)  As Catholics, we define faith also as "a grace, a human response, a risk, being reasonable, being certain, seeking understanding, and is a virtue." (87, rb)  Faith is the choice we make to take the risk and believe in something we are uncertain of.   2.     Three of the most important ideas I want to remember: a.  The two different definitions of Faith, biblical and Catholic.     Biblical: Faith is a loving trust, involves periods of doubt and struggle, periods of darkness, and is an ongoing series of decisions. (87, rb)    Catholic: Faith is a grace, a human response, a risk, is reasonable, is certain, seeks understanding, and is a virtue.   As Catholics we are willing to take the risk and be uncertain in having Faith. b.  Saint Ignatius' life, conversion, and teachings were a major part of this chapter.  One of his greatest ideas and most important teachings was that of discernment. Discernment is the ability to tell "what is God's will" from "what isn't God's will."  Discernment comes with understanding the four cardinal virtues. c.  Finally, Fr. Huse's teachings on the Examen of Consciousness and the Spiritual Excercises (the Meditation and the Two Standards).  Mainly his thought on the devil versus Jesus and their forms of attracting followers.  The devil tempts people with riches, honor, and pride, sending demons to do so, and Jesus combats that sending out people to spread the word, and "stress poverty, insults, and humility." (handout)   3. Some pictures that serve as reminders:

St. Ignatius of Loyola

"Risk"

4.     One good question I would like to keep with me to ponder: What would I do if I were put in the position of the Jesuits in "the Mission" and forced to choose to follow my religion, or what I believe is right? Would I risk my life for my faith?

5.     To make myself a better person, I would focus on the teachings of Ignatius, and try to apply many of them to my life, learn them and live them, and spread them to other people.