Toward a More Profound Reciprocity: The Conversation between Ignatian Spirituality and Vietnamese Culture
Year: 2016
Type: dissertation
Abstract: We at times have a tendency to hold the view that Ignatian discernment may not be influenced by ethnic factors because its focal point is not our ethnicity or even decision-making. Rather, it is about deepening our relationship with God, appreciating God’s gifts given to us, and discovering how we may respond to that love in daily life. Perhaps, because of this mentality, we often think that, despite our cultural differences, we can discern according to the Ignatian method as long as we are willing. We even fall into the trap of seeing cultural variance as a minor factor rather than a potential impediment. We then fail to recognize that many people (especially the Vietnamese) struggle when they attempt to use the Ignatian method. Sometimes these people enter into the process just for the sake of formality, and they let their cultural values (e.g., collective tendency, obedience, filial piety, or high respect for authority) trump the whole process. Other times, they have to discern not as the true Vietnamese but as Westerners. It is legitimate for us to wonder whether they can have an authentic Ignatian discernment and whether they can be who they are when discerning. This thesis asserts that, on the one hand, people can still discern authentically the way that Ignatius describes in the Spiritual Exercises, and on the other hand, they can turn the potential impediments within their cultural values into an opportunity for enrichment. The thesis also suggests that instead of letting cultural values be stumbling blocks, people can transform them into beneficial additives to sweeten the fruit of their discernment. In order to achieve this goal, this dissertation points out that there is a need for a mutually enriched dialogue between Ignatian spirituality and Vietnamese culture on the question of discernment and obedience. There is also a need for Ignatian spirituality to be inculturated into the culture of Vietnam. Such an inculturation will help the Vietnamese to maintain the core values of their own culture, and at the same time not turn the Ignatian method of discernment into something that is totally different.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Quan Hoang Nguyen Tran
Language: English
Subfield: Religious studies
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2592002613