Is there in inherent spiritual hierarchy?

[sam_shadle]

The fact that there is in inherent hierarchy of angels suggests to me that perhaps there is also in inherent hierarchy of human spiritualities / spiritual temperaments. There are ranks of human souls in heaven (Council of Trent, “Decree on Justification,” canon 32), and so it seems quite possible to me that a person’s rank could be dictated primarily not by their merits and their free decisions on earth, but ultimately by the spiritual temperament with which they were created. In religion class we took a quiz (vocationnetwork(dot)org/articles/show/63) to determine our spiritual temperament. Speaking generally, those who I would consider to be devout and dedicated to their faith all got Augustinian prayer as their result (I got Ignatian prayer). This list (vocationnetwork(dot)org/en/articles/show/232) claims that the majority of saints are one spiritual temperament, which I am not sure I believe. However, this is an issue I have been thinking about. Is it possible that, for example, because I am a much more logical person and like to think deeply that I am in a sense created to be less spiritual and more secular, or at least think in such a manner? More broadly, are there specific inherent personality traits or other immutable characteristics that are more conducive to attaining holiness?

 

[Kei]

All can have intimacy with God.

The merits change the rewards of Heaven.

 

[TheOldColonel]

I see scrupulosity as perhaps the greatest obstacle for attaining holiness. For the scrupulous person is unable to trust God, his forgiveness or to put such mercy into practice. Over time, scrupulosity leads to a bitterness towards self and others which is quite destructive, especially in a faith community. I’ve actually witnessed such people antagonize priests who preach about God’s goodness and mercy.

 

[Arkansan]

Each angel is its own species, whereas all humans are members of the same species. Thus, while their exists an inherent hierarchy among the angels, all human beings start out spiritually equal.

Obviously, the psychometric qualities we possess can influence us in various ways, but no one’s eventual level of merit is determined by the order of nature.