Society of Jesus: The Jesuits

[chicago]

i heard the jesuits started the war of 1812,invented color television, and learned how to use garbage to power time machines to be able to change history an are currently working on plans to take out martin luther.

confirm/deny?

I know the guy who is working on one of these top secret projects, actually. They won’t tell you, but it is the real reason Alumni Gym is still standing at Loyola University. Makes for good cover.

 

[maggiemay2u]

I know the guy who is working on one of these top secret projects, actually. They won’t tell you, but it is the real reason Alumni Gym is still standing at Loyola University. Makes for good cover.

Dang, and all this time I thought they had a clandestine hot dog concession in operation.

 

[jfoges]

Let me share some more of my experiences-

Please be aware that there are good and bad- orthodox and liberal- in every order. I have a deep respect for many Jesuits- such as Cardinal Dulles. However, Dulles is a rare gem in the Society these days.

As I have stated earlier, I have only met one Jesuit who wears his clerics daily. I have studied under many Jesuit professors (for philosophy, theology, psychology) and although I knew they were priests, I can recall certain students who didn’t even know that these professors were priests until I mentioned it! One Jesuit theology professor of mine talked about his disdain for Natural Law teaching- especially regarding Humanae Vitae. Another one talked how he saw nothing wrong with sex outside of marriage. This is what they are telling college kids!

Jesuit’s are notorious for being very liberal towards the Church’s sexual teachings, abortion, etc. They are also well known for Liberation theology, anti-war, etc. In addition, the Society has tended to have a lukewarn relationship with the Vatican. I see the anomosity with one of my own priests. For example, this Jesuit was very mad when he noticed the new Vatican flag in our chapel. That same priest has also refused to do the Latin mass- even though several students and faculty members have requested it! (Thankfully we have found a pius Jesuit who has volunteered to say it for us)

Personally, if you are interested in FSSP, etc, I really don’t understand why you would also be interested in the Jesuits. Of course, there are many wonderful, holy, Jesuit. But on the whole, the order has a liberal reputation. To answer your questions about formation- it takes 12 years to reach final vows as a Jesuit. Yes, the study is free. You are a novice for 2 years before you take first vows. then you will be sent somewhere (anywhere around the world) to study theology and philosophy. If addition to poverty, chastity, and obedience, Jesuits also take a fourth vow- Mission. They will go where they are sent. ( I know one man from NYC who is being sent to Africa to complete his philosophy degree. Needless to say, he was surprised)

God bless you in your discernment! I can answer anymore questions- I have known many Jesuit for many years!

The liberal theology of the Jesuits is one of the things I like about them. You should read the Jesuit magazine called America to get the perspective of Jesuit theology.

Liberal theology is the future of the Church. The dry, reactionary, neo-scholasticism that currently reigns in the Vatican is basically non-sense. It is an archaic, Cartesian, and rationalist form of philosophy that is really a thing of the past. Eventually dinasours who believe in dogmatism will be extinct. I mean, they may seem like the loudest bunch now, ranting with their television station ewtn, but anachronistic ways of life and thinking cant survive for long, the natural progression of history will leave them behind.

 

[LRThunder]

The liberal theology of the Jesuits is one of the things I like about them. You should read the Jesuit magazine called America to get the perspective of Jesuit theology.

Liberal theology is the future of the Church. The dry, reactionary, neo-scholasticism that currently reigns in the Vatican is basically non-sense. It is an archaic, Cartesian, and rationalist form of philosophy that is really a thing of the past. Eventually dinasours who believe in dogmatism will be extinct. I mean, they may seem like the loudest bunch now, ranting with their television station ewtn, but anachronistic ways of life and thinking cant survive for long, the natural progression of history will leave them behind.

So, basically you’re saying that being an orthodox Catholic, holding faithful to Church teachings is archaic?

 

[jfoges]

So, basically you’re saying that being an orthodox Catholic, holding faithful to Church teachings is archaic?

I’d say being faithful to the Magisterium is archaic.

 

[jfoges]

because the Magisterium (teaching office) of the church has veered way off course.

 

[starchyp]

I’d say being faithful to the Magisterium is archaic.

jfoges, I hope you are joking. Fidelity to the magisterium is what makes one Catholic. Our Lord gave the apostles and their successors the power, and authority to govern over the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. Non-fidelity to the magisterium is PROTESTANT. If it were not for the magisterium, people would argue all day long and start there own churches. Look at Calvin, Zwingli, Luther, and others.

 

[maggiemay2u]

I’d say being faithful to the Magisterium is archaic.

Spoken like a true (American) Jesuit

 

[StatCrux]

I spoke with a Jesuit at Georgetown regarding a possible vocation and I knew all about the order’s reputation. As an orthodox Catholic I was very hesitant, but my interest was sparked in the fact that I could be both a physician and a priest.

The first thing I did was assist at Mass offered by the priest. Just him and me. It was exactly by the book. Not a single word added or deleted with a very thoughtful homily. I was afraid there would be liturgical dancers and the sort. Chatting after Mass I realized he was a very orthodox priest and I eventually asked about what its like being in a liberal order. He said the loudest group are the heretics but most brothers fall somewhere in between. He mentioned the number of vocal, orthodox priests is growing (slowly, but growing). He also said the only way to change the order is to enter it and be the change.

When you are discerning a call to the religious life you need to discern your call to that specific order. The question is two fold: (1) Am I called to be a priest? and (2) Am I called to be a JESUIT? If the answer to both is yes, don’t worry about the liberal/conservative thing. The Jesuit charism has nothing to do with liberal Catholicism.

Despite what previous posters have said orthodoxy is finally coming back strong (Deo gratias). If God is calling you, don’t be afraid to be the change.

 

[Poor_Clare_tobe]

I spoke with a Jesuit at Georgetown regarding a possible vocation and I knew all about the order’s reputation. As an orthodox Catholic I was very hesitant, but my interest was sparked in the fact that I could be both a physician and a priest’
*. …quote edited for space reasons [because this poster hasnt figured out the partial quote thing… my apologies in advance] *

When you are discerning a call to the religious life you need to discern your call to that specific order. The question is two fold: (1) Am I called to be a priest? and (2) Am I called to be a JESUIT? If the answer to both is yes, don’t worry about the liberal/conservative thing. The Jesuit charism has nothing to do with liberal Catholicism.

I am glad that you have found your calling" StatCrux"… I do have to agree to the post above about the questions to ask… not only as it applies to a possible calling to Jesuits or any order. That one should decide if the call is to the priesthood then if so is one called to a particular order or to Diocesan priesthood. I do wish you a blessed journey… Blessings of Peace and all Good!

"Despite what previous posters have said orthodoxy is finally coming back strong (Deo gratias). If God is calling you, don’t be afraid to be the change.