2022/01/04

Discernment - Wikipedia

Discernment - Wikipedia

Discernment

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Discernment is the ability to obtain sharp perceptions or to judge well (or the activity of so doing).[1] In the case of judgement, discernment can be psychological, moral or aesthetic in nature.[2] Discernment has also been defined in the contexts; 

scientific (that is discerning what is true about the real world),[3] 

normative (discerning value including what ought to be)[4] and 

formal (deductive reasoning). 


The process of discernment within judgment, involves going past the mere perception of something and making nuanced judgments about its properties or qualities.[4] 

Discernment in the Christian religion is considered as a virtue, 

a discerning individual is considered to possess wisdom, and be of good judgement; especially so with regard to subject matter often overlooked by others.[5]

Christianity[edit]

In Christianity, the word may have several meanings. Discernment can describe the process of determining God's desire in a situation or for one's life or identifying the true nature of a thing, such as discerning whether a thing is good, evil, or may even transcend the limiting notion of duality.[4] In large part, it describes the interior search for an answer to the question of one's vocation, namely, determining whether or not God is calling one to the married life, single life, consecrated life, ordained ministry or any other calling.

Discernment of Spirits is a term used in both Roman Catholic and Charismatic (Pentacostal) Christian theology to indicate judging various spiritual agents for their moral influence.

Process of Discernment[edit]

The process of individual discernment has steps that can be taken in order to achieve a level of discernment. The following actions can be made when making decisions of discernment; taking time in making decisions, using both the head and heart, and assessing important values involved in the situation. Time has been considered necessary in the process of making a smart choice and decisions made in a hurry can be altered by lack of contemplation.[6] When time is available to assess the situation it improves the discernment process. When time allots the tentative decision can be revisited days later and external people can be consulted to make sure that the individual is satisfied with their choice.[7] Making decisions is involved with discernment and they require both the "head" and the "heart". Making decisions with the "head" means to first reflect on the situation and emphasize the rational aspect of the decision making process.[8] In order to make a decision with the 'heart'' the individual needs to make decisions based on feelings as well as rationality.[9] Values in the discernment process are weighing options that decide what is most important to the individual. Every individuals value system is different which affects each individual discernment process.[10] Combining values, using both the head and heart and taking sufficient time when making decision are the main steps for a successful discernment process.

Group discernment is a separate branch of discernment. In group discernment each individual must first undergo their own discernment process.[11] The individual must keep in mind what is best for the group as a whole as well as the individual when making a decision.[7] The same principles of values, using the head and heart, as well as giving the decision making process ample time all still apply in group discernment. Group discernment is different because it requires multiple people to have a unanimous decision in order to move forward. Group discernment requires discussion and persuasion between individuals to arrive at a decision.

Christian Spiritual Discernment[edit]

Christian Spiritual Discernment 기독교 영적 분별

Christian spiritual discernment can be separated from other types of discernment because every decision is to be made in accordance with God's will.[12] 

The fundamental definition for Christian discernment is a decision making process in which an individual makes a discovery that can lead to future action.[13]

 In the process of Christian spiritual discernment God guides the individual to help them arrive at the best decision. The way to arrive at the best decision in Christian spiritual discernment is to seek out internal external signs of God's action and then apply them to the decision at hand. Christian Discernment also has an emphasis on Jesus, and making decisions that align with those of Jesus within the New Testament.[13] 

The focus on God and Jesus when making decisions is what separates Christian discernment from secular discernment.

 Ignatius of Loyola is often regarded as the master of the discernment of spirits.[14] Ignatian discernment comes from Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) when he created his own unique way of Catholic discernment. 

Ignatian discernment uses a series of Spiritual Exercises for discerning life choices and focuses on noticing God in all aspects of life.[15] 

The Spiritual Exercises are designed to help people who are facing a major life decision. There are seven steps of discernment to be followed that include identifying the issue, taking time to pray about the choice, making a wholehearted decision, discussing the choice with a mentor and then finally trusting the decision made.[16]

[17]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "DISCERNMENT | meaning in the Cambridge English Dictionary". dictionary.cambridge.org. Retrieved 2020-11-01.
  2. ^ Zangwill, Nick (2019), "Aesthetic Judgment", in Zalta, Edward N. (ed.), The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Spring 2019 ed.), Metaphysics Research Lab, Stanford University, retrieved 2020-11-01
  3. ^ Zhu, Weidong; Li, Shaorong; Ku, Quan; Zhang, Chao (2020). "Evaluation Information Fusion of Scientific Research Project Based on Evidential Reasoning Approach Under Two-Dimensional Frames of Discernment". IEEE Access. 8: 8087–8100. doi:10.1109/access.2020.2963936. ISSN 2169-3536. S2CID 210696252.
  4. ^ Jump up to:a b c Diamond, Stephen A.; Larson, Paul; Amlen, Jennifer; Madden, Kathryn; Madden, Kathryn; DuBose, Todd; Crusalis, Bonnie Smith; Giaccardi, Giorgio; Leeming, David A. (2010), "Discernment", Encyclopedia of Psychology and Religion, Boston, MA: Springer US, pp. 237–241, doi:10.1007/978-0-387-71802-6_171, ISBN 978-0-387-71801-9, retrieved 2020-11-01
  5. ^ Dominican Province of the Assumption. "The Journey of Discernment". Dominican Province of the Assumption. Retrieved 2020-11-01.
  6. ^ Wolff, Pierre (1993). Discernment: the Art of Choosing Well: Based on Ignition Spirituality. Liguori Publications. p. 4.
  7. ^ Jump up to:a b Barton, Ruth Hayley (2005-02-23). "Discerning God's Will Together: Discovering a Process of Leadership Discernment". Transforming Center. Retrieved 2020-11-01.
  8. ^ Horton, Dennis (2009). "Discerning Spiritual Discernment: Assessing Current Approaches for Understanding God's Will". Journal of Youth Ministry. 7: 9.
  9. ^ Wolff, Pierre (1993). Discernment: the Art of Choosing Well: Based on Ignition Spirituality. Liguori Publications. pp. 5–6.
  10. ^ Wolff, Pierre (1993). Discernment: the Art of Choosing Well: Based on Ignatian Spirituality. Liguori, Missouri: Liguori Publications. pp. 6–7.
  11. ^ Waaijman, Kees (2013). "DISCERNMENT AND BIBLICAL SPIRITUALITY: AN OVERVIEW AND EVALUATION OF RECENT RESEARCH". Acta Theologica. 32: 2–4.
  12. ^ Horton, Dennis (2009). "Discerning Spiritual Discernment: Assessing Current Approaches for Understanding God's Will". Journal of Youth Ministry. 7: 12.
  13. ^ Jump up to:a b Kunz, Sandra (2011). "Respecting the Boundaries of Knowledge: Teaching Christian Discernment with Humility and Dignity, a Response to Paul O. Ingram". Buddhist-Christian Studies: 177.
  14. ^ Kees, Waaijman (2013). "DISCERNMENT AND BIBLICAL SPIRITUALITY: AN OVERVIEW AND EVALUATION OF RECENT RESEARCH". Acta Theologica. 32: 2.
  15. ^ Au, Wilkie (September 2010). "The Ignatian Method: A Way of Proceeding". Presence. 16: 6.
  16. ^ Au, Wilkie (September 2010). "The Ignatian Method: A Way of Proceeding". Presence. 16: 7–8.
  17. ^ Franklin, Jentezen (2006). The amazing discernment of women : learning to understand your spiritual intuition and God's plan for. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc. ISBN 1-59951-003-0.

[1]

Further reading[edit]

Goll, James W (2017). The discerner : hearing, confirming, and acting on prophetic revelation. Franklin: Whitaker House. ISBN 978-1-62911902-1. [2] [3]

  1. ^ Hunt, Dave; McMahon, T.A. The seduction of christianity: spiritual discernment in the last days.
  2. ^ Challies, Tim (2007). The Discipline of Spiritual Discernment. Illinois: Crossway Books.
  3. ^ (Kobus) Kok, Jacobus; van den Heuvel, Steven C. (2019). Leading in a VUCA World: Integrating Leadership, Discernment and Spirituality. Switzerland: Springer. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-98884-9. ISBN 978-3-319-98884-9.
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History - St Vincent de Paul Society - Good Works

History - St Vincent de Paul Society - Good Works
Founder of the St Vincent de Paul Society, Bl Frederic Ozanam

Blessed Frederic Ozanam

Date of birth: 23 April 1813
Place of birth: Milan, Italy
Died: 8 September 1853
Beatified: 22 August 1997
Feast Day: 9 September

Paris of the early 19th century was in the grip of great upheavals. During and following the French revolution 1788-1799, Paris was profoundly affected by social unrest. A new type of society was being formed - a republic based on liberty, equality and fraternity.

The 1830s brought the collapse of the old Bourbon monarchy which had dreams of strengthening the throne with the support from the Church. Religion was on the decline and atheism increasing; scepticism was virtually triumphant in the teachings of Saint Simon.

Large numbers of the country people were moving to the cities to find work in the factories. Many arrived to discover that there was no work, little pay or that the factories were closed due to revolution.

In 1832 an epidemic of cholera swept through Paris killing up to 1200 people each day. Large slums areas were forming in Paris; thousands of people lived without work, some without clothes, and many alcoholic. Homelessness, disease, and starvation were common.

A young student, Frederic Ozanam had to walk through the poorer suburbs on his way to university lectures each day and he soon became deeply moved at the hopeless state of families who had been left without the support of their breadwinners after the epidemic.

It was the taunt of an anti-religious opponent in a debating society founded by the students that stung him to action:

"You are right Ozanam when you speak of the past! In former times Christianity worked wonders, but what is it doing for mankind now? And you, who pride yourself on your Catholicity, what are you doing now for the poor? Show us your works"

Frederic Ozanam gathered a few friends around him and on 23 April 1833, they met to decide what they could do to assist the poor. After the meeting Frederic and his flat mate took the remainder of their winter wood supply and gave it to a widow. These young men attracted the comment "What can seven young men hope to achieve in alleviating the suffering of Paris?" Fortunately Ozanam paid little heed to their comments, determined to satisfy his own conscience that he was doing what he could to bear witness to his Christian upbringing by assisting those less fortunate in the community.

The small group decided to adopt the name The Society of St Vincent de Paul after the Patron Saint of Christian charity. They sought the advice of Sister Rosalie Rendu, a Daughter of Charity who was visiting poor families in one of the poorer districts. Sr Rendu introduced the young men to people they could assist. They agreed to meet weekly to strengthen their friendship and to respond to the needs of those they served.

It was not long after that other good citizens of Paris took note of the charitable works of the students. Within a year membership had expanded to 100 and it became necessary to split the conference (group) into three separate conferences. At the same time other conferences sprang up in Parishes around Paris. In its first decade the Society spread to 48 other cities in France and Italy and numbered over 9,000 members. After some years the Society reached Rome (1842), England (1844), Belgium, Scotland, Ireland (1845), the United States of America (1846) and Australia on 5 March 1854.

Until 1963 women were organised separately throughout the world as the 'Womans Society of St. Vincent de Paul', with headquarters in Bologna, Italy. It was founded in 1856 to render charitable aid to the afflicted in matters which men could not handle such as the care of widows, orphan girls and mothers with small families. After a trial period the women's Society was amalgamated with the men's Society in 1967. Internationally the Society now admits both men and women with equal responsibility.
===

Our story

The St Vincent de Paul Society was founded by a 20 year old student named Frederic Ozanam in 1833. It was established by like minded individuals who wished to put their faith into action.

This compassionate outlook, enthusiasm and vision continues today in Australia. There are thousands of people who every day share their time, care for humanity and energy to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged people all around Australia.
The Society in Australia

The first Australian conference was founded in Victoria by Fr Gerald Ward at St Francis' Church, Melbourne on 5 March 1854, just 21 years after the founding of the first conference in Paris. Click on a link to find out more about Vinnies in your state or territory.
ACT NSW NT QLD SA TAS VIC WA


The meaning of social justice for the St Vincent de Paul Society

When we speak about social justice we go to the heart of what the St Vincent de Paul Society stands for.

We are called, as Vincentians, to feed, clothe, house and assist our brothers and sisters who are forced onto the margins of society.

We are also called to ask why they are left out and pushed out?

We follow the teachings of the Scriptures:



“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
protect the rights of those who are helpless.

Speak out and pronounce a sentence of justice,
defend the cause of the wretched and the poor.”
(Proverbs 31:8-9)



In assisting people who are denied equality and dignity we make a prophetic statement about the dignity and equality of all people in God’s sight.

In asking the simple question about the causes of injustice we issue a prophetic call to all people of good will to work creatively to build equality and justice into our society.

Especially through our national and state councils we give voice to those who are voiceless, standing with them and advocating for them.

As Vincentians we do not close our eyes to the growing division in Australia and the world between the increasingly prosperous and the increasingly poor.

The accumulation of wealth on the one hand is connected with the accumulation of poverty on the other, characterised by oppression on the basis of class, race, gender, age, disability, and mental and physical illness; forced migration, homelessness, unemployment, insecure and poorly paid work; and declining levels of social security and public infrastructure.

We seek to share both bread and hope with our brothers and sisters, recognising Christ in their painful stories and witnessing to the Good News of justice and compassion.



They entrust a little of their lives to us. We honour this trust by speaking the truth of their stories and calling on the people of our nation to address the structural causes of poverty and inequality.

For more information, read our National Social Justice and Advocacy Committee Policy Statement

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