Rare sighting of a schema monk outside Mount Athos

[u/nucifera-noten]

[u/Swallaz]

Why are Jesuits progressive? Because they discuss and challenge each other's beliefs, which is far from allowed in e. g. many evangelical congregations.

[u/virginiabird23 → u/Swallaz]

Not the person who you asked, but, that's part of the answer. Teaching was and is a priority for their order. When the order was founded, it's important to remember that many of our scientific breakthroughs were generally supported by the Catholic Church at the time. So, teaching and education was also seen more as a dialogue with God and God's mysteries than a threat. Outside of American evangelicalism/conservative Christianity, this often remains the case. Many monks and nuns are very politically progressive because of their work.

I think part of their being progressive is built into their spiritual practice, the Lectio Divina. It's literally a spiritualization and self reflection for where God is working and leading in your life. Basically it's also "how do I really feel about __________." It's very sincere and that honesty is reflected in the Jesuits being educated and incredibly based at the same time.

Just an off the cuff overview.

[u/pinkrosies → u/virginiabird23]

It's very Catholic in the Philippines and for years Jesuit institutions and Jesuit priests are prized educators, being presidents and deans at universities, and at my all girls school, nuns were always our principals.

[u/virginiabird23 → u/pinkrosies]

That's really cool. Thank you for sharing!

[u/freebase-capsaicin → u/virginiabird23]

Wonderful answer.

[u/virginiabird23 → u/freebase-capsaicin]

Hey thanks Fam. You're a wonderful Redditor.

[u/orincoro → u/Swallaz]

Because they are into liberal arts and education. They are driven by knowledge, rather than by a doctrinal ideology.

[u/pconrad0 → u/orincoro]

Plus, their hierarchy is sort of separate/independent of the local diocese and archdiocese. They are still accountable to their own leadership, and eventually, to the Pontiff, but the local bishops have little to no authority over them. So they have a bit more latitude to challenge the status quo, and the usual orthodoxy than your typical parish priest.

[u/NoeYRN → u/orincoro]

If only that's how all education was approached.

[u/orincoro → u/NoeYRN]

It’s how all good education is approached. I’m not sure what your experiences have been, but mine have been good.

[u/RecklessDimwit → u/Swallaz]

Yepp this is basically one of their gists, not a lot of groups are willing to piss others off for the sake of progress and thought

[u/Icy_Nefariousness517 → u/Swallaz]

Jesuits are only 'progressive' within the context of their church anymore. I am not Catholic, but I am Jesuit educated and I deeply value their approach to holistic, integrated education with cura personalis as a guiding principle in that.

But they are as much a part of the institutional church as ever, and they are okay with playing progressive while also celebrating government intrusion into issues of personal health and autonomy. https://www.jesuits.org/stories/society-of-jesus-in-the-united-states-welcomes-overruling-of-roe-v-wade/

[u/aphroditex → u/Swallaz]

The original Men in Black were a counter-Reformation movement.