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The anthropological background of religious vocation
Mihály Szentmártoni
Abstract
Several theories try to give an answer to the question, why do people choose religious (monastic) vocation. Each theory offers some insights, but none gives a total answer. Resuming their results, it is probable that at the beginning of a religious vocation there are three basic motivating factors present: certain personal traits that build up a kind of predisposition; a tendency to realize oneself by auto-transcendence; and religious perspective regarding one’s life. The second part of the paper deals with the individual in religious life. The basis of an authentic religious life is seen in the awareness of one’s place in the Church. This awareness has its psychological expressions, like awareness of one’s originality which enables the person for a specific function in the Church, and acceptance of one’s positive as well as negative characteristics. This awareness of one’s role in the Church is important, because it- makes the person feel competent and adjusted. There are two major obstacles that make the realization of an authentic religious “life impossible: the distorted image of God and a distorted image of one’s self. The distorted image of God views God’s love as conditional, whereas the true biblical image of God the Father presents God’s love unconditional, The distorted image of one’s self prevents the person from accepting and loving himself, and consequently, from loving other people and God. Finally, some attitudes are discussed that can foster authentic religious life, among them empathy, genuiness, and confrontation. In conclusion, the author states: Although religious vocation is primarily a gift of grace, it requires collaboration on the part of the subject. Therefore, in order to live a rich and fulfilling religious life, a wise “strategy" is needed, and here psychology can offer precious insights.
- M. Szentmartoni
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
339334
URI
Publication date:
7.6.1983.
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