Vocation, Discernment, and the Human Heart in Augustine
Augustine’s theological insights into the human heart provide a resource for vocational discernment, which is a response to the calling of God through the integration of one’s unique talents, desires, limitations, and circumstances. In the period between 387 and 391 CE – Augustine’s baptism and his...
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Rabbi Myer and Dorothy Kripke Center for the Study of Religion and Society at Creighton University
2018
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| In: |
Journal of religion & society. Supplement
Year: 2018, Volume: 15, Pages: 82-90 |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (kostenfrei) |
| Summary: | Augustine’s theological insights into the human heart provide a resource for vocational discernment, which is a response to the calling of God through the integration of one’s unique talents, desires, limitations, and circumstances. In the period between 387 and 391 CE – Augustine’s baptism and his ordination to the priesthood – Augustine experienced serious losses of career, home, beloved family members, and even his ideal of a good life. Yet, in his own uncertainty he remained open to a radical change in vocation, leading to his ordination by the church at Hippo. In his theology and preaching, Augustine exhorted his audience to turn inward to the mystery of the human heart to find God. This interior journey is guided by participation in liturgical and community practices that heal the heart’s unruly affections and deepen love for God and neighbor. With this formation in charity, one can discern freely about matters of choice: whether or not to marry, to keep or give up wealth, or to change one’s social, religious, economic, or political practices. Augustine’s insights shed light on contemporary vocational discernment programs at universities regarding love, the value of unknowing, the importance of community, and the nature of freedom. |
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| ISSN: | 1941-8450 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Journal of religion & society. Supplement
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