The Society of Jesus is a religious group that has a history of almost 400 years. Members of this society call themselves Jesuits. Faith and Leadership states that: “The Jesuits have seen the training of religious and lay believers as core to their mission for more than 400 years” (Faith and Leadership 2017). Since Ignatius Loyola is a founder of the organization, most of the educational principles are based on his experience. Education is viewed as the main focus of the society (Jesuits West 2017).
Loyola created a set of “spiritual exercises” that help one to understand better oneself and find the way to God’s love. Researchers state that one of the main goals of the exercises is to leave out the habits and actions that may prevent one from getting closer to God (Newton et. al 1994). After that, a person who completes the exercises is able to seek for salvation. The Jesuits’ educational institutions serve a very specific purpose. They should be viewed as an instrument for the transmission of information. Therefore, most of the students are taught how to find salvation through the love to God. Also, this education teaches people to alter their behaviors in order to become better according to the principles.
The founder of the organization went through the transition in his life and after that, he was able to share his knowledge and experience with the others. After the creation of the “Spiritual Exercises” schools were built in order to spread Loyola’s knowledge. The organization has a more general idea, while schools are trying to fit in their character to the Society of Jesuits. Schools and universities of Jesuits provide education and the reasons for their students to develop and improve. Students always feel safe and valued in Jesuits institutions. It is a special place where diversity is appreciated. Jesuit education feels students welcomed which help them to focus on educational goals that they are perceiving. Intellectual integrity is a skill which is being developed through the whole process of learning.
I am also a person who applies Jesuits’ philosophy to my life. It is important for me to have values that I use in my everyday life. One of the traits that I try to exercise and appreciate in the others is honesty. My behavioral policy is easy since I try to say only the truth to people. I think it is a part of a healthy relationship. Honesty is also a great contributor to building trust and faith into one another. To my mind, it is important to be at peace with yourself in order to be able to acquire new skills and knowledge at all times. Education is a very crucial part of a person’s life. One has to enter the world of knowledge with a cool mind. Knowing these principles are contributing to my overall happiness and well being. Jesuits’ educational mission can change the society for better. Its educational philosophy that can help people feel better about their lives. I think that Jesuits’ mission is likely to change people for better and make them kinder because kindness is what makes people united and integral.
In conclusion, it is important to say that education is a very important part of every person’s life. Jesuits’ principles will contribute to the overall happiness of our world. The Society of Jesuits is promoting education about the people who are a part of the organization. It is very necessary to consider the fact that various people become members of the society. Diversity is being highly appreciated which makes the ideas that are promoted more applicable to the state of current affairs. In order to reach peace and integrity with your personal identity in order to be more tolerable with the needs and knowledge of the others. Jesuits set a good example for diverse groups that are promoting the necessity of education since they were able to incorporate their principles for a bigger purpose. Now people are able to find the love of God and their purpose in life.
Works Cited
Newton, R. (1994). “Reflections of Spiritual Principles of the Spiritual Exercises”. Web.
Retrieved from: http://www.regis.edu/~/media/Files/University/Alpha%20Sigma%20Nu/Exercises.ashx
What is Jesuit education? (n.d.). Retrieved January 27, 2017, from
https://www.faithandleadership.com/features/articles/what-jesuit-education
What We Do . (n.d.). Retrieved January 27, 2017, from http://jesuitswest.org/whatwedo
