The Text and Contexts of Ignatius Loyola's Autobiography

The Text and Contexts of Ignatius Loyola's Autobiography

by S.J. McManamon
     
 

This refreshing re-evaluation of the so-called autobiography of Ignatius Loyola (c. 1491-1556) situates Ignatius's Acts against the backgrounds of the spiritual geography of Luke's New Testament writings and the culture of Renaissance humanism. Ignatius Loyola's So-Called Autobiography builds upon recent scholarly consensus, examines the language of the text that

See more details below

Overview

This refreshing re-evaluation of the so-called autobiography of Ignatius Loyola (c. 1491-1556) situates Ignatius's Acts against the backgrounds of the spiritual geography of Luke's New Testament writings and the culture of Renaissance humanism. Ignatius Loyola's So-Called Autobiography builds upon recent scholarly consensus, examines the language of the text that Ignatius Loyola dictated as his legacy to fellow Jesuits late in life, and discusses relevant elements of the social, historical, and religious contexts in which the text came to birth. Recent monographs by Marjorie O'Rourke Boyle and John W. O'Malley have characterized Ignatius's Acts as a mirror of vainglory and of apostolic religious life, respectively. In this study, John M. McManamon, S.J., persuasively argues that an appreciation of the two Lukan New Testament writings likewise helps interpret the theological perspectives of Ignatius. The geography of Luke's two writings and the theology that undergirds Luke's redactional innovation assisted Ignatius in remembering and understanding the crucial acts of God in his own life.

This eloquent, lucidly written new book is essential reading for anyone interested in Ignatius, the early Jesuits, sixteenth-century religious life, and the history of early modern Europe.

Read More

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher
"Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the society of Jesus (the Jesuits), comes alive in a remarkably concise volume that will be accessible and helpful to interested readers ranging from advanced high school students to accomplished scholars." -Choice

"This is a must read for anyone interested in Ignatian Spirituality. McManamon skillfully integrates material from psychology, anthropology, and scripture studies as he critically examines the influence of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles on the ACTA of Ignatius. There is an abundance of background historical material to assist the reader in understanding why and how Ignatius gives us this story of his life." -Deacon David Keene, Ph.D., Archdiocese of Chicago

"John McManamon reads Ignatius of Loyola's autobiography with wonderful precision and insight. His finely crafted interpretation illuminates the life of the founder of the Jesuits; teases out the meanings that Ignatius himself found in his encounters and experiences; and helps to explain the creation and rise of the Jesuit order." -Anthony Grafton, Princeton University

"This is a rich and perceptive book. McManamon enters into the heart and soul of one of the most influential religious figures of the past five hundred years. Ignatius Loyola emerges as all too human but wise and right on the essentials. McManamon's account is deeply grounded in the sources, well-written, and shows flashes of humor." -Paul Grendler, Professor of History Emeritus, University of Toronto

Product Details

ISBN-13:
9780823245048
Publisher:
Fordham University Press
Publication date:
02/11/2013
Pages:
248
Product dimensions:
6.10(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.90(d)

Customer Reviews

Average Review:

Write a Review

and post it to your social network

     

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

See all customer reviews >