[July 23, 2018] In our world there has been a trend – some say it’s a fad – to denigrate anything having to do with religion. That trend is foolish and here is one reason why. Simply put, the Jesuit religious value system brings out the very best in people.
A Jesuit education is an integral part of teaching Jesuit core values. These values are what drive and guide individuals, help us in our everyday lives, and teach us to reflect on critical thought and responsible action.1
I first became aware of Jesuit values when one of our sons first attended a Jesuit High School. It was a thoughtful, conscious choice and, of course, it was ultimately the right choice.
Here are the core values of Jesuits; those same ones that make their members successful in life:
- Magis: Striving for excellence.
- Women and men for and with others: sharing gifts, pursuing justice, and concern for the poor.
- Cura Personalis: “Care for the individual person.” Respecting each person as a child of God.
- Unity of Heart, Mind, and Soul: developing the whole person.
- Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam: for the greater glory of God.
- Forming and Educating agents of change: teaching behaviors that reflect critical thought and responsible action on moral and ethical issues.
These core values are used to drive and guide individuals. It means to broaden your understanding of cultural and global differences and increase civic engagement. It means taking care of the entire person and caring for individual needs. It also means recognizing that we as leaders will always need to do more.
Jesuit values mean that one should never force Jesuit values on individuals nor ostracize those who do not prefer to follow these values. This is what makes a Jesuit education a worthy goal of any person who wants to improve themselves and, importantly, to help others.
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Jesus would not forgive any of you for your blatant sexism, racism, and exploitation of weak, suffering peoples.
Lucky for you, Jesus was just a fairy tale, loosely based on Mithraism and Zoroastrianism. But you are still bad people for thinking that you can re-write the religion of the Jews and make yourselves the heroes for what the empires of Europe have done to humanity.
If the bible were infallible, it would have stopped failing by now.
Just remember that it is religion that has helped make mankind what they are today and how we’ve all grown from the days of brutality. While the world is not perfect, it certainly is better because of religion. A religious education is, not surprisingly, worth the effort.
I could not agree with you more.
Thanks Gen. Satterfield for supporting religious education here in the US. Too many people decline to attend because they think we’re intellectually and emotionally stunted.
Another good and valuable article. Thanks.
Thank you Gen. Satterfield for exposing us to a side of religious education and how it instills core values that are, frankly, good for us.
Yep! Good comment.
I agree Shawn that Mondays are a “special” day. Thanks for also pointing out that a daily dose of this leadership blog is helpful.
Monday mornings are always tough for me but your interesting article on the value of a Jesuit education helped lighten my day.
I liked your article. Cheers!
A religious education, especially those based on Catholicism, are often better off intellectually, physically, and emotionally. The reason is simple, they don’t waste their time on useless courses; those like we see on “gender studies,” “ethnic studies,” and so on. When you spend your education dollars just remember that a religious education helps instill those values that matter most to a successful and happy person.
Thanks Max for another good point about religious education. Most folks simply overlook the value of such an education.
Good comment.
Thumbs up on your points, Max. Thank you.
Thanks everyone who thinks my comments are worthwhile to read. Much appreciated.
Good comment Max, Thank you.
LIke others here in this forum, I never had the chance to know about a Jesuit education but had acquaintances that went to a Jesuit University. They came out as truly balanced individuals. I was always happy to get a co-worker who had a Jesuit education because I knew I could rely on them and trust them.
James Martin explains what’s so great about a Jesuit education. The bottom line are the values that are taught.
https://www.americamagazine.org/issue/care-person
For those more interested in a Jesuit education, go to this link: https://www.faithandleadership.com/what-jesuit-education
Thanks Watson. Good link!!
Core values cannot be overlooked. They make us who we are.
You have a very nice series of core values and they have been a valuable addition to your leadership blog. I am a regular reader and like these for sharing with my students.
The study of “core values” has pushed me to look more at what I personally value. To explore what makes other people tick can be seen through their value system.
Our neighbor’s son went to a Jesuit High School and received an exceptional education that made him a more balanced individual. He loved being there, the discipline, and the rounding out of his emotions. Thanks Gen. Satterfield for a peek into the window of Jesuit education.
Thanks. Nice story. Glad the experience was positive.
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Thanks for an excellent article on Jesuit education. Although brief, it certainly makes for an eye-opening article on important educational opportunities.
Good article and very educational. I had no idea.
I agree. 🙂
Thanks !!!!
I too agree. Very worthwhile.