Discerning in Community the Desire of God: Analysis from Anthropology, the Bible, St. Ignatius, and the Magisterium of Pope Francis

ABSTRACT

Theological epistemology addresses how we comprehend God and how knowledge about the divine is acquired. Discernment plays an essential role in this epistemological framework, as it entails the ability to perceive God’s will and desires through divine revelation. The approach to discernment articulated in this article penetrates the deepest realms of the human spirit, where desires for happiness and fulfillment reside. The models that are presented in the contemporary world are constructed through mimesis and prove to be inadequate because they do not sufficiently fill our lives with meaning. Discernment is not merely reflecting on the reasons for success or failure of a specific decision. Rather, discernment means embracing the fraternity that emerges from the core of the community, serving as a source of identity, a space for healing wounds, a means to listen to God’s desire, and to respond to His call.

KEYWORDS
Epistemology; Mimesis; Discernment; Community