Dialogical Personalism and Spiritual Exercises: Communication, Grace, Sin, Discernment and Love

Abstract

The objective of this article is to propose some connection points between the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius of Loyola (SE) and the dialogical personalism of Ferdinand Ebner. We will focus on key themes shared by both: communication, grace, sin, discernment, and love. These are central concepts in both writings. Dialogical personalism is based on the principle that the person exists only through the relationship of I-Thou. For Ebner, the ultimate Thou with whom the human being is in relationship is God. This relationship occurs through the Word. From another perspective, the SE is a method that leads the individual to an intimate encounter with God, which is fundamentally dialogical in nature. Therefore, while the SE predates Ebner’s work, it materially proposes what he later theorized in his personalism.

KEYWORDS: Dialogical Personalism. I-Thou Relationship. Ferdinand Ebner. Spiritual Exercises.