Ethics Paper on Jesuits

The Society of Jesus, often referred to as the Jesuits, is a religious order within the Roman Catholic Church. Its purpose is the propagation of the churchs faith by all means necessary. The societys members across the world take part in spreading the Gospel and in ministering social justice and education among poor and marginalized people. Jesuits are expected to take four vows: chastity, poverty, and obedience to both Christ and the Pope.

The Jesuits was founded by a former soldier known as St Ignatius of Loyola, whose life was changed after he was injured during battle. In 1521, his leg was shattered by a cannonball, thus effectively ending his military career. In the course of his lengthy recovery, Loyola spent a lot of time praying, fasting, and reading religious literature. These experiences and studies influenced him to become a soldier of Christ. Between 1522 and 1534, he visited various schools and monasteries praying and studying as he prepared for a life devoted to Christ. While a student at the University of Paris, he met six classmates with whom they took part in regular prayers and meditation. When their studies came to an end, they agreed to continue by travelling for missionary work to Jerusalem and living a life of evangelical poverty. Despite being denied entry into Jerusalem by war between Venice and Turkey, they opted to spread the gospel in cities located in northern Italy. Loyola gave out his plan of service to the Vatican, and in 1540 Pope Paul III presented him with papal commission and a lifetime post as General.

The first order of business for the Jesuits was conversion of Muslims as Islam was making inroads across the Mediterranean region. Just after the order was formed, its focus changed to countering the Protestantism. The Counter-Reformation that took place in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries was largely thanks to activities of the Jesuits. Members of the order had advanced military training and vows of absolute obedience to the Pope. This situation meant that they became feared across Europe as enforcers of the Catholic Church, and presided over armies that captured huge territories for the church. In addition to military actions, they also took part missionary work and education. By the time Loyola died in 1556, the Society of Jesus had members in most parts of Europe, Brazil, Japan, and Ethiopia.

Jesuits are actively carrying out their activities today, although they no longer engage in the military actions. Most Jesuits are ordained as priests after going through several years of studies and rigorous training. Others are of the opinion that a life as a member would match more with their personality. There are over18, 000 priests and brothers across the world. A member of the Society of Jesus is essentially a missionary sent by superiors to spread the gospel in regions deemed to be in greatest need. Such areas may be where there are physical, intellectual, or spiritual needs.

When it comes to beliefs, Jesuits abide by the historical teachings of the Catholic Church. For instance, the practice referred to as Ignatian spirituality is influenced by the spiritual exercises of the founder, and is the foundation for their day-to-day lives. The aim of these practices is for a person to be able to conquer and then regulate his inner personal life in a way that he becomes submissive to God.