"I’m not sure I have made this clear: self-knowledge is so important that even if you were drawn directly into heaven in prayer, I wouldn’t want you to replace your practices of humble and honest self-reflection." - St. Teresa of Avila in Interior Castle Recently, I ordered a new translation of Interior Castle. This is my 4th reread of this classic text, and while it is familiar it still feels fresh. It is interesting to know a text so well that you can pick up the nuances of 4 translations. Teresa of Avila has much to teach modern Evangelicalism, which in my mind has a faulty understanding of self-knowledge. While working in the church world I saw how Evangelicalism only wants people to focus on their breaking of commandments, rules, or codes but not become aware of the ways we are negatively affected by traumas and attachment. This means that "as long as you follow the rules, you are good." In reality, though, we can "follow the rules" and yet deeply hurt those close to us because we are acting out of a certain reactivity or need for control that is unhealthy and ultimately, unholy. In the 1600s, Teresa saw this dynamic at play and while she did not have the modern resources of psychology, I believe she was long ahead of the curve in knowing the importance of self-inquiry and self-knowledge. #interiorcastle #teresaofavila #humility #kenosis
John Chaffee, MDiv / ThM’s Post
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