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'''Discernment''' is the ability to obtain sharp [[perception]]s or to judge well (or the activity of so doing).<ref>{{Cite web|title=DISCERNMENT {{!}} meaning in the Cambridge English Dictionary|url=https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/discernment|access-date=2020-11-01|website=dictionary.cambridge.org|language=en}}</ref> In the case of [[judgement]], discernment can be [[psychology|psychological]], [[morality|moral]] or [[aesthetic]] in nature.<ref>{{Citation|last=Zangwill|first=Nick|title=Aesthetic Judgment|date=2019|url=https://plato.stanford.edu/archives/spr2019/entries/aesthetic-judgment/|work=The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy|editor-last=Zalta|editor-first=Edward N.|edition=Spring 2019|publisher=Metaphysics Research Lab, Stanford University|access-date=2020-11-01}}</ref> Discernment has been described in the setting of [[Christianity]] under different meanings including discernment in the the context of God's will.<ref name=":0" /> Discernment has also be defined in the contexts; scientific (that is discerning what is true about the real world)<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Zhu|first=Weidong|last2=Li|first2=Shaorong|last3=Ku|first3=Quan|last4=Zhang|first4=Chao|date=2020|title=Evaluation Information Fusion of Scientific Research Project Based on Evidential Reasoning Approach Under Two-Dimensional Frames of Discernment|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/access.2020.2963936|journal=IEEE Access|volume=8|pages=8087–8100|doi=10.1109/access.2020.2963936|issn=2169-3536}}</ref>, normative (discerning value including what ought to be)<ref name=":2">{{Citation|last=Diamond|first=Stephen A.|title=Discernment|date=2010|url=https://doi-org.ezproxy2.library.usyd.edu.au/10.1007/978-0-387-71802-6_171|work=Encyclopedia of Psychology and Religion|pages=237–241|place=Boston, MA|publisher=Springer US|doi=10.1007/978-0-387-71802-6_171|isbn=978-0-387-71801-9|access-date=2020-11-01|last2=Larson|first2=Paul|last3=Amlen|first3=Jennifer|last4=Madden|first4=Kathryn|last5=Madden|first5=Kathryn|last6=DuBose|first6=Todd|last7=Crusalis|first7=Bonnie Smith|last8=Giaccardi|first8=Giorgio|last9=Leeming|first9=David A.}}</ref> and formal (deductive reasoning). The process of discernment within judgment, involves going past the mere perception of something and making nuanced judgments about its properties or qualities.<ref name=":2" /> Discernment in the Christian religion is considered as a [[virtue]], a discerning individual is considered to possess [[wisdom]], and be of good judgement; especially so with regard to subject matter often overlooked by others.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Dominican Province of the Assumption|date=|title=The Journey of Discernment|url=https://www.op.org.au/vocations/the-journey-of-discernment|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-11-01|website=Dominican Province of the Assumption|language=en-gb}}</ref>
'''Discernment''' is the ability to obtain sharp [[perception]]s or to judge well (or the activity of so doing). In the case of [[judgement]], discernment can be [[psychology|psychological]], [[morality|moral]] or [[aesthetic]] in nature. Within judgment, discernment
involves going past the mere perception of something and making nuanced judgments about its properties or qualities. Considered as a [[virtue]], a discerning individual is considered to possess [[wisdom]], and be of good judgement; especially so with regard to subject matter often overlooked by others. Discernment can be scientific (that is discerning what is true about the real world), normative (discerning value including what ought to be) and formal (deductive reasoning).


==Christianity==
==Christianity==
In [[Christianity]], the word may have several meanings. Discernment can describe the process of determining [[God in Christianity|God]]'s [[Desire (philosophy)|desire]] in a situation or for one's life or identifying the true nature of a thing, such as discerning whether a thing is good, evil, or may even transcend the limiting notion of duality. In large part, it describes the interior search for an answer to the question of one's [[vocation]], namely, determining whether or not God is calling one to the [[married]] life, [[Celibacy|single life]], [[consecrated life]], [[ordained ministry]] or any other calling.
In [[Christianity]], the word may have several meanings. Discernment can describe the process of determining [[God in Christianity|God]]'s [[Desire (philosophy)|desire]] in a situation or for one's life or identifying the true nature of a thing, such as discerning whether a thing is good, evil, or may even transcend the limiting notion of duality.<ref name=":2" /> In large part, it describes the interior search for an answer to the question of one's [[vocation]], namely, determining whether or not God is calling one to the [[married]] life, [[Celibacy|single life]], [[consecrated life]], [[ordained ministry]] or any other calling.


[[Discernment of Spirits]] is a term used in both [[Roman Catholic]] and [[Charismatic Movement|Charismatic]] ([[Pentacostal]]) Christian theology to indicate judging various spiritual agents for their moral influence.
[[Discernment of Spirits]] is a term used in both [[Roman Catholic]] and [[Charismatic Movement|Charismatic]] ([[Pentacostal]]) Christian theology to indicate judging various spiritual agents for their moral influence.


== Process of Discernment ==
== Process of Discernment ==
The process of individual discernment has required tasks in order for good discernment. These tasks include taking time in making the decision, using both the head and heart, and assessing important values. Time is necessary to make a good choice, decisions made in a hurry are often not the best decisions.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Discernment: the Art of Choosing Well: Based on Ignition Spirituality|last=Wolff|first=Pierre|publisher=Liguori Publications|year=1993|isbn=|location=|pages=4}}</ref> When time is available to assess the situation it improves the discernment process. When time allots the tentative decision can be revisited days later to make sure that the individual is satisfied with their choice after the discernment process. Making decisions with the head means to first reflect on the situation and emphasize the rational aspect of the decision making process.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Horton|first=Dennis|date=2009|title=Discerning Spiritual Discernment: Assessing Current Approaches for Understanding God's Will|url=|journal=Journal of Youth Ministry|volume=7|pages=9|via=}}</ref> In order to make a decision that is ours it also requires the heart in which the individual makes based on feelings as well as rationality.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Discernment: the Art of Choosing Well: Based on Ignition Spirituality|last=Wolff|first=Pierre|publisher=Liguori Publications|year=1993|isbn=|location=|pages=5–6}}</ref> Values in the discernment process are weighing options that decide what is most important to the individual. Every individuals value system is different which effects each individual discernment process.<ref name=":02">{{Cite book|title=Discernment: the Art of Choosing Well: Based on Ignatian Spirituality|last=Wolff|first=Pierre|publisher=Liguori Publications|year=1993|isbn=|location=Liguori, Missouri|pages=6–7}}</ref> Combining values, using both the head and heart and taking sufficient time when making decision are the main steps for a successful discernment process.
The process of individual discernment has steps that can be taken in order to achieve a level of discernment. The following actions can be made when making decisions of discernment; taking time in making decisions, using both the head and heart, and assessing important values involved in the situation. Time has been considered necessary in the process of making a smart choice and decisions made in a hurry can be altered by lack of contemplation.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Discernment: the Art of Choosing Well: Based on Ignition Spirituality|last=Wolff|first=Pierre|publisher=Liguori Publications|year=1993|isbn=|location=|pages=4}}</ref> When time is available to assess the situation it improves the discernment process. When time allots the tentative decision can be revisited days later and external people can be consulted to make sure that the individual is satisfied with their choice.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|last=Barton|first=Ruth Hayley|date=2005-02-23|title=Discerning God's Will Together: Discovering a Process of Leadership Discernment|url=https://transformingcenter.org/2005/02/discerning-gods-will-together-discovering-a-process-of-leadership-discernment/|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-11-01|website=Transforming Center|language=en-US}}</ref> Making decisions is involved with discernment and they require both the "head" and the "heart". Making decisions with the "head" means to first reflect on the situation and emphasize the rational aspect of the decision making process.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Horton|first=Dennis|date=2009|title=Discerning Spiritual Discernment: Assessing Current Approaches for Understanding God's Will|url=|journal=Journal of Youth Ministry|volume=7|pages=9|via=}}</ref> In order to make a decision with the <nowiki>'heart''</nowiki> the individual needs to make decisions based on feelings as well as rationality.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Discernment: the Art of Choosing Well: Based on Ignition Spirituality|last=Wolff|first=Pierre|publisher=Liguori Publications|year=1993|isbn=|location=|pages=5–6}}</ref> Values in the discernment process are weighing options that decide what is most important to the individual. Every individuals value system is different which effects each individual discernment process.<ref name=":02">{{Cite book|title=Discernment: the Art of Choosing Well: Based on Ignatian Spirituality|last=Wolff|first=Pierre|publisher=Liguori Publications|year=1993|isbn=|location=Liguori, Missouri|pages=6–7}}</ref> Combining values, using both the head and heart and taking sufficient time when making decision are the main steps for a successful discernment process.


Group discernment is a separate branch of discernment. In group discernment each individual must first undergo their own discernment process.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Waaijman|first=Kees|date=2013|title=DISCERNMENT AND BIBLICAL SPIRITUALITY: AN OVERVIEW AND EVALUATION OF RECENT RESEARCH|url=|journal=Acta Theologica|volume=32|pages=2–4|via=}}</ref> The individual must keep in mind what is best for the group as a whole as well as the individual when making a decision. The same principles of values, using the head and heart, as well as giving the decision making process ample time all still apply in group discernment. Group discernment is different because it requires multiple people to have a unanimous decision in order to move forward. Group discernment requires discussion and persuasion between individuals to arrive at a decision.
Group discernment is a separate branch of discernment. In group discernment each individual must first undergo their own discernment process.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Waaijman|first=Kees|date=2013|title=DISCERNMENT AND BIBLICAL SPIRITUALITY: AN OVERVIEW AND EVALUATION OF RECENT RESEARCH|url=|journal=Acta Theologica|volume=32|pages=2–4|via=}}</ref> The individual must keep in mind what is best for the group as a whole as well as the individual when making a decision.<ref name=":3" /> The same principles of values, using the head and heart, as well as giving the decision making process ample time all still apply in group discernment. Group discernment is different because it requires multiple people to have an unanimous decision in order to move forward. Group discernment requires discussion and persuasion between individuals to arrive at a decision.


== Christian Spiritual Discernment ==
== Christian Spiritual Discernment ==
Christian spiritual discernment can be separated from other types of discernment because every decision is to be made in accordance with God's will.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Horton|first=Dennis|date=2009|title=Discerning Spiritual Discernment: Assessing Current Approaches for Understanding God's Will|url=|journal=Journal of Youth Ministry|volume=7|pages=12|via=}}</ref> The fundamental definition for Christian discernment is a decision making process in which an individual makes a discovery that can lead to future action.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal|last=Kunz|first=Sandra|date=2011|title=Respecting the Boundaries of Knowledge: Teaching Christian Discernment with Humility and Dignity, a Response to Paul O. Ingram|url=|journal=Buddhist-Christian Studies|volume=|pages=177|via=}}</ref> In the process of Christian spiritual discernment God guides the individual to help them arrive at the best decision. The way to arrive at the best decision in Christian spiritual discernment is to seek out internal external signs of God's action and then apply them to the decision at hand. Christian Discernment also has an emphasis on Jesus, and making decisions that align with those of Jesus within the New Testament.<ref name=":1" /> The focus on God and Jesus when making decisions is what separates Christian discernment from secular discernment. [[Ignatius of Loyola]] is often regarded as the master of the discernment of spirits.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Kees|first=Waaijman|date=2013|title=DISCERNMENT AND BIBLICAL SPIRITUALITY: AN OVERVIEW AND EVALUATION OF RECENT RESEARCH|url=|journal=Acta Theologica|volume=32|pages=2|via=}}</ref> Ignatian discernment comes from Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) when he created his own unique way of Catholic discernment. Ignatian discernment uses a series of Spiritual Exercises for discerning life choices and focuses on noticing God in all aspects of life.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Au|first=Wilkie|date=September 2010|title=The Ignatian Method: A Way of Proceeding|url=|journal=Presence: An International Journal of Spiritual Direction|volume=16|pages=6|via=}}</ref> The Spiritual Exercises are designed to help people who are facing a major life decision. There are seven steps of discernment to be followed that include identifying the issue, taking time to pray about the choice, making a wholehearted decision, discussing the choice with a mentor and then finally trusting the decision made.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Au|first=Wilkie|date=September 2010|title=The Ignatian Method: A Way of Proceeding|url=|journal=Presence: An International Journal of Spiritual Direction|volume=16|pages=7–8|via=}}</ref>
Christian spiritual discernment can be separated from other types of discernment because every decision is to be made in accordance with God's will.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Horton|first=Dennis|date=2009|title=Discerning Spiritual Discernment: Assessing Current Approaches for Understanding God's Will|url=|journal=Journal of Youth Ministry|volume=7|pages=12|via=}}</ref> The fundamental definition for Christian discernment is a decision making process in which an individual makes a discovery that can lead to future action.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal|last=Kunz|first=Sandra|date=2011|title=Respecting the Boundaries of Knowledge: Teaching Christian Discernment with Humility and Dignity, a Response to Paul O. Ingram|url=|journal=Buddhist-Christian Studies|volume=|pages=177|via=}}</ref> In the process of Christian spiritual discernment God guides the individual to help them arrive at the best decision. The way to arrive at the best decision in Christian spiritual discernment is to seek out internal external signs of God's action and then apply them to the decision at hand. Christian Discernment also has an emphasis on Jesus, and making decisions that align with those of Jesus within the New Testament.<ref name=":1" /> The focus on God and Jesus when making decisions is what separates Christian discernment from secular discernment. [[Ignatius of Loyola]] is often regarded as the master of the discernment of spirits.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Kees|first=Waaijman|date=2013|title=DISCERNMENT AND BIBLICAL SPIRITUALITY: AN OVERVIEW AND EVALUATION OF RECENT RESEARCH|url=|journal=Acta Theologica|volume=32|pages=2|via=}}</ref> Ignatian discernment comes from Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) when he created his own unique way of Catholic discernment. Ignatian discernment uses a series of Spiritual Exercises for discerning life choices and focuses on noticing God in all aspects of life.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Au|first=Wilkie|date=September 2010|title=The Ignatian Method: A Way of Proceeding|url=|journal=Presence: An International Journal of Spiritual Direction|volume=16|pages=6|via=}}</ref> The Spiritual Exercises are designed to help people who are facing a major life decision. There are seven steps of discernment to be followed that include identifying the issue, taking time to pray about the choice, making a wholehearted decision, discussing the choice with a mentor and then finally trusting the decision made.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Au|first=Wilkie|date=September 2010|title=The Ignatian Method: A Way of Proceeding|url=|journal=Presence: An International Journal of Spiritual Direction|volume=16|pages=7–8|via=}}</ref>


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 11:13, 1 November 2020

Discernment is the ability to obtain sharp perceptions or to judge well (or the activity of so doing).[1] In the case of judgement, discernment can be psychological, moral or aesthetic in nature.[2] Discernment has been described in the setting of Christianity under different meanings including discernment in the the context of God's will.[3] Discernment has also be defined in the contexts; scientific (that is discerning what is true about the real world)[4], normative (discerning value including what ought to be)[5] and formal (deductive reasoning). The process of discernment within judgment, involves going past the mere perception of something and making nuanced judgments about its properties or qualities.[5] Discernment in the Christian religion is considered as a virtue, a discerning individual is considered to possess wisdom, and be of good judgement; especially so with regard to subject matter often overlooked by others.[6]

Christianity

In Christianity, the word may have several meanings. Discernment can describe the process of determining God's desire in a situation or for one's life or identifying the true nature of a thing, such as discerning whether a thing is good, evil, or may even transcend the limiting notion of duality.[5] In large part, it describes the interior search for an answer to the question of one's vocation, namely, determining whether or not God is calling one to the married life, single life, consecrated life, ordained ministry or any other calling.

Discernment of Spirits is a term used in both Roman Catholic and Charismatic (Pentacostal) Christian theology to indicate judging various spiritual agents for their moral influence.

Process of Discernment

The process of individual discernment has steps that can be taken in order to achieve a level of discernment. The following actions can be made when making decisions of discernment; taking time in making decisions, using both the head and heart, and assessing important values involved in the situation. Time has been considered necessary in the process of making a smart choice and decisions made in a hurry can be altered by lack of contemplation.[7] When time is available to assess the situation it improves the discernment process. When time allots the tentative decision can be revisited days later and external people can be consulted to make sure that the individual is satisfied with their choice.[8] Making decisions is involved with discernment and they require both the "head" and the "heart". Making decisions with the "head" means to first reflect on the situation and emphasize the rational aspect of the decision making process.[9] In order to make a decision with the 'heart'' the individual needs to make decisions based on feelings as well as rationality.[10] Values in the discernment process are weighing options that decide what is most important to the individual. Every individuals value system is different which effects each individual discernment process.[11] Combining values, using both the head and heart and taking sufficient time when making decision are the main steps for a successful discernment process.

Group discernment is a separate branch of discernment. In group discernment each individual must first undergo their own discernment process.[12] The individual must keep in mind what is best for the group as a whole as well as the individual when making a decision.[8] The same principles of values, using the head and heart, as well as giving the decision making process ample time all still apply in group discernment. Group discernment is different because it requires multiple people to have an unanimous decision in order to move forward. Group discernment requires discussion and persuasion between individuals to arrive at a decision.

Christian Spiritual Discernment

Christian spiritual discernment can be separated from other types of discernment because every decision is to be made in accordance with God's will.[3] The fundamental definition for Christian discernment is a decision making process in which an individual makes a discovery that can lead to future action.[13] In the process of Christian spiritual discernment God guides the individual to help them arrive at the best decision. The way to arrive at the best decision in Christian spiritual discernment is to seek out internal external signs of God's action and then apply them to the decision at hand. Christian Discernment also has an emphasis on Jesus, and making decisions that align with those of Jesus within the New Testament.[13] The focus on God and Jesus when making decisions is what separates Christian discernment from secular discernment. Ignatius of Loyola is often regarded as the master of the discernment of spirits.[14] Ignatian discernment comes from Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556) when he created his own unique way of Catholic discernment. Ignatian discernment uses a series of Spiritual Exercises for discerning life choices and focuses on noticing God in all aspects of life.[15] The Spiritual Exercises are designed to help people who are facing a major life decision. There are seven steps of discernment to be followed that include identifying the issue, taking time to pray about the choice, making a wholehearted decision, discussing the choice with a mentor and then finally trusting the decision made.[16]

References

  1. ^ "DISCERNMENT | meaning in the Cambridge English Dictionary". dictionary.cambridge.org. Retrieved 2020-11-01.
  2. ^ Zangwill, Nick (2019), Zalta, Edward N. (ed.), "Aesthetic Judgment", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Spring 2019 ed.), Metaphysics Research Lab, Stanford University, retrieved 2020-11-01
  3. ^ a b Horton, Dennis (2009). "Discerning Spiritual Discernment: Assessing Current Approaches for Understanding God's Will". Journal of Youth Ministry. 7: 12.
  4. ^ Zhu, Weidong; Li, Shaorong; Ku, Quan; Zhang, Chao (2020). "Evaluation Information Fusion of Scientific Research Project Based on Evidential Reasoning Approach Under Two-Dimensional Frames of Discernment". IEEE Access. 8: 8087–8100. doi:10.1109/access.2020.2963936. ISSN 2169-3536.
  5. ^ a b c Diamond, Stephen A.; Larson, Paul; Amlen, Jennifer; Madden, Kathryn; Madden, Kathryn; DuBose, Todd; Crusalis, Bonnie Smith; Giaccardi, Giorgio; Leeming, David A. (2010), "Discernment", Encyclopedia of Psychology and Religion, Boston, MA: Springer US, pp. 237–241, doi:10.1007/978-0-387-71802-6_171, ISBN 978-0-387-71801-9, retrieved 2020-11-01
  6. ^ Dominican Province of the Assumption. "The Journey of Discernment". Dominican Province of the Assumption. Retrieved 2020-11-01.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  7. ^ Wolff, Pierre (1993). Discernment: the Art of Choosing Well: Based on Ignition Spirituality. Liguori Publications. p. 4.
  8. ^ a b Barton, Ruth Hayley (2005-02-23). "Discerning God's Will Together: Discovering a Process of Leadership Discernment". Transforming Center. Retrieved 2020-11-01.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  9. ^ Horton, Dennis (2009). "Discerning Spiritual Discernment: Assessing Current Approaches for Understanding God's Will". Journal of Youth Ministry. 7: 9.
  10. ^ Wolff, Pierre (1993). Discernment: the Art of Choosing Well: Based on Ignition Spirituality. Liguori Publications. pp. 5–6.
  11. ^ Wolff, Pierre (1993). Discernment: the Art of Choosing Well: Based on Ignatian Spirituality. Liguori, Missouri: Liguori Publications. pp. 6–7.
  12. ^ Waaijman, Kees (2013). "DISCERNMENT AND BIBLICAL SPIRITUALITY: AN OVERVIEW AND EVALUATION OF RECENT RESEARCH". Acta Theologica. 32: 2–4.
  13. ^ a b Kunz, Sandra (2011). "Respecting the Boundaries of Knowledge: Teaching Christian Discernment with Humility and Dignity, a Response to Paul O. Ingram". Buddhist-Christian Studies: 177.
  14. ^ Kees, Waaijman (2013). "DISCERNMENT AND BIBLICAL SPIRITUALITY: AN OVERVIEW AND EVALUATION OF RECENT RESEARCH". Acta Theologica. 32: 2.
  15. ^ Au, Wilkie (September 2010). "The Ignatian Method: A Way of Proceeding". Presence: An International Journal of Spiritual Direction. 16: 6.
  16. ^ Au, Wilkie (September 2010). "The Ignatian Method: A Way of Proceeding". Presence: An International Journal of Spiritual Direction. 16: 7–8.
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