INFLUENCE OF IGNATYAN SPIRITUALITY ON THE FORMATION OF THE PIERRE TEILLARD DE CHARDIN’S CONCEPT OF SYNTHESIS OF SCIENCE AND RELIGION

Abstract

The study provides an analysis of some factors that are often overlooked by Russian researchers, which however had significant influence on the evolution of the concept of synthesizing science and religion in the works of Catholic theologian Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. Evidence of the significance of such factors can be found in his essays, personal notes and letters. First of all, the Chardin’s writings should be considered in the light of Ignatian spirituality, which guided the novice to search for new knowledge. Secondly, the idea of synthesizing scientific and religious insights in his writings can be adequately evaluated by taking into consideration the position of the Catholic church that was fighting against modernist theories of those times. Thirdly, the significance and the role of Spiritual Exercises by Ignatius of Loyola that influenced the mystic experience of the Catholic theologist should be taken into account. The above factors had considerable impact on Chardin’s theology, which has become one of the essential examples of the 20th century dialogue between science and religion.