- Sources Frank Sheed, Jordan Aumann, James McElhone & Fr. Emil Neubert
Jordan Aumann, Spiritual Theology We will have an extremely brief overview
No souls are exactly alike and thus there journey to perfection will vary. However classically there are some observations that help the individual to live a holy life. Being self-aware of our personality and character, the basic elements of personhood, helps us to cooperate with sanctifying grace of our best good. Our free-will, one of the most sublime of God’s gift to us, instead of leaving us in a realm of blind determinism allows us the means to journey towards God.
4 Temperaments which are physiologically are basis and immutable, classically, each with having both good qualities and predispositions to evil.
- Sanguine Temperament- usually have a serene view of life, react quickly and strongly to almost any stimulation or impression but the reaction is of short duration. Pg 141
- Melancholic Temperament weak as regards to stimulus, difficult to arouse; however, after repeated impressions the reaction is strong and lasting, does not forget easily. 142-143
- Choleric Temperament
Easily and strongly aroused and the impression lasts a long time. This temperament produces the greatest saints and sinners. 143- 144
- Phlegmatic Temperament 145
Rarely aroused emotionally and if so, weakly. The impressions received usually last for only a short time and leave no trace.
Character = organized totality of the tendencies and predispositions of an individual, grouped around and directed by a predominant tendency. or temperament. It is psychological and ethical. Character gives formal distinction to personality.
Matter form, nature or nurture, inherent vs exterior stimuli
III. Character Development makes use of personal effort or free will. It is by far the most important factor in the formation of character. So potent an instrument it can modify, correct or nullify the effects of education and environment. 147
We are masters of ourselves by means of free will, responsible for the formation of character by repeated acts which form habits. One can say that will our temperaments are what our ancestors have given to us, character is what we have made ourselves. The moral aspect of character will be good or evil which depends on the virtues or vices that predominate.
Matter & form, Catholic and classical mindset, Aristotelian, create a whole
Always a rupture. Tendency to blame on where we came from. Predispositions because of my family.
Resigned to being a bundle of matter, resigned inability to engage with matter with a form, in appearance of exercise, controlling the tongue, etc…
Always in opposition. Recognize the gifts of out temperaments and innate tendency without being a crutch for life sin.
Moving away from vicious with self-education to the virtuous side. Become animal or mineral composition of biology.
Must be uniting them prayerfully & thoughtfully. Formation of character.
Matter, water takes the form of container. Same for ourselves. Given a temperament but take form we give them.
Don’t just suffer them.