Contemplation and conflict: Baltasar Álvarez, Teresa de Jesús and the history of jesuit spirituality

The outpouring of research on the Society of Jesus in recent decades has yielded a richer understanding of nearly every aspect of its history—with the notable exception of Jesuit spirituality. This talk revisits the case of Baltasar Álvarez (1534–1580) to suggest new directions for the historical study of the Society’s spiritual culture. A leading figure among early Spanish Jesuits, Álvarez was nevertheless censured by the Society for both his contemplative teaching and his deep ties to Teresa de Jesús, the founder of the Discalced Carmelites. The conflict that surrounded him sheds light on forces inside and outside the Society that were helping mold corporate Jesuit spirituality in the second half of the sixteenth century. Álvarez’s case also underscores that the early Society was a dynamic space in which diverse spiritual currents converged and interacted.

With Fr. Timothy O'Brien SJ

Supported by FLAD

In partnership with Institute for Advanced Jesuit Studies

Free entry

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