@article{ART003244319},
author={CHOE, YONG UN},
title={A Study in the Religious Thought of Anthony de Mello},
journal={Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University},
issn={1598-3021},
year={2025},
volume={82},
number={3},
pages={445-469},
doi={10.17326/jhsnu.82.3.202508.445}
TY - JOUR
AU - CHOE, YONG UN
TI - A Study in the Religious Thought of Anthony de Mello
JO - Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University
PY - 2025
VL - 82
IS - 3
PB - Institute of Humanities, Seoul National University
SP - 445
EP - 469
SN - 1598-3021
AB - The purpose of this paper is to examine the religious ideas of Father Anthony de Mello (1931-1987), a renowned Catholic priest, spiritual leader, and psychotherapist belonging to the Indian Jesuits. His religious ideas can be analyzed as the main characteristics of the following four factors: the succession of Jesuit tradition, criticism of the dogmatism of institutional religion and emphasis on individual religious experiences, acceptance of the Apophatic theological tradition, and emphasis on interrelationships between human spirituality and psychological domain.
First, de Mello emphasized the importance of finding opportunities for spiritual growth in everyday life, drawing on the Ignatian principle of finding God in all things. He expanded this idea by integrating the concepts and insights of Christianity with those of neighboring religions, suggesting that one can discover traces of God within other religious traditions.
Second, de Mello strongly criticized the rigidity and dogmatism of institutional religion, asserting that true spirituality cannot be confined within the structures of organized religion. Instead, he urged individuals to focus on inner transformation and personal religious experience in their search for God.
Third, by embracing the core ideas of the negative theological tradition, de Mello pointed out the limitations of a religious attitude that attempts to understand God through human knowledge. He also emphasized that spiritual growth requires a transformation of the soul, leading to union with God by breaking away from attachment to worldly desires.
Fourth, de Mello emphasized that psychological problems are obstacles to the individual’s full experience and integration of spiritual insight.
He also developed the Sadhana practice, which introduced psychological therapy into the Spiritual Exercises, creating a significant impact. He consistently stressed that psychological problems and spiritual growth are inseparable, pointing out that psychological barriers can hinder true spiritual growth.
KW - Anthony de Mello;Spiritual Theology;Society of Jesus;;Apophatic Theology (Negative Theology);Psychology of Religion
DO - 10.17326/jhsnu.82.3.202508.445
ER -
CHOE, YONG UN. (2025). A Study in the Religious Thought of Anthony de Mello. Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University, 82(3), 445-469.
CHOE, YONG UN. 2025, "A Study in the Religious Thought of Anthony de Mello", Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University, vol.82, no.3 pp.445-469. Available from: doi:10.17326/jhsnu.82.3.202508.445
CHOE, YONG UN "A Study in the Religious Thought of Anthony de Mello" Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University 82.3 pp.445-469 (2025) : 445.
CHOE, YONG UN. A Study in the Religious Thought of Anthony de Mello. 2025; 82(3), 445-469. Available from: doi:10.17326/jhsnu.82.3.202508.445
CHOE, YONG UN. "A Study in the Religious Thought of Anthony de Mello" Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University 82, no.3 (2025) : 445-469.doi: 10.17326/jhsnu.82.3.202508.445
CHOE, YONG UN. A Study in the Religious Thought of Anthony de Mello. Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University, 82(3), 445-469. doi: 10.17326/jhsnu.82.3.202508.445
CHOE, YONG UN. A Study in the Religious Thought of Anthony de Mello. Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University. 2025; 82(3) 445-469. doi: 10.17326/jhsnu.82.3.202508.445
CHOE, YONG UN. A Study in the Religious Thought of Anthony de Mello. 2025; 82(3), 445-469. Available from: doi:10.17326/jhsnu.82.3.202508.445
CHOE, YONG UN. "A Study in the Religious Thought of Anthony de Mello" Journal of Humanities, Seoul National University 82, no.3 (2025) : 445-469.doi: 10.17326/jhsnu.82.3.202508.445
