Academic excellence enjoys pride of place in Jesuit schools and the other aspirations expressed in “Jesuit Schools: A Living Tradition in the 21st Century.” Jim Maher’s new book “Reimagining Religion: A Jesuit Vision ” complements Jesuit educational ideals and is written for Jesuit educators and others linked to Jesuit apostolic work. It provides a practical and anecdotal understanding of the four Jesuit preferences.

We live in a time of crisis. There is a deep spiritual malaise that goes unrecognised and expresses itself in wars, loss of meaning and purpose, exploitation of persons and planet, and in other destructive ways.  There is a need to address the lack of awareness of the biblical understanding of the human person which highlights the fact that it’s only when we own who we are as persons-in-relationship with the transcendent, ourselves, others and the planet that we can contribute to the creation of a better world.

Jesuit schools play their part in this project by modelling empathetic solidarity, promoting the ten global identifiers and implementing the four Jesuit apostolic preferences. This book addresses the contemporary cultural and religious crisis.

In chapters 1 and 2, it addresses the link between spirituality and religion arguing for a religion with spirituality. Chapters 3, 4 and 5 address biblical and eucharistic literacy without which the understanding of faith comes under pressure. The final three chapters address the four Jesuit apostolic preferences. Chapter 6 highlights the importance of reflective living and of an informed adult faith. Chapter 7 stresses the priority of both social and climate justice as the contemporary badge of honour for Christian identity along with the necessity of questioning the cultural and political status quo which serves its own interests and those of the elites and ruling classes, exacerbating structures that allow poverty, climate damage and social injustice. The final chapter addresses the issues of how hope, as an action word, can make our world a better place.”

Jim Maher SJ was born in Limerick. He has spent most of his Jesuit life ministering at Crescent College Comprehensive SJ as a teacher of English and R.E. He managed the 5th Year Social Outreach Programme and led 6th Year pilgrimage retreats. He continues to provide pastoral support at Crescent College Comprehensive.

To have acces to the book please go to: Reimagining Religion: A Jesuit Vision – Messenger Publications