The Quarterly Journal of St. Philaret’s Institute

The article presents a comparison between two opposite approaches regarding the role of imagination in prayer. The positive approach is illustrated by the method of contemplation of Gospel passages, which is contained in “Spiritual Exercises” of St Ignatius of Loyola. The negative view is presented by the teachings of St John of the Cross and the hesychast authors. Even though the two approaches differ from each other significantly, there exists also a common 
ground, first of all regarding the negative aspect of the activity of imagination. But while its opponents categorically reject any revelations through the faculty of imagination because of the risk of deception, Ignatius of Loyola opts for careful discernment of interior “movements” with the help of special rules. Another conclusion concerns the complementary role which these opposite views may play in relation to each other. For the Ignatian contemplative method, the need to subordinate the work of the imagination to a “single spiritual movement” in the search for a way to follow Christ, as well as a clearer understanding of the danger of unconscious projections through the imagination, if we are talking about a person who is not sufficiently “cleared of passion,” and/or immature in psycho-emotional terms. On the other hand, before those who oppose involving imagination in the process of human communication with God, the question arises of how to help a believer experience a deep and comprehensive encounter with the Christ of the Gospels, which are the invaluable source of the mysteries of His earthly life.