Books by Jos Moons SJ
Witnesses of Synodality provides the faithful and clergy with models for good practices, inspires... more Witnesses of Synodality provides the faithful and clergy with models for good practices, inspires them with examples, and equips them with concrete tools for building a synodal church.
These are based on a broad range of settings, from Benedictine and Dominican religious life, to synodal ways of proceeding in parishes, dioceses, and continents.
This bibliography is an instrument to keep track of the rapidly increasing academic output genera... more This bibliography is an instrument to keep track of the rapidly increasing academic output generated in the past decade. It lists around 1,100 academic publications on synodality for the period 2013-2024 in four languages: English, French, German, and Spanish. The publications are ordered, firstly, per year, and secondly, on alphabetical order. A methodological introduction explains the choices that have been made. This is the 4th edition.
Corrections or updates are very welcome, kindly send an email to [email protected].
In tijden waarin een wereldkerk zich in een synodaal proces begeeft, en de Paus zijn bisschoppen ... more In tijden waarin een wereldkerk zich in een synodaal proces begeeft, en de Paus zijn bisschoppen aanmaant beter te leren luisteren, kan het geen kwaad over die hele problematiek eens een scala aan relevante stemmen te laten horen. Want hoe gaan religieuze tradities om met meningsverschillen? En hoe kunnen kerkleiders leren 'ontvangen' eerder dan slechts te zenden? En hoe organiseer je dialoog?
Samen met Sjoerd Mulder Karim Schelkens bieden we in dit boek een
caleidoscoop aan vormen van dialogische besluitvorming. Zowel historische vormen als recente experimenten in meerdere continenten komen aan bod, telkens vloeiend en toegankelijk beschreven met de pen van experts terzake.
This book applies a novel method of critical reading of Lumen Gentium and Mystici Corporis in com... more This book applies a novel method of critical reading of Lumen Gentium and Mystici Corporis in combination with redaction-historical analysis to channel the Second Vatican Council’s modest attempts at pneumatological renewal into a more open and receptive faith practice and theology.
Ignatius van Loyola kan zich meten met de besten als het gaat om zijn bekeringsverhaal. Dodelijk ... more Ignatius van Loyola kan zich meten met de besten als het gaat om zijn bekeringsverhaal. Dodelijk gewond en dagdromend of hij ridder of heilige wil worden, besluit hij tot het laatste. In deze bundel biedt jezuïet Dries van den Akker een moderne hervertelling van dat verhaal. Maar bekering is niet alleen iets van de helden van het geloof als Franciscus van Assisi, Teresa van Avila, pater Damiaan, Etty Hillesum of Ignatius van Loyola. Het is ook iets van gewone mensen. Daarom volgen na Ignatius' getuigenis twaalf verhalen van mensen van vandaag: jezuïet en dominee, jong en oud, single en getrouwd. Wat heeft hen geholpen om meer christen te worden? Wat is er anders geworden in hun leven, werk, hobby's, gebed, gezin? Wat bracht verdieping in dienstbaarheid, geluk, verbondenheid …? In dit boek krijgt de lezer een inkijkje in hoe gelovigen ook nu op weg zijn.
This is a concrete, practical book about something as spiritual and elusive as spiritual accompan... more This is a concrete, practical book about something as spiritual and elusive as spiritual accompaniment. While there may be no shortage of books on this topic, most of these books are abstract and spiritual, highlighting the beauty of this ministry and pointing out pitfalls. Instead, this book resembles a toolbox with a user’s manual. The author presents six tools: ‘take it easy’, ‘listening by following’, ‘focusing’, ‘deepening’, ‘discerning’, ‘accompanying towards maturity’. With examples and case studies, he demonstrates how these tools may be used to good effect. Two introductory chapters discuss other books on accompaniment and the underlying convictions of the model in this book. A final chapter specifically focuses on vocational discernment. Beginning spiritual directors learn in this book the tricks of the trade and experienced directors are helped to consider their practice anew. Written from a Roman Catholic, Jesuit background, this book can be used in a variety of Christian contexts.
Te bestellen op https://www.berneboek.com/9789089723031/jos-sj-moons/de-kunst-van-geestelijke-begeleiding/, bij Averbode, of bij de eigen boekhandel; ook bol.com verkoopt het boek.
Articles & Book Chapters (EN/FR/SP/IT) by Jos Moons SJ
Full title: “Lo Spirito Santo come protagonista della vita consacrata. Un modello per une chiesa ... more Full title: “Lo Spirito Santo come protagonista della vita consacrata. Un modello per une chiesa sinodale?” in Vita consacrata è sinodalità. Conversazione teologico-spirituale, edited by Thiago Barros (Rome: Libreria Ateneo Salesiano, 2024), 15-42.
Full title: “Broadening the Baptismal Foundation of a Synodal Church. A Plea for A Baptismal Etho... more Full title: “Broadening the Baptismal Foundation of a Synodal Church. A Plea for A Baptismal Ethos,” Studia Canonica 58 (2024), 131-152
“A Good Beginning is Half the Task? Synodality in Belgium” (with Jens Van Rompaey), in Synodality... more “A Good Beginning is Half the Task? Synodality in Belgium” (with Jens Van Rompaey), in Synodality and the Recovery of Vatican II. A new way for Catholics, ed. by Stephen J. McKinney, Thomas O’Loughlin and Beáta Tóth (Dublin: Messenger Publications, 2024), 109-120.
In questo articolo ci proponiamo di esplorare innanzitutto la crescente importanza che viene attr... more In questo articolo ci proponiamo di esplorare innanzitutto la crescente importanza che viene attribuita al battesimo in due documenti relativi al Sinodo dei vescovi sulla sinodalità. In secondo luogo, mostreremo come il battesimo di solito venga considerate
un dato storico statico, che determina il nostro status nella Chiesa e ristabilisce gli equilibri del potere ecclesiale. In terzo luogo, sulla base della lex orandi del rito del battesimo, svilupperemo una nozione più ampia e dinamica di questo sacramento come trasformazione profonda del morire e del risorgere con Cristo, punto finale di un processo di conversione, che è anche progressivo e continuo, introduce nella comunità ecclesiale e, in quanto tale, comporta l’edificazione della comunità. Infine, cercheremo di mostrare come questa nozione dinamica di battesimo sia alla base della concezione che papa Francesco ha della sinodalità.
https://www.laciviltacattolica.it/articolo/battesimo-e-sinodalita-appello-per-uno-stile-di-vita-di-conversione-permanente/
En este ensayo sostengo que, aunque la reforma del derecho canónico es importante tanto por razon... more En este ensayo sostengo que, aunque la reforma del derecho canónico es importante tanto por razones prácticas (tenemos problemas) como por razones teológicas (las ideas necesitan la encarnación), la letra siempre necesita el espíritu como contrapartida, es decir, una mentalidad (espíritu) y el Espíritu Santo. Dado que, según el Credo, el Espíritu es vivificador activo (vivificans), nunca se puede “domesticar” al Espíritu en estructuras o leyes eclesiales. En segundo lugar, la reforma debe complementarse con lo que no puede imponerse, a saber, una mentalidad. La reforma del derecho canónico contribuye a ser una Iglesia más sinodal puesto que se complementa con un espíritu de escucha con interés, apertura a nuevas perspectivas e interioridad, en combinación con una apertura duradera a las llamadas del Espíritu Santo.
Although synodality obviously requires reforms, this article emphasises their limits. Firstly, th... more Although synodality obviously requires reforms, this article emphasises their limits. Firstly, the Spirit can never be “domesticated” in ecclesial structures or laws. Moreover, the success of a reform always depends on what cannot be imposed, namely attitudes or mindsets. Therefore, the reform of canon law contributes to a more synodal Church if it is accompanied by a sustained openness to the call of the Holy Spirit that translates into a spirit of active listening, openness to new perspectives, and interiority.
Full text: https://www.nrt.be/fr/articles/la-lettre-ou-l-esprit-la-synodalite-et-les-limites-de-la-reforme-du-droit-canon-3881
Theological Studies, 2023
This article argues that Pope Francis's conviction that the Holy Spirit guides the synodal journe... more This article argues that Pope Francis's conviction that the Holy Spirit guides the synodal journey represents a creative reception of the Second Vatican Council. By highlighting the Spirit's agency, Francis offers an alternative to Lumen Gentium's often ornamental pneumatology. While thus confirming the council's theological rather than institutional understanding of the church, he complements its christocentric focus. Moreover, by imagining synodality as a journey of dialogical listening and discerning, the pope emphasizes the practical dimension of ecclesiology, something that recalls the council's pastoral spirit.
Studia Canonica, 2022
Link: https://poj.peeters-leuven.be/content.php?url=article&id=3291539&journal_code=STC
Studia Theologica Varsaviensia , 2022
What will the future of the church look like? What type of mission should the church commit herse... more What will the future of the church look like? What type of mission should the church commit herself to? Rather than elaborating one more answer to these important questions, I have pleaded for negative ecclesiology and “the grace of self-doubt.” This is not to replace the answers that are given, but to safeguard sufficient openness in these answers. By abstaining from certitude, the church may more easily hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches beyond our own, human and therefore narrowminded understandings. My brief discussions on the Trinity, Ignatian spiritual direction and synodality were meant to illustrate that ‘wise ignorance’ and openness to surprises are present in some other dimensions of the Christian faith and theology and may, therefore, be safely adopted in reflections on the future of the church. A great fruit of negative ecclesiology is that it allows for change, that is, for a new understanding of God and therefore a new understanding of the church. Moreover, it may help to reconceive the church’s prophetic voice into a more dialogical and humble voice, which testifies rather than criticizes, and that is willing to learn as much as to teach.
Encounter: A Journal of Interdisciplinary Reflections of Faith and Life , 2022
The Congregation for the Clergy situates its 2020 Instruction on the reform of parish structures ... more The Congregation for the Clergy situates its 2020 Instruction on the reform of parish structures in the context of pastoral conversion. This article complements the Instruction in two ways. First, it offers a reflection on the various possible meanings of the technical term ‘pastoral’, which was coined by John XXIII, embraced by the Second Vatican Council, and re-introduced by Pope Francis. The term points to a concern for the faithful which may lead to a) a willingness to adapt the presentation of the faith to render it more understandable; b) an openness to learn about God and conceive the faith differently; c) an awareness of the need for a communication style that witnesses to the faith because of its atmosphere of dialogue, invitation, and trust; d) an interest in salvation and well-being. The article further complements the Instruction by specifying how it could deepen its commitment to pastoral conversion. An analysis of the Instruction’s argument suggests that its main concern is the reform of ecclesial structures within the guidelines provided by canon law. Thus, it seems to understand pastoral in the very basic sense of ‘relating to pastoral work’. A true pastoral conversion requires greater attention to virtues such as humility and detachment.
Pope Francis dreams of the church as the people of God on a journey, seeking together to hear wha... more Pope Francis dreams of the church as the people of God on a journey, seeking together to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches in our time. It is not sufficient to reach back to revelation and tradition and to apply those, or to obey the hierarchy; we need to see how God's Spirit is still guiding his people. How to achieve that dream? In this contribution I highlight essential underlying faith convictions and key aspects of Ignatian discernment of spirits: inner freedom (or detachment), an affective faith culture, facts and figures, and a dialogical way of proceeding.
Full text: https://ojs.tnkul.pl/index.php/rt/article/view/16777 ---
This article contributes to ... more Full text: https://ojs.tnkul.pl/index.php/rt/article/view/16777 ---
This article contributes to the growing body of literature on synodality with a comprehensive introduction. Firstly, the author observes the link between the synodal approach promoted by Pope Francis and the Second Vatican Council. With the help of Myriam Wijlens' term 'reconfiguration,' he then discusses the theological foundations of a synodal understanding of the Church. Synodality recontextualizes the bishop's responsibility by situating it within the community of the faithful. In addition, as the Holy Spirit is the main actor in the synodal process, all the faithful, including bishops, have to listen to what He is saying, a task that requires discerning the spirits. In the third place, the author focuses on the reconfiguration of ecclesial practice. In a synodal way of proceeding, the traditional virtue of obedience is complemented by various other virtues, such as speaking out, listening with interest, and a deep openness to the Spirit's newness. Finally, the author identifies practical issues that need attention.
Uploads
Books by Jos Moons SJ
These are based on a broad range of settings, from Benedictine and Dominican religious life, to synodal ways of proceeding in parishes, dioceses, and continents.
Corrections or updates are very welcome, kindly send an email to [email protected].
Samen met Sjoerd Mulder Karim Schelkens bieden we in dit boek een
caleidoscoop aan vormen van dialogische besluitvorming. Zowel historische vormen als recente experimenten in meerdere continenten komen aan bod, telkens vloeiend en toegankelijk beschreven met de pen van experts terzake.
It will be of interest to both new and experienced spiritual directors and can be used in a wide variety of Christian contexts.
Full text: https://www.messenger.ie/product/the-art-of-spiritual-direction-a-guide-to-ignatian-practice/ and https://www.paulistpress.com/Products/5567-5/the-art-of-spiritual-direction.aspx
Te bestellen op https://www.berneboek.com/9789089723031/jos-sj-moons/de-kunst-van-geestelijke-begeleiding/, bij Averbode, of bij de eigen boekhandel; ook bol.com verkoopt het boek.
Articles & Book Chapters (EN/FR/SP/IT) by Jos Moons SJ
un dato storico statico, che determina il nostro status nella Chiesa e ristabilisce gli equilibri del potere ecclesiale. In terzo luogo, sulla base della lex orandi del rito del battesimo, svilupperemo una nozione più ampia e dinamica di questo sacramento come trasformazione profonda del morire e del risorgere con Cristo, punto finale di un processo di conversione, che è anche progressivo e continuo, introduce nella comunità ecclesiale e, in quanto tale, comporta l’edificazione della comunità. Infine, cercheremo di mostrare come questa nozione dinamica di battesimo sia alla base della concezione che papa Francesco ha della sinodalità.
https://www.laciviltacattolica.it/articolo/battesimo-e-sinodalita-appello-per-uno-stile-di-vita-di-conversione-permanente/
Full text: https://www.nrt.be/fr/articles/la-lettre-ou-l-esprit-la-synodalite-et-les-limites-de-la-reforme-du-droit-canon-3881
This article contributes to the growing body of literature on synodality with a comprehensive introduction. Firstly, the author observes the link between the synodal approach promoted by Pope Francis and the Second Vatican Council. With the help of Myriam Wijlens' term 'reconfiguration,' he then discusses the theological foundations of a synodal understanding of the Church. Synodality recontextualizes the bishop's responsibility by situating it within the community of the faithful. In addition, as the Holy Spirit is the main actor in the synodal process, all the faithful, including bishops, have to listen to what He is saying, a task that requires discerning the spirits. In the third place, the author focuses on the reconfiguration of ecclesial practice. In a synodal way of proceeding, the traditional virtue of obedience is complemented by various other virtues, such as speaking out, listening with interest, and a deep openness to the Spirit's newness. Finally, the author identifies practical issues that need attention.
These are based on a broad range of settings, from Benedictine and Dominican religious life, to synodal ways of proceeding in parishes, dioceses, and continents.
Corrections or updates are very welcome, kindly send an email to [email protected].
Samen met Sjoerd Mulder Karim Schelkens bieden we in dit boek een
caleidoscoop aan vormen van dialogische besluitvorming. Zowel historische vormen als recente experimenten in meerdere continenten komen aan bod, telkens vloeiend en toegankelijk beschreven met de pen van experts terzake.
It will be of interest to both new and experienced spiritual directors and can be used in a wide variety of Christian contexts.
Full text: https://www.messenger.ie/product/the-art-of-spiritual-direction-a-guide-to-ignatian-practice/ and https://www.paulistpress.com/Products/5567-5/the-art-of-spiritual-direction.aspx
Te bestellen op https://www.berneboek.com/9789089723031/jos-sj-moons/de-kunst-van-geestelijke-begeleiding/, bij Averbode, of bij de eigen boekhandel; ook bol.com verkoopt het boek.
un dato storico statico, che determina il nostro status nella Chiesa e ristabilisce gli equilibri del potere ecclesiale. In terzo luogo, sulla base della lex orandi del rito del battesimo, svilupperemo una nozione più ampia e dinamica di questo sacramento come trasformazione profonda del morire e del risorgere con Cristo, punto finale di un processo di conversione, che è anche progressivo e continuo, introduce nella comunità ecclesiale e, in quanto tale, comporta l’edificazione della comunità. Infine, cercheremo di mostrare come questa nozione dinamica di battesimo sia alla base della concezione che papa Francesco ha della sinodalità.
https://www.laciviltacattolica.it/articolo/battesimo-e-sinodalita-appello-per-uno-stile-di-vita-di-conversione-permanente/
Full text: https://www.nrt.be/fr/articles/la-lettre-ou-l-esprit-la-synodalite-et-les-limites-de-la-reforme-du-droit-canon-3881
This article contributes to the growing body of literature on synodality with a comprehensive introduction. Firstly, the author observes the link between the synodal approach promoted by Pope Francis and the Second Vatican Council. With the help of Myriam Wijlens' term 'reconfiguration,' he then discusses the theological foundations of a synodal understanding of the Church. Synodality recontextualizes the bishop's responsibility by situating it within the community of the faithful. In addition, as the Holy Spirit is the main actor in the synodal process, all the faithful, including bishops, have to listen to what He is saying, a task that requires discerning the spirits. In the third place, the author focuses on the reconfiguration of ecclesial practice. In a synodal way of proceeding, the traditional virtue of obedience is complemented by various other virtues, such as speaking out, listening with interest, and a deep openness to the Spirit's newness. Finally, the author identifies practical issues that need attention.
“Congar et Vatican II: symbole d’une Église en conversion,” Revue catholique internationale Communio 271, Sept-Oct 2020, 71-78.
Los Documentos están destinados a todos aquellos que deseen estar informados sobre la discusión académica en torno a la sinodalidad, en particular a los participantes en el Sínodo 2023.
Para conocer los temas tratados, véase el índice.
Los documentos se basan en la literatura en alemán, francés, inglés y español del período 2013-2023.
Los documentos están disponibles en el sitio web del Sínodo con recursos, https://www.synodresources.org/ y en https://kuleuven.academia.edu/JosMoonsSJ y pueden utilizarse libremente.
Los Documentos informativos están disponibles también alemán (Theologische Tischvorlagen für die Synode 2023) en ingles (Theological Briefing Papers for the Synod 2023), y francés (Apports des théologiens et théologiennes pour le Synode 2023).
Para una amplia justificación metodológica, véase la Introducción.
El proyecto ha sido supervisado por la profesora Judith Gruber (KU Leuven).
For the topics that are covered, see the Table of Content.
The Papers are based on literature in English, French, German and Spanish from the period 2013-2023.
The papers are available on the Synod’s website with resources, https://www.synodresources.org/ and on https://kuleuven.academia.edu/JosMoonsSJ and can be used freely.
The Briefing Papers are also available in French (Apports des théologiens et théologiennes pour le Synode 2023), German (Theologische Tischvorlagen für die Synode 2023), and Spanish (Documentos informativos de teología para el Sínodo 2023).
For an extensive Methodological Justification, see the Introduction.
The project has been supervised by Professor Judith Gruber (KU Leuven).
Naar aanleiding van de studiedag op 25 september op de faculteit theologie van de Universiteit van Tilburg.
Dit hoofdstuk presenteert deze INC–viering. Eerst beschrijf ik het feitelijke verloop van zo’n viering. Daarna vertel ik meer over wat we ermee hopen te bereiken; centraal staat het begrip participatie en ownership. Een derde luik doet aanbevelingen voor wie zelf zich aan vernieuwing zou willen wagen. Na de conclusie volgt een bijlage met een concreet voorbeeld van een INC–viering.
(J. Körver / E. Olsman / X. Rosie (eds.) Met lichaam en geest: De rituele competentie van geestelijk verzorgers (Utrecht: Eburon, 2021), 147-154 – hier eerste drie pagina’s.)
(In Christelijk weekblad Tertio dd 20 januari 2021, blz. 13)
De tekst daar moet zijn: "De opbouw van de kerk is dus niet LOUTER een zaak van de apostelen en van hun opvolgers, de bisschoppen, en bij uitbreiding ook priesters en diakens. Het is niet alleen een zaak van de sacramenten en van wat de kerkelijke werkers verder voor ons doen. Het is ook een zaak van de Geest zelf en van de aan ieder geschonken gaven."
Het pinksterverhaal helpt nauwelijks, omdat het bol staat van de vreemde gebeurtenissen: hevige wind, tongen van vuur, spreken in alle talen, duizenden bekeringen. Om verder te komen verdient een omweggetje aanbeveling, en wel via het Oude Testament. Wat het Oude Testament zegt over de Geest verschaft ons de ‘codes’ waarmee we de geheimtaal van het pinksterverhaal kunnen kraken.
A number of Catholics is concerned about pope Francis, because of his free way of dealing with some Church habits and rules. In this article I would like to appreciate what pope Francis does in a positive manner, on theological reasons. Especially since Vatican II and Lumen gentium, loyalty to the Church is not only a loyalty to its institutional side but also and primarily to its mysterious calling of reflecting the light of Christ.
Church. Has started, we said, for the Council stopped halfway’. What does the Council’s alleged
pneumatological renewal consist in, and how does it affect the Church? Secondly, ‘What does a half way rediscovery consist in?’ Finally, insofar as it stops ‘halfway’, how should ecclesiology proceed?
La bibliographie permet entre autres de mettre en lumière une croissance étonnante du nombre de publications. C’est un outil très précieux pour des études thématiques transversales. L’auteur lui-même en publiera prochainement, ainsi qu’un article indépendant de la bibliographie pour interpréter cette évolution.
Summary
The document provides a list of around 700 academic publications on synodality for the period 2013-2023 in four languages: English, French, German, and Spanish. The publications are ordered, firstly, per year, and secondly, on alphabetical order. A methodological introduction explains the choices that have been made.
Amongst other things, the bibliography shows a stunning growth in the number of publications. In the near future, the author will publish separately an article that interprets these and other feats.