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Document Details : Title: La sainte indifférence in François de Sales, Père Joseph, and Jeanne de Chantal Subtitle: Indifference as a Mystical Virtue and a Christian Way of Life Author(s): GRUIJTERS, Roman Journal: Studies in Spirituality Volume: 32 Date: 2022-2023 Pages: 399-421 DOI: 10.2143/SIS.32.0.3292467 Abstract : In this paper it will be discussed how the early modern ideal of la sainte indifférence, which is founded on the classical concept apatheia as a stoic virtue, was not only considered to be a mystical ideal but also a Christian way of life. According to my hypothesis, Jeanne de Chantal (1572-1641) and her ‘mentor’ François de Sales (1567-1622) understood holy indifference as an ideal to be implemented in both our spiritual lives and our daily lives, while for Père Joseph (1577-1638) this mystical ideal also had a profound political dimension. These mystics emphasized that we should love God unconditionally, even when He is punishing us due to our sinful state of being. Therefore, the surrender to God’s will is unconditional, even if His wish implies the willingness to be consigned to hell. |
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