영성지도의 관계성과 인격 형성을 위한 ‘인격’ 이해 : 대화적 인격주의를 중심으로

Abstract

This paper aims to explore how spiritual direction can help spiritual directors grow in relationship, with a focus on relationship and community as important themes in the study on contemporary spirituality. The rationale lies in relationship as an integral node in the formation of mature personalities. To this end, this paper discusses the intersection between the theological approach of understanding human beings as images of the Triune God and the dialogical personalism understanding of “Person,” and how this interpretation is consistent with the reciprocal and dialogical relationship between spiritual director and spiritual directee within spiritual direction. What it means to be human being as an image of the Triune God is to live in interrelation and loving community. Dialogical personalism sees living as a responsible presence in relationships with people and in community with openness to the others as a way of responding to the divine call. Thus, what both approaches have in common is the call to see others as equals, as persons like oneself, and through this encounter, personality is formed and nurtured. In this paper I have examined the understanding of “Person” of five dialogic Personalism theorists. Max Scheler offered a profound understanding of human individuality, while Emmanuel Mounier called for a sense of vocation from God to be realized in human community through a sense of social responsibility and the action principle of love. Martin Buber called for a shift in the perception of relationships from “I-It” to “I-Thou” a reciprocal relationship. Romano Guardini says that only in relationship with God, who continually gives Himself to us through the Holy Spirit, can human beings be truly persons, and that those who are united to God in love are called to live out personal love on earth. Guardini says that because language includes both speech and silence, it is also important to grow in personality through silence. Dietrich Bonhoeffer believes that one cannot be a person without a relationship with God and a connection with others, and that people formed as persons form a spiritual community in which they exist as models of the divine “Thou” for one another. Spiritual direction based on this understanding of “Person” will help people grow in their relationship with God and in their openness to themselves and others through a mutual, dialogical relationship between spiritual director and spiritual directee. I look forward to further reflection on the specific ways in which each person, as a relational and communal being, responds to God’s unique call to them.