The Presupposition

Being human is hard, and we're all trying our best. I'm sure we've all been in situations where we could not express ourselves fully. It's a relief when our listener assumes the best interpretation. Ignatius of Loyola, when giving advice to Spiritual Directors, says that we should always attempt to begin there. You may ask, but what if what the other person is saying is just wrong? Ignatius thought of that too. He says, when you can’t “save the proposition of the other” then engage with curiosity in asking questions. How do they understand what they are saying? Often, what we assume is completely wrong reveals a lack of imagination on our part about how the other person views the situation. A simple check-in can resolve much unnecessary conflict and division. -What if after you engage in asking questions with true curiosity you find out that the other person is plain wrong!? -Ignatius thought of that too! -Ignatius says: Then do correct them, but do it with love.

How much better off our world would be if we all treated each other like that? Here’s the direct quote from St. Ignatius:

"It should be presupposed that every good Christian should be more ready to save the proposition of their neighbor than to condemn it; and if they cannot save it, they should inquire how they understand it. If they understand it poorly, correct them with love; and if this is not enough, seek all appropriate means so that, understanding it well, they may be saved." - St. Ignatius of Loyola, The Spiritual Exercises [22]