Merton/Cardijn Option #6. (Final in the series)
Merton/Cardijn Fundamental Option & Approaches to Shared Decision-Making
What values do Joseph Cardijn and Thomas Merton share regarding decision-making, and how do these unite us in our pursuit of a just society?
Bonhoeffer wrote in his "Account at the Turn of the Year 1942-1943," addressed to his co-conspirators, that the "ultimately responsible question is not how I extricate myself heroically from a situation but [how] a coming generation is to go on living" (DBWE 8:42).
Merton/Cardijn Fundamental Option & Approaches to Shared Decision-Making
1. Integration of Faith and Action
Both Cardijn and Merton emphasized the practicality of their approaches, highlighting the crucial connection between spiritual reflection and practical action in decision-making. This focus on practicality makes their teachings not just theoretical but also applicable and relevant to our daily lives and societal challenges:
Merton championed a balance between contemplation and action, showcasing this through his transformation from a cloistered monk to a political activist.
Cardijn's "See-Judge-Act" methodology emphasizes integrating faith-based reflection with practical action, particularly in social justice.
2. Emphasis on reflection and discernment
Both figures underscore the profound importance of careful reflection and discernment in decision-making. This emphasis on reflection and discernment impresses upon us the weight of our choices and the need for thoughtful consideration, instilling a sense of responsibility and mindfulness in our decision-making.
Merton taught that wisdom is essential for discernment, encouraging followers to learn from their personal experiences and seek wisdom through prayer and reflection.
Cardijn's "Judge" phase of his methodology emphasizes reflecting on situations through the lens of faith and moral principles before taking action.
The Benedictine understanding of discernment emphasizes the importance of following the inclinations of Grace, which are the subtle promptings of the Holy Spirit. Discernment is not merely an occasional exercise but a way of life that flows from a deeper place (think fundamental option), guiding our decisions and actions. It involves humility, obedience, wisdom, and love, as outlined in the Rule of St. Benedict, which encourages a prayerful orientation toward God and the community.
3. Social Justice Orientation
Both men's approaches to decision-making were fundamentally grounded in their concerns for social justice:
Both actively practice their religious beliefs, emphasizing social justice and the greater good for all human beings.
Cardijn's work specifically focused on improving the lives of working-class individuals, shaped by his personal experiences with labor conditions during the height of the Industrial Revolution.
Merton's writings, particularly after his Fourth & Walnut experience, addressed social issues and were notable for advocating justice across cultural differences.
4. Methodological Framework
Although their specific approaches differed, both provided structured frameworks for decision-making:
Cardijn developed the systematic See-Judge-Act methodology, providing an explicit social action and decision-making framework.
Merton's approach emphasized contemplative discernment, incorporating prayer, self-discovery, and interreligious dialogue into the decision-making process.
The Merton/Cardijn option addresses both aspects in one process. This option synthesizes Merton's contemplative discernment and Cardijn's structured social action methodology, offering a comprehensive approach to decision-making.
5. Influence of Catholic Social Teaching
Their approaches to decision-making were influenced by and contributed to the teachings of Catholic Social Teaching (CST).
The focus on human dignity and social justice in Catholic Social Teaching influenced both.
Cardijn's influence was particularly significant at the Second Vatican Council, where his methodology was incorporated into official church teachings. Think Gaudium et Spes. And Pacem in Terris.
Merton integrated these teachings into his writings and his method of discernment.
6. Perspectives on Technology and Contemporary Society
Their decision-making frameworks tackle modern challenges:
Both recognized technology's challenges and potential for good, viewing it as a tool that could be utilized positively or negatively, depending on human choices. Think Techno-feudalism vs. Techno-Emancipation.
Both men raised concerns about technology's potential for depersonalization and its effects on human dignity and community. Again, the focus must be on People~Planet~Purpose in Life~Prosperity for all human beings.
Conclusion
While Cardijn and Merton approached decision-making from different angles—Cardijn through a structured social action methodology and Merton through contemplative discernment—they shared significant common ground in their values. This unity in their approaches offers a harmonious perspective on thoughtful and ethical decision-making within a religious context. Both emphasized the importance of integrating spiritual reflection with practical action, focused on social justice, and provided frameworks for making decisions that considered individual and communal well-being. Despite their differences, their shared values in decision-making continue to offer complementary perspectives, demonstrating the shared purpose in their approaches.
I have updated a previous model I shared to better reflect the Merton/Cardijn Option. Follow the steps, tailor them to your situation, and modify and adjust as necessary.
