Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 6
In Ignatius’ line, “hinder me not from living…When I shall have arrived there…to be killed, I shall become a human being,” Kyle claims Ignatius saw self-emptying as the path to real humanity; how does that confront modern assumptions (including Christian ones) that “really living” means self-protection, self-expression, and maximizing options?
Another way to ask: Ignatius thought self-emptying is the way to become truly human. How does that challenge the common idea that “real life” means protecting yourself, expressing yourself, and keeping your options open?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Kyle presents Ignatius as reversing modern instincts: Ignatius thinks avoiding death is not the same as “living,” and that real humanity is expressed through self-emptying participation in Christ’s passion. That confronts the assumption that life is mainly about extending biological existence, protecting yourself, and keeping options open.
- Ignatius writes, “hinder me not from living… Do not wish me to die… When I shall have arrived there… I shall become a human being.”
- Kyle comments: “He doesn’t want to live… biologically continue… so he can actually live,” calling it “a reverse problem.”
- Kyle interprets Ignatius as arguing “in his body… for a particular vision of what it means to be a human.”
- That vision is “in self-emptying abasement” he will “express humanity.”
- Ignatius asks to “follow the example of the passion of my God,” tying real life to Christ’s self-emptying pattern.