Ignatian Spirituality: Paths to God Playlist

This week, we learned about St. Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), and his unique outlook on spirituality. Commonly referred to as the Ignatian Spirituality, it stresses a personal relationship with God that goes beyond religious practices. According to The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything: A Spirituality for Real Life by James Martin S.J, Ignatian Spirituality consists of four main tenets: finding God in all things, becoming a contemplative in action, looking at the world in an incarnational way, and seeking freedom and detachment.

Martin also introduces the six “paths” which people may find themselves on in their relationship with God and religion. These paths include belief, independence, exploration, confusion, disbelief, and return. Martin notes that we often change paths as we grow older and progress past childhood religious beliefs. He says that no single path is foolproof – each can have positive and negative realities depending on the individual. In addition, it is possible to be on more than one path at a time. At the moment, I’d say I’m on the confused path – I believe strongly in God at times, yet I lose faith during times of tragedy and inexplicable phenomena. I also sometimes get bored with religious observances (such as going to Mass).

For this blog, I’ve chosen 6 “theme songs” which I believe represent the six paths to God:

Belief’s Theme Song: “All I Need is You” by Lecrae

This song, performed by the Christian rapper Lecrae, is a perfect example of the path of belief. Someone on this path has a strong faith that God is with them at all times, and in all aspects of life. This person is dedicated to their spirituality, and strives to live a holy life with God’s help. A key lyric that connects this song to the path of belief is:

“You ain’t gotta question my allegiance, cause the way you love me I could never leave ya, I need ya.”

Independence’s Theme Song: Forget You by Cee Lo Green

Someone who is on the path of independence has become disenchanted with their given religion, yet still believes in God. I can imagine this song playing as the independent believer leaves their church for the last time. Most likely, this person is tired of their religion for one reason or another, and will try various other ones. Maybe the church focuses too much on finance or politics? Maybe it has a history of clergy abuse? Instead of joining another religion, the independent individual may also opt to be “spiritual” on their own, without an established religion. Besides the song’s title, here are some applicable lyrics from this song:

“But the way you play your game ain’t fair.
I pity the fool that falls in love with you ohh.
(Oh ‘shh, she’s a gold digger)
Well.
(Just thought you should know)
Ooooooh“

Exploration’s Theme Song: “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John

This song, from Elton John’s 1973 album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, has lyrics and imagery which relate to the path of exploration. As noted by Martin, a person on the exploration path may believe in God, but is still establishing which religion best fits their beliefs about God. As such, this explorer may bounce from religion to religion. Martin says that this process can be positive if they find the right fit, but it can be depressing if the individual is never content and ends up without a steady religious community. The chorus of this song relates to the idea of constant movement:

“And it seems to me you lived your life, like a candle in the wind. Never knowing who to cling to, when the rain set in.”

Confusion’s Theme Song: “Where Are Ü Now” by Skrillex, Diplo, and Justin Bieber

When someone is on the path of confusion, they don’t know what to make of God anymore. They may believe in Him during good times, yet doubt him during tough times…Or maybe its the other way around. When something goes awry in their family life or the world is struck by a deadly coronavirus, they may even question God’s existence. In desperation, they may shout to the heavens and ask God where he is! That’s why this song is a suitable fit for the path of confusion – especially in the following lyrics:

“Where are you now that I need ya? Couldn’t find you anywhere…”

“I gave you attention when nobody else was payin’. I gave you the shirt off my back, what you sayin,’ to keep you warm. I showed you the game everybody else was playin’, that’s for sure. And I was on my knees when nobody else was prayin’, oh Lord…”

Disbelief’s Theme Song: “El Chapo” by The Game and Skrillex

According to Martin, people on the path of disbelief have concluded that God does not exist, generally on the basis of deep theological research. While this song is not deep or theological by any means, it repeats the phrase “I am the God!” many times, which reminds me that an atheist essentially acts as their own god. By denying that God exists, they have decided to lead their own life completely. (Of course, this song is actually referencing the drug lord “El Chapo” and not the Lord, but you get the point).

Return’s Theme Song: “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone

This beautiful song, which unfortunately plays in too many car commercials, reminds me of the path of return. Someone on this path is returning to their religion and coming to new terms with their faith. According to Martin, many people on this path were believers as children, but lost their faith over time. I believe that the following lyrics represent how someone with a refreshed and enlivened faith would feel:

“It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new life for me, ooh, and I’m feeling good.”