To which i would only add/wonder about what we can learn from Girard. It seems to me that conscience is inevitably mimetically formed by whatever tribe we are most immersed in, even ‘religious’ tribes. So grace must set us free from that. The ‘heart’ as i understand it is Christologically shaped/resonant - it will reflect in some way the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians). So the conscience might end up falling into alignment with the heart, but not the reverse. I think that’s my take on it.
John Henry Newman referred to the human conscience as "the aboriginal vicar of Christ" in the soul. So again--provided it is aligned, ordered, and oriented to Christ--it then "pastorally" shepherds, guides, serves and supports the good, Christ-formed heart as it is meant to. Does that fit with this conversation?
To which i would only add/wonder about what we can learn from Girard. It seems to me that conscience is inevitably mimetically formed by whatever tribe we are most immersed in, even ‘religious’ tribes. So grace must set us free from that. The ‘heart’ as i understand it is Christologically shaped/resonant - it will reflect in some way the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians). So the conscience might end up falling into alignment with the heart, but not the reverse. I think that’s my take on it.
Thanks for this Chris.
John Henry Newman referred to the human conscience as "the aboriginal vicar of Christ" in the soul. So again--provided it is aligned, ordered, and oriented to Christ--it then "pastorally" shepherds, guides, serves and supports the good, Christ-formed heart as it is meant to. Does that fit with this conversation?