In this article, Ong examines how the meaning of the motto “Ad majorem Dei gloriam” (or “To the greater glory of God”), has changed over time.\u00a0 While it is now commonly found inscribed in books or on buildings as a “public proclamation,” it has not always been used in such a manner.\u00a0 In fact, it once had a more private meaning, which can be seen in the writings of St. Ignatius.<\/p>\n
In the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, A.M.D.G. means the moment of decision after one has searched one’s soul trying to make a difficult choice.\u00a0 When faced with these difficult choices, St. Ignatius directs his readers, one should make one’s decision based on which option will be “for the greater glory of God.”\u00a0 To use this expression as a dedication in a book or on a building, Ong asserts, is inappropriate, for no particular decision has been made.\u00a0 It is sufficient to pronounce that the book or building exists simply “for the glory of God,” without the addition of the word “greater.”<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, there are times when St. Ignatius used A.M.D.G. to discuss the process he used to make decisions, the results of which were converted into procedures for others to follow.\u00a0 In these cases, Ong believes that St. Ignatius used the phrase in a manner similar to that of current usage because his decisions were public proclamations.\u00a0 If the phrase must be used in a dedicatory fashion as it now is, people should at least remember and acknowledge St. Ignatius’ use of the phrase to mean a soul-searching process that can lead to a public proclamation.<\/p>\n
In this article, Ong examines how the meaning of the motto “Ad majorem Dei gloriam” (or “To the greater glory of God”), has changed over time.\u00a0 While it is now commonly found inscribed in books or on buildings as a “public proclamation,” it has not always been used in such a manner.\u00a0 In fact, it … Continue reading Annotation: A.M.D.G.: Dedication or Directive?<\/span>