Our Pedagogy
The Ignatian Discernment Institute teaches the Rules for the Discernment of Spirits according to the pastoral method, or pedagogy, developed by Fr. Timothy Gallagher, O.M.V. By pedagogy, we mean a clear and structured way of presenting these rules so they can be understood and lived by people of all backgrounds. This approach makes a centuries-old spiritual treasure clear, practical, and accessible for every Christian.
Our method begins with close attention to the words of St. Ignatius himself. His teaching is concise and rich, requiring careful study to bring out its depth. We then illustrate these insights with examples drawn from the lived experience of those we serve—whether priests, religious, laypersons, single, or married. By connecting Ignatius’s wisdom directly to real situations, the teaching becomes both understandable and deeply personal.
This combination of faithful attention to the original text and abundant, relatable examples is what makes the pedagogy so effective. For over forty years, it has helped people recognize the interior movements of their hearts, discern where God is leading, and find peace even in times of spiritual unrest.
A Proven Method in Print
Fr. Timothy Gallagher has shared this teaching in retreats, classrooms, and media for over four decades, and more recently has begun preparing teachers to teach the rules to others. His book, Teaching Discernment: A Pedagogy for Presenting Ignatian Discernment of Spirits, distills the method you’ve read about here into a practical guide for anyone who wishes to pass on St. Ignatius’s wisdom to others.
Whether you are a spiritual director, catechist, parish leader, or simply someone eager to understand the teaching more deeply, this book offers step-by-step guidance for making Ignatian discernment clear, accessible, and life-giving for others.
Continue the Journey
If you feel drawn to explore this teaching more deeply, here are some ways to begin:
