Abstract
Should we take the Ignatian method of discernment for granted? Should we hold the view that anyone who is willing to go through such a process will be able to discern the way that St. Ignatius describes in his Spiritual Exercises? And when we hear a question such as “Do you discern as an American or a Vietnamese?” should we look at the questioner as if he or she is out of his or her mind?
In reality, we at times have a tendency to hold the view that Ignatian discernment may not be influenced by ethnic factors because its focal point is not our ethnicity or even decision-making. Rather, it is about deepening our relationship with God, appreciating the gifts that God has given us, and discovering how we may respond to that love in daily life. Perhaps, because of this mentality, we often think that, despite our cultural differences, we can discern according to the Ignatian method as long as we are willing. We even fall into the trap of seeing cultural variance as a minor factor rather than a potential impediment. We then fail to recognize that many people (especially those who live in Vietnam) struggle when they attempt to use the Ignatian method. Sometimes these people enter into the process just for the sake of formality, and they let their cultural values (e.g., collective tendency, obedience, filial piety, or high respect for authority) trump the whole process. Other times, they have to discern not as the true Vietnamese but as Westerners. It is legitimate for us to wonder whether they can have an authentic Ignatian discernment and whether they can be who they are when discerning.
This thesis asserts that, on the one hand, people can still discern authentically the way that Ignatius describes in the Spiritual Exercises, and on the other hand, they can turn the potential impediments within their cultural values into an opportunity for enrichment. The thesis also suggests that instead of letting cultural values be stumbling blocks, people can transform them into beneficial additives to sweeten the fruit of their discernment. In order to achieve this goal, this dissertation points out that there is a need for a mutually enriched dialogue between Ignatian spirituality and Vietnamese culture on the question of discernment and obedience. There is also a need for Ignatian spirituality to be inculturated into the culture of Vietnam. Such an inculturation will help the Vietnamese to maintain the core values of their own culture, and at the same time not turn the Ignatian method of discernment into something that is totally different.

Local access dog.pdf. [Tran-Ignatian spirituality.pdf]