A Spiritual Theology of the Conscience: An Extraordinary Force of Grace

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

I think this  essay is a valuable contribution.  I really appreciated the use of Levinas.  The one  recommendation would be to begin with the average person's understanding of conscience which the esay seeks to expand.

Author Response

Thank you for your words of encouragement! I have provided a simpler definition and discussion of the conscience in the introduction.

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

If this article is not accepted, I think you should submit the article to a journal devoted more to theology, especially spiritual theology, than to a journal more devoted to religious studies. If the article is accepted, I congratulate you on an inspiring piece.

p. 5 line 234    add initial quote mark to   immanence"

p. 16  lines 781/2    add "of" to     in need (of)

Author Response

Thank you so much for your appreciation! I have made the two grammatical corrections.

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

There are four main revisions the author should make. First, when discussing spiritual theology in the introduction, a current definition should be provided, as it is a topic currently under debate. I suggest consulting Evolving Methodologies in the Study of Spirituality (Cavazos-González, ed.) and, based on that, choosing a perspective and explaining the rationale behind it.

Secondly, in the same section, when referring to the testimony of Saint John of the Cross and Saint Teresa of Ávila, the author does so through Pope Francis. It would be better to go directly to the primary sources of these Spanish mystics.

Third, it is advisable to review the style of biblical abbreviations to ensure they align with the standard system. Along these lines, there are two biblical texts the author should analyze: the Baptism and the Transfiguration, as key moments for the filial and fraternal awareness of being a child of God, and of the light of grace, since this is the subject of analysis in the article. Additionally, these texts have a deeply theophanic significance.

Lastly, two aspects: first, regarding acedia, although Evagrius Ponticus is cited, it would be helpful to include two or three important texts from this Church Father. Second, concerning consciousness, a question arises that should at least be addressed as unresolved: is consciousness the totality of the presence of God with His grace? What, then, happens with the semi-conscious levels? Authors like Carl Gustav Jung explored the topic of light, God, and the birth of a new consciousness or new God in his Red Book. It would be worthwhile to include this.

Author Response

Thank you for your comments. I have provided a definition of the conscience, given primary sources for the writings of St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila and Evagrius Ponticus, introduced a discussion the biblical texts of the Baptism and Transfiguration, and given some more light to consciousness. I have checked my biblical abbreviations, and they follow the normal required style for articles. It is beyond the focus of the article so focus on semi-conscious levels.