“GRATIALOGY”: TOWARDS AN EXISTENTIAL THEORY OF GRATITUDE ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR SEMINARY FORMATION

Abstract

Gratialogy, is the discourse on gratitude, expresses greatly, the pertinence of the attitude of gratitude. This is quite apt, given the fact that in our world today, there is an increasing depreciation in the expression of gratitude among people. It is important to note that gratitude to God should not only be rendered in good times, but in bad times alike. St. Paul says in 1 Thess. 5:18 that “In all things, give thanks.” The idea of Gratialogy, therefore, introduces us to the undying importance of Gratitude in Seminary formation. We shall in this paper, apply it to humanity and the four areas of formation or as I like to call it, the Tetra-Inseparable Formative Process, which is the Human, the Spiritual, the Intellectual, and the Pastoral areas of Seminary formation. We shall learn through this paper how gratitude gives birth to people who are able to build good relationship with others, and with God. We will also be introduced to how gratitude equips one with good intellectual implements to ward off ignorance and build a stronger faith. This seeks to critically expose the human person in general and seminarians in particular on the need to be thankful at all times. The goal of this theological enterprise will be facilitated through the use of the expository method.