Extracted and modified from Mark Moran’s article in AIHCP Website 2023
Moral theology, as a discipline, scrutinizes human actions from three critical perspectives: the action itself, the agent or person committing the act, and the contextual circumstances. The agent’s subjective elements, particularly those related to temperament, play a pivotal role in determining an individual’s culpability and inclinations toward specific actions. Temperament, described as a more enduring and inherent disposition of the soul, serves as a foundational framework for one’s natural tendencies and reactions.
Temperament, distinguished by its innate nature rather than acquired, significantly shapes an individual’s character, which, in turn, reflects a moral code guiding their interactions. Reverend Conrad Hock’s insightful essay on the four temperaments underscores their profound implications in the realms of morality and Christian ministry. Hock’s emphasis on self-awareness aligns with the timeless wisdom imparted by Socrates: “Know yourself.” This self-awareness becomes a powerful tool for directing and controlling one’s actions and fostering an empathetic understanding of others.
The four temperaments—choleric, sanguine, melancholic, and phlegmatic—offer unique lenses through which to comprehend human behavior. The choleric temperament, characterized by assertiveness and goal orientation, demands a delicate balance to avoid veering into egotism. The sanguine temperament, quick to respond yet transient in its reactions, necessitates grounding to prevent superficiality and irresponsibility. Individuals with a melancholic temperament, slower to react but deeply reflective, may grapple with indecision and periodic darker moods. Phlegmatic temperaments, marked by passivity and introversion, benefit from motivational cues to counter tendencies toward sloth.
Dominant temperaments influence inclinations toward virtues or vices, but spiritual training provides the means to shape and restrain these inherent tendencies. The crucial role of nurture, moral guidance, and parental influence in shaping a person’s overall personality cannot be overstated. While everyone possesses a dominant temperament, the presence of a secondary temperament introduces a nuanced array of personality types, contributing to the complexity of individuals. A profound understanding of temperaments becomes imperative for Christian counselors, clergy, and spiritual directors as they endeavor to guide individuals effectively on their unique spiritual journeys.
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