Jesuit is a member of the Society of Jesus, a religious order within Catholicism. The society was founded by Saint Ignatius Loyola and was established by Pope Paul III to spread Christianity by all means possible. Jesuits represent a society or an order within Catholic Christianity, and many people wonder about the differences between Jesuit and Catholicism. There are numerous Jesuit colleges and universities in the country, and it can be confusing for parents and students to decide whether to choose a Jesuit University or a traditional Catholic institution. This article attempts to provide a closer look at Jesuits to eliminate doubts from the minds of students.
Key Takeaways
- Jesuits are part of the Society of Jesus, a religious order within Catholicism, founded by Saint Ignatius Loyola.
- Jesuits played a significant role in the Counter Reformation in the 16th century, focusing on converting Muslims to Christianity and spreading Catholicism to new lands.
- Although Jesuits hold the same core beliefs as Catholics, they are sometimes considered more liberal, which is a stereotype, as they remain part of the Catholic religious order.