Discernment (Christianity)

In Christianity, discernment is the ability to obtain sharp perceptions or to judge well (or the activity of so doing). In the case of judgment, discernment can be psychological, moral, or aesthetic in nature.

Discernment has also been defined in these contexts: scientific (discerning what is true about the real world), normative (discerning value including what ought to be), and formal (deductive reasoning). The process of discernment, within judgment, involves going past the mere perception of something and making nuanced judgments about its properties or qualities.

Discernment in the Christian religion is considered a virtue and a lifelong task, a discerning individual is considered to possess wisdom and be of good judgment through a profound spiritual alignment and engagement; especially so with regard to subject matter often overlooked by others.

In Christianity, the word may have several meanings. Discernment can describe the process of determining God's desire in a situation or for one's life, or identifying the true nature of a thing, such as discerning whether a thing is good, evil, or may even transcend such a limiting notion of duality. It also describes the interior search for an answer to the question of one's vocation, specifically, whether or not God is calling one to the married life, single life, consecrated life, ordained ministry or any other calling.

"Discernment of spirits" is a term used in both Roman Catholic and Charismatic (Pentecostal) Christian theology to indicate judging various spiritual agents for their moral influence.

The process of achieving a level of discernment takes place in steps. The following actions can be made in the course of discernment: taking time in making decisions, using both the head and heart, and assessing important values involved in the situation.

Time has been considered necessary in the process of making a smart choice; decisions made in a hurry can be altered by^{[clarification needed]} lack of contemplation. When time is available to assess the situation this improves the discernment process. When time allows, a tentative decision can be revisited and other people can be consulted to make sure that the person is satisfied with their choice.

Deciding and discerning each require both the "head" and the "heart". To make a decision with the "head" one must first reflect on the situation and emphasize the rational aspect of the decision making process. To make a decision with the "heart" one must decide based on feelings as well as rationality.