God goes to School

In recent years there has been an uneasy relationship between the life of the academic, and that of the theologian. This has been particularly pronounced at Catholic universities. John Paul II made it clear that Catholic Schools of higher education needed to abide within the framework of catholic theology and teachings. There has been discussion in numerous catholic magazines of how religion and theology have seemed to take a back-seat on the catholic campus. This division is most evident in the areas of science and technology. An analogy that was used is that the scientific arena is like a rabbit, making vast leaps over large areas of research and development. The Church is muck like a turtle that creeps behind it.

In the areas of the study of science, the twentieth century saw an upsurge in scientific and technological development. But for most of the last century Catholic Theology relied on a set of Thomistic principles which existed with set rules and guidelines. Theologians like Karl Rahner and Bernard Lonergan are a few of the theologians who have attempted to bridge the gap between theology and technology. This is very important especially for the areas such as ethics to participate in a theological reflection on the vast information in scientific studies.

In his book, Religion and Science, Ian Barbour contemplates four types of relations between religion and science. 1) conflict, 2) independence, 3) dialogue, and 4) integration. Theologians need to move towards the latter of the two, so contends Barbour. To be sure the Catholic University, if it wishes to maintain that liberal arts motif, should learn to incorporate theology throughout all of its teachings.

Living next door to a large university, I have heard stories of religion (especially Catholicism) being battered about. Some academics, especially in the science areas would rather teach and do research at a public university, so as not to have to deal with religion. Others would prefer to have religion simply stay in its own confines.

Pope Benedict XVI has more than suggested that theology and religion do have a place in higher learning. Philosophy and ethics need to guide and inform our various disciplines. Sadly we have seen a lack of moral behaviour in the midst of various professional peoples. Religion places our work in the context of world connected to God and to others. More so today we have begun to recognize our responsibility also to the planet and the environment. It is also important that the Church stays on top of the latest developments in the hard and soft sciences, arts, political issues, and cultural projects.

Proclaiming 'good news' should not threaten academics. Rather it religion and higher learning should be in an embrace, acknowledging that our goals are faith seeking understanding.