Faith and Reason
Theology 101
Module 2
1. According to Hauser what are the main challenges to the faith today? According to Hauser, “It is a question of conviction – do we really believe that only in the mystery of the Word made flesh does the mystery of man truly become clear (cf. Gaudium et Spes, 22)? Are we ready to commit our entire selves – intellect and will, mind and heart to God?” These are essential questions that stand at the foundation of any Catholic education. In a special way the study of theology reflects a Catholic university’s commitment to the faith of the Church and the truth of the human person. Theology is described by St. Anselm as “faith seeking understanding.” And since the content of the faith is Christ, theology is an examination of this truth, the one truth, the truth of Christ. But does this truth and commitment to this truth really guide Catholic higher education today in the multiple aspects of it life? Are these institutions of higher learning really committed to the truth of Christ and the mission of the Church? I believe Hauser is also saying that the theologians of today have been unable to meet the demands of both the teaching of the true faith AND answering the challenges of today’s society. Hauser continues, “It could be argued that the foundation for a solution to this tension has been laid by Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, who in their writings defend and articulate the faith and its significance for modern life. Yet the academy, imbued with the skepticism of such authority rejects it as narrow and retreats to the insular world where they are king. Many argue that Catholic higher education can best serve the world by returning to her origin.” In effect, the Church seems stuck in the past as she tries to maintain her sense of self and purpose. Additionally, when one doesn’t get the answers one needs, in this world of rush and hurry, one tends to become uninterested and move on to where the answers seem to be, even if that
Module 2
1. According to Hauser what are the main challenges to the faith today? According to Hauser, “It is a question of conviction – do we really believe that only in the mystery of the Word made flesh does the mystery of man truly become clear (cf. Gaudium et Spes, 22)? Are we ready to commit our entire selves – intellect and will, mind and heart to God?” These are essential questions that stand at the foundation of any Catholic education. In a special way the study of theology reflects a Catholic university’s commitment to the faith of the Church and the truth of the human person. Theology is described by St. Anselm as “faith seeking understanding.” And since the content of the faith is Christ, theology is an examination of this truth, the one truth, the truth of Christ. But does this truth and commitment to this truth really guide Catholic higher education today in the multiple aspects of it life? Are these institutions of higher learning really committed to the truth of Christ and the mission of the Church? I believe Hauser is also saying that the theologians of today have been unable to meet the demands of both the teaching of the true faith AND answering the challenges of today’s society. Hauser continues, “It could be argued that the foundation for a solution to this tension has been laid by Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, who in their writings defend and articulate the faith and its significance for modern life. Yet the academy, imbued with the skepticism of such authority rejects it as narrow and retreats to the insular world where they are king. Many argue that Catholic higher education can best serve the world by returning to her origin.” In effect, the Church seems stuck in the past as she tries to maintain her sense of self and purpose. Additionally, when one doesn’t get the answers one needs, in this world of rush and hurry, one tends to become uninterested and move on to where the answers seem to be, even if that
References: Faith and Reason. (2008). Retrieved from http://www.thinkapologetics.com/content/philosophy101/FaithandReason.html. Guthrie, S. EMPIRICISM, NATURALISM, AND THEISM. Retrieved from http://sguthrie.net/empiricism.htm. Hauser, D. Module One: Introduction: A Theology of Catholic Education. Kreeft, P. (7/2012). The Uniqueness of Christianity. Retrieved from http://www.integratedcatholiclife.org/2012/07/dr-kreeft-the-uniqueness-of-christianity/. Wade, R. (2002). Christian Apologetics. Retrieved from http://www.leaderu.com/orgs/probe/docs/apologet.html.