What is the role of a Catholic theologian in the Church? What is the relationship of a theologian with the Teaching Office of the Church? It’s a perpetual topic, but John Henry Newman, whose feast day fell two days ago (October 9), is perhaps the best example to look to for understanding. Although he actually never referred to himself as a theologian, he saw his research as a service to the Church, a service subject to the discernment of his bishop.
Recent documents address these questions in Newman’s spirit. In 1990, the Instruction on the Ecclesial Vocation of a Theologian described the freedom of a theologian: “The freedom proper to theological research is exercised within the Church’s faith. Thus while the theologian might often feel the urge to be daring in his work, this will not bear fruit or “edify” unless it is accompanied by that patience which permits maturation to occur.”
That same year the Apostolic Constitution Ex Corde Ecclesiae on Catholic higher education reasserted the requirement that those who teach theology in institutions of higher learning should have a mandate from the competent ecclesiastical authority. Those who oppose a mandate see it as a limitation to academic freedom.
But this is an impoverished understanding of freedom. The theologian exercises his freedom by receiving a mandate and accepting his office in the Church. He does not work on his own. He serves the Word in collaboration with the Magisterium. The Instruction explains:
Collaboration between the theologian and the Magisterium occurs in a special way when the theologian receives the canonical mission or the mandate to teach. In a certain sense, such collaboration becomes a participation in the work of the Magisterium, linked, as it then is, by a juridic bond. The theologian’s code of conduct, which obviously has its origin in the service of the Word of God, is here reinforced by the commitment the theologian assumes in accepting his office, making the profession of faith, and taking the oath of fidelity.
Through his research and writing Newman collaborated with the bishop of his diocese (Birmingham) and the other English bishops. He carried out his theological work within the Tradition of the Church and at the service of the Church. When there was a misunderstanding he was ready to explain his views to his bishop or the Holy See, and to retract anything that was judged to be incorrect. His writings on the development of Christian doctrine, the importance of “consulting the lay faithful in matters of doctrine,” and papal infallibility show how Newman conjugated academic freedom with ultimate submission to the Teaching Office of the Church.
In light of Newman’s example, how can we doubt that academic freedom is compatible with a mandate to teach theology?
Fr. Juan R. Vélez is author of Passion for Truth, the Life of John Henry Newman (TAN/St. Benedict’s, 2012).
October 11th, 2012 | 1:32 pm
[...] Fr. Juan R. Vélez, author of Passion for Truth, the Life of John Henry Newman, wrote a piece at First Things saying that Blessed Newman’s inspiration has guided many toward answers to that question. [...]
October 11th, 2012 | 8:48 pm
Reading Fr Velez’s new biography I was struck again by Newman’s humility with regard to his ecclesiastical superiors. They did not always treat him well but he always deferred to their legitimate authority – a truly Christian attitude that we can all emulate.
October 12th, 2012 | 2:26 am
Christ is the Head of the Church;
He who said I am the Way , the Truth
and the Life.
His Spirit animates the Church.
Thus it makes sense that theologians
teachings and questions should
always act within, and be at the service
of the Church, and Christ who is her head.
Not at the service of their own will.
The virtue of Humility which Cardinal Newman
exemplified, is required.
October 12th, 2012 | 8:46 am
While reading this posting I am reminded of a quote by Fr. Servais Pincknaers, OP in his essay “Freedom for Excellence”. He says “True courage is worth little without wise discernment as to what should be done, and without self-control, justice and generosity.” Our boldness and courage in proclaiming the truths God allows us to discover in our academic/theological work, must be oriented, first and foremost, toward bringing greater glory to God. Hence, we must remember to humbly and patiently trust in the structure of the body of Christ (i.e. The Church). The Church He established to last until the end of time. We must always first trust in Him, for it is He, not ourselves, that ultimately bring Truth to the world. Fr. Juan’s essay here is a wonderful reminder of that.
October 12th, 2012 | 10:09 am
I read Fr Velez’s article having just attended last night the 3rd annual Newman Convocation here in St. Louis. It is an event co-sponsored by the four Catholic institutions of higher education in the city. A major lecture is is given by a theologian from the local Church, is responded to by two other local theologians and the whole dialogue takes place within the College Church at Saint Louis University in the context of a liturgy of the Word presided over by the archbishop. It is a great model, it seems to me, for promoting exactly the kind of free theological inquiry that Cardinal Newman pursued. This exercise is free not in the sense of of being done with no restraints, but precisely within the context of the relationships that comprise ecclesial communion- with other theologians, with the “regular folks” in the pews, with the local bishop and within the ties that bind heaven and earth in the context of liturgical prayer. Perhaps a few more events like this around the country could help bridge some of the gaps in relationship and communication that have too often emerged between bishops, theologians and the rest of Church in recent decades.
October 12th, 2012 | 11:34 am
We are reminded by the comments of the importance of the exercise of virtues such as humility, patience, generosity and self-control in the work of theology (all virtues Newman practiced). And to this we should add Von Balthasar’s notion of doing theology on one’s knees (with awe and reverence before God).
At the same this work should be carried out with respect towards others’ opinions and in dialogue with them while recognizing the Teaching Office of the local bishop who should act in communion with the entire Church.
October 12th, 2012 | 12:07 pm
Cardinal Newman, like the later theologian Henri de Lubac, exemplified humility. For a time, Cardinal de Lubac endured some persecution. Because of concerns of the Congregation of the Holy Office over one of his books, he was barred from publishing for ten years. Nevertheless, he continued writing and eventually the matter was resolved in his favour. Other theologians would have waged a bitter war and some have in similar circumstances. De Lubac, like Newman, believed that the Church was his mother and despite all the negativity he endured, he continued to devote all his energies to her service.
October 12th, 2012 | 6:19 pm
What models of humility and trust these great minds are to us. Open to the Will of God, these receive His Wisdom, His Grace. They trust in Him and He fills them. To the proud and arrogant little is revealed, and they will fight to claim correct even their own human deductions. Both De Lubac and Newman knew their human limitations and relied on God and the Church.
October 12th, 2012 | 10:25 pm
I really enjoy reading Fr. Velez’ writings on Newman. Blessed JH Newman was truly a free intellect because he understood that without being tethered to the Truth, there can be no freedom. Failing to understand that eventually leads to relativism, nihilism and despair. Father, thank you for teaching us about freedom through your lessons on this great man.
Dan Hoffman
October 14th, 2012 | 7:51 pm
I am happy Fr Juan is bringing up this topic, because as he points out, the answer is “Yes!” Blessed Newman was an expert on this topic, in fact, he wrote a whole book about it, I recommend that everyone read “The Idea of the University” to understand the role of theology and philosophy and purpose of the Catholic university.
October 23rd, 2012 | 10:31 pm
After reading Fr. Velez’s posting: Is Academic Freedom Possible? John Henry Newman’s Witness, what comes to mind is Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman’s assent to his understanding of freedom. Having recently read much of Fr. Velez’s book, Passion for Truth: The Life of John Henry Newman, it appears undeniable that after years of theological study, pastoral ministry and academic teaching in the Church of England that Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman’s own freedom led him to the Church of Rome. His life reads as a response to, not only the question Is Academic Freedom Possible?, but as a witness to the love and freedom Who awaits one who gives of him or herself in total.
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