Comments on: Is Academic Freedom Possible? John Henry Newman’s Witness

By: Julia Dobel

Julia Dobel — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 02:31:10 +0000

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.

By: Michael Sangervasi

Michael Sangervasi — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 23:51:47 +0000

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.

By: Dan Hoffman

Dan Hoffman — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 02:25:38 +0000

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

By: Carol Dixon Klein

Carol Dixon Klein — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 22:19:00 +0000

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.

By: Robert Badger

Robert Badger — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 16:07:06 +0000

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.

By: Fr. Juan R. Vélez

Fr. Juan R. Vélez — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 15:34:34 +0000

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.

By: Fr Christopher Collins, SJ

Fr Christopher Collins, SJ — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 14:09:35 +0000

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.

By: Joshua Kingdon

Joshua Kingdon — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 12:46:46 +0000

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.

By: Deborah Villa MD

Deborah Villa MD — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 06:26:32 +0000

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.

By: Carolyn Moynihan

Carolyn Moynihan — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:48:40 +0000

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.