Who decides how faith should be
taught?
What some theologians said about the mandatum in discussion
following the panels presentation:
In response to the question, Does a bishop have a legitimate
role in deciding how faith can be taught? Terrence Tilley said,
Traditionally the magisterial role has been to set limits on what can be
said. But the recent direction of the magisterium has been to establish
what should, may or ought be said. Since I prefer the negative role
-- a magisterium that sets limits rather than dictates content -- I
dont see the mandatum as the most effective way.
Sr. Theresa Moser, in response to the same question: Part of
the role of a theologian is to hold bishops feet to the fire, to confront
issues we see in the classroom and in the world around us.
* * *
A woman who asked to remain anonymous said that, on a recent job
interview at a U.S. college, she had been taken to the bishops office for
a pre-mandatum interview, where she was asked, among other
things, whether she had ever been in trouble with the magisterium.
The woman wondered whether such an interview was appropriate, given that the
mandatum is not yet in effect and is not to be used as part of the
hiring process. Guidelines call for theologians hired after the effective date
of the mandatum to obtain one within the academic year, or within six
months of being hired, whichever affords more time.
* * *
Holy Cross Fr. Michael Baxter of the University of Notre Dame
challenged a prevalent opinion that the mandatum, by allowing church
leaders outside the university to control what is taught, represents a turning
point in the nations tradition of academic freedom. Both the modern
corporation and the military have long been forces on universities, he
said. For example, said Baxter, Science departments are funded by the
Department of Defense, and the culture of corporations permeates business
schools.
* * *
Anthony Blasi of Tennessee State University, delegate from his
institution to the American Association of University Professors, predicted
Catholic schools would become the laughingstock of academia if the
mandatum is put into effect.
* * *
Jesuit Fr. Francis Buckley of the University of San Francisco said
he had decided after long reflection to neither request nor accept a
mandatum, though he gives retreats to U.S. bishops and holds many of
them in high esteem. I oppose the mandatum because it is going to
chill dialogue, and because, metaphorically, it is like using a Tommy gun to
kill a fly.
The flies may not be hit, he said, referring to the a
few theologians that bishops might regard as problematic, but many
innocent bystanders will be hurt. Further, said Buckley, by refusing a
mandatum, theologians can express their support for the bishops
who (previously) voted 224-6 in favor of Ex Corde Ecclesiae, while
sidestepping the matter of the mandatum.
-- Pamela Schaeffer
National Catholic Reporter, June 15,
2001
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