Cardinal Avery Dulles, the first American theologian to be named a cardinal, delivered an address in Minor Hall last night on the role of theological studies in public universities.
Dulles, the highest-ranking Catholic cleric ever to speak at the University, argued that a department of theology would be inappropriate for a secular university, "especially one that seeks to stand in the tradition of Thomas Jefferson."
However, Dulles urged that theology should be taught as one component of a religious studies course.
"Professors should be permitted and encouraged to teach from a perspective of faith, while carefully avoiding proselytization," Dulles said.
Dulles said that while the terms religious studies and theology often are used interchangeably, they actually have different meanings.
"Religious studies do not require a personal commitment to the truth and value of the religion being studied," Dulles said.
However, to study a faith theologically, "one would normally have to share in that faith," he added.
Cardinal Dulles is the second cardinal to be invited to speak at the University, but the first actually to do so, said Father Gerald Fogarty S.J., a University religious studies professor. Bishop James Gibbons was invited by a group of Catholic alumni to give a baccalaureate address in the late 19th century, but the University retracted his invitation, Fogarty added.
Dulles, who converted to Catholicism, is a member of one of America's most prominent families. His father, grandfather and great-uncle all served as U.S. Secretaries of State, and his uncle served as director of the CIA from 1953-1961.
Dulles has published hundreds of articles and several books, mostly about the theology of the Second Vatican Council.
Assoc. Prof. of Drama Kate Burke said she found Dulles' speech applicable to her role as a teacher at the University.
"I thought he offered an extremely articulate means to stay true to both my faith and my academic responsibilities," she said.
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