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Be Not Afraid: Faith and Reason in the Notre Dame 'Scandal'

by John Gehring 04-09-2009 | 1:10pm
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Notre Dame President Rev. John Jenkins is facing furious backlash after inviting President Barack Obama to give the university's commencement address next month.

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The Cardinal Newman Society, a watchdog group for perceived breaches of orthodoxy on Catholic campuses, calls it an "outrage and a scandal" and has circulated a petition admonishing Notre Dame to "halt this travesty." Randall Terry, founder of Operation Rescue, warns that the commencement would represent the "cultural rape of true Catholicity." These stark responses betray a rich Catholic intellectual tradition revered for centuries for promoting the values of civil debate, prudence, and reasoned engagement.

In response, Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good has drafted a petition we hope you consider signing here to show your support for Fr. Jenkins and the virtues of civility and engagement.

The Catholic university is not a defensive fortress walled off from diverse ideas that flourish in a pluralistic democracy. As Fr. Jenkins eloquently articulated in his 2006 statement, Academic Freedom and Catholic Character:

We are committed to a wide-open, unconstrained search for truth, and we are convinced that Catholic teaching has nothing to fear from engaging the wider culture

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by: nuclearferret

04-09-2009 @ 2:59pm

We get it: Catholics for Obama want the support for Notre Dame's actions. Because other Catholics did not protest, or protest loudly enough, about American policies in the Middle East, they should shut up and accept the expansion of abortion access and rights not only in the US but across the globe.

Notre Dame should honor whoever they want to. However, cloaking it as some grand gesture of engaging a President who has, through his actions, demonstrated that abortion will become more pervasive is deceptive at best.

And how many additional troops are being sent to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Somalia under this Administration?

by: squeaky

04-09-2009 @ 5:20pm

"Notre Dame should honor whoever they want to."

Exactly.

"And how many additional troops are being sent to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Somalia under this Administration?"

Well, sadly, the Iraq war diverted resources away from Afghanistan, allowing the gains against the Taliban and Al Quaida to slip away from us, and further gain a foothold in Pakistan. I suppose he could just continue ignoring these hotspots for terrorism, though.

by: BillSamuel

04-09-2009 @ 10:16pm

There is a difference between hearing people who take morally reprehensible positions and honoring them. The critics of Notre Dame are often not concerned about that, since many Catholics take the position - I think indefensible for a university - that no one who disagrees with key moral positions of the Church should be allowed to speak.

Here we have a President committed to abortion, war and the death penalty being honored by a Catholic university. I think it is legitimate to question the university honoring him. Of course he has areas where he is much closer to Catholic moral thinking, but the areas of difference are so great that I think it is legitimate to object to honoring him.

Hearing him seems to me a different story, but here I think it would be important to provide opportunity for dialogue. As I understand it, there really isn't such opportunity in terms of dialogue directly with the President in connection with the commencement address. However, there could be opportunities for dialogue within the university community around the position of the President and moral imperatives.

I am disappointed that most of the objection refers only to abortion and related matters. This is a President who is engaging in major escalation of war. Surely that is also an issue for the Christian conscience. Pope Benedict has made peace a cornerstone of his papacy.

by: nuclearferret

04-09-2009 @ 2:59pm

We get it: Catholics for Obama want the support for Notre Dame's actions. Because other Catholics did not protest, or protest loudly enough, about American policies in the Middle East, they should shut up and accept the expansion of abortion access and rights not only in the US but across the globe.

Notre Dame should honor whoever they want to. However, cloaking it as some grand gesture of engaging a President who has, through his actions, demonstrated that abortion will become more pervasive is deceptive at best.

And how many additional troops are being sent to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Somalia under this Administration?

by: Eric77

04-10-2009 @ 12:41pm

The distinction you make is an important one. If religious universities were to ban anyone from speaking who dissented from any portion of that religion's doctrine, I think it would be sad. Honoring them with some sort of honorary degree or award is another matter. Dialogue is important.

"This is a President who is engaging in major escalation of war." Sssshhhh...don't bring up inconvenient truths.

by: squeaky

04-09-2009 @ 5:20pm

"Notre Dame should honor whoever they want to."

Exactly.

"And how many additional troops are being sent to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Somalia under this Administration?"

Well, sadly, the Iraq war diverted resources away from Afghanistan, allowing the gains against the Taliban and Al Quaida to slip away from us, and further gain a foothold in Pakistan. I suppose he could just continue ignoring these hotspots for terrorism, though.

by: BillSamuel

04-09-2009 @ 10:16pm

There is a difference between hearing people who take morally reprehensible positions and honoring them. The critics of Notre Dame are often not concerned about that, since many Catholics take the position - I think indefensible for a university - that no one who disagrees with key moral positions of the Church should be allowed to speak.

Here we have a President committed to abortion, war and the death penalty being honored by a Catholic university. I think it is legitimate to question the university honoring him. Of course he has areas where he is much closer to Catholic moral thinking, but the areas of difference are so great that I think it is legitimate to object to honoring him.

Hearing him seems to me a different story, but here I think it would be important to provide opportunity for dialogue. As I understand it, there really isn't such opportunity in terms of dialogue directly with the President in connection with the commencement address. However, there could be opportunities for dialogue within the university community around the position of the President and moral imperatives.

I am disappointed that most of the objection refers only to abortion and related matters. This is a President who is engaging in major escalation of war. Surely that is also an issue for the Christian conscience. Pope Benedict has made peace a cornerstone of his papacy.

by: Eric77

04-10-2009 @ 12:41pm

The distinction you make is an important one. If religious universities were to ban anyone from speaking who dissented from any portion of that religion's doctrine, I think it would be sad. Honoring them with some sort of honorary degree or award is another matter. Dialogue is important.

"This is a President who is engaging in major escalation of war." Sssshhhh...don't bring up inconvenient truths.

by: SD Cards

08-12-2009 @ 11:15am

In both his 2006 speech to Sojo's Pentecost gathering and his Philadelphia address on race and religion, President Obama broke some important new ground for not only progressive religious outreach, but for the general place of religion in the American republic. There's no doubt in my mind that some of the conservative backlash against Notre Dame is out of fear that he will do the same in South Bend

by: Virus Protection

09-01-2009 @ 11:56am

Fr. Jenkins has shown courage and grace in the face of fierce attacks led by extremists like Randal Terry. The real "severe embarrassment" to Catholics is the shallow narrow-mindedness and partisan conduct of our Bishops.

by: SD Cards

08-12-2009 @ 11:15am

In both his 2006 speech to Sojo's Pentecost gathering and his Philadelphia address on race and religion, President Obama broke some important new ground for not only progressive religious outreach, but for the general place of religion in the American republic. There's no doubt in my mind that some of the conservative backlash against Notre Dame is out of fear that he will do the same in South Bend

by: Psp Homebrew Games

08-29-2009 @ 9:28am

Fr. Jenkins has shown courage and grace in the face of fierce attacks led by extremists like Randal Terry. The real "severe embarrassment" to Catholics is the shallow narrow-mindedness and partisan conduct of our Bishops.

by: Best Antivirus Software

09-01-2009 @ 9:56am

Fr. Jenkins has shown courage and grace in the face of fierce attacks led by extremists like Randal Terry. The real "severe embarrassment" to Catholics is the shallow narrow-mindedness and partisan conduct of our Bishops.

by: 1Grace

04-15-2009 @ 1:12am

Eric I see your point . I just got a conservative email requesting i sign a petition. Does not seem like its my affair to bud in, and am somewhat reminded of the terrible way our former President was treated by liberal institutions in the past . I am sooo tired of that divide. President Obama seems to have forgotten his pledge to try and stop that as of late , but it does not mean it was a bad idea to reach an aggreement to work for the better good of all .

by: Psp Homebrew Games

08-29-2009 @ 9:28am

Fr. Jenkins has shown courage and grace in the face of fierce attacks led by extremists like Randal Terry. The real "severe embarrassment" to Catholics is the shallow narrow-mindedness and partisan conduct of our Bishops.

by: Best Antivirus Software

09-01-2009 @ 9:56am

Fr. Jenkins has shown courage and grace in the face of fierce attacks led by extremists like Randal Terry. The real "severe embarrassment" to Catholics is the shallow narrow-mindedness and partisan conduct of our Bishops.

by: 1Grace

04-15-2009 @ 1:12am

Eric I see your point . I just got a conservative email requesting i sign a petition. Does not seem like its my affair to bud in, and am somewhat reminded of the terrible way our former President was treated by liberal institutions in the past . I am sooo tired of that divide. President Obama seems to have forgotten his pledge to try and stop that as of late , but it does not mean it was a bad idea to reach an aggreement to work for the better good of all .

by: IndianaLutheran

04-15-2009 @ 4:41pm

Thanks to John Gehring for this article. I am in northern Indiana and it seems the newspapers and tv news are only interested in the most controversial side of this story, and the whole of Catholic (and Christian) beliefs is reduced to one issue that is painted only in black and white. I hope Fr. Jenkins continues to resis the over-zealous factions and pursue dialogue and academic excellence. It is shameful to me that northern Indiana, not just Catholics or Notre Dame, is gaining a bad reputation when we should be honored that the President is coming to our area for the 2nd time in less than 5 months as president.

by: IndianaLutheran

04-15-2009 @ 4:41pm

Thanks to John Gehring for this article. I am in northern Indiana and it seems the newspapers and tv news are only interested in the most controversial side of this story, and the whole of Catholic (and Christian) beliefs is reduced to one issue that is painted only in black and white. I hope Fr. Jenkins continues to resis the over-zealous factions and pursue dialogue and academic excellence. It is shameful to me that northern Indiana, not just Catholics or Notre Dame, is gaining a bad reputation when we should be honored that the President is coming to our area for the 2nd time in less than 5 months as president.

by: Virus Protection

09-01-2009 @ 11:56am

Fr. Jenkins has shown courage and grace in the face of fierce attacks led by extremists like Randal Terry. The real "severe embarrassment" to Catholics is the shallow narrow-mindedness and partisan conduct of our Bishops.

Comments sorted by highest rated. After voting you must refresh your page to see the sort order change.

by: squeaky

04-09-2009 @ 5:20pm

"Notre Dame should honor whoever they want to."

Exactly.

"And how many additional troops are being sent to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Somalia under this Administration?"

Well, sadly, the Iraq war diverted resources away from Afghanistan, allowing the gains against the Taliban and Al Quaida to slip away from us, and further gain a foothold in Pakistan. I suppose he could just continue ignoring these hotspots for terrorism, though.

by: 1Grace

04-15-2009 @ 1:12am

Eric I see your point . I just got a conservative email requesting i sign a petition. Does not seem like its my affair to bud in, and am somewhat reminded of the terrible way our former President was treated by liberal institutions in the past . I am sooo tired of that divide. President Obama seems to have forgotten his pledge to try and stop that as of late , but it does not mean it was a bad idea to reach an aggreement to work for the better good of all .

by: IndianaLutheran

04-15-2009 @ 4:41pm

Thanks to John Gehring for this article. I am in northern Indiana and it seems the newspapers and tv news are only interested in the most controversial side of this story, and the whole of Catholic (and Christian) beliefs is reduced to one issue that is painted only in black and white. I hope Fr. Jenkins continues to resis the over-zealous factions and pursue dialogue and academic excellence. It is shameful to me that northern Indiana, not just Catholics or Notre Dame, is gaining a bad reputation when we should be honored that the President is coming to our area for the 2nd time in less than 5 months as president.

by: IndianaLutheran

04-15-2009 @ 4:41pm

Thanks to John Gehring for this article. I am in northern Indiana and it seems the newspapers and tv news are only interested in the most controversial side of this story, and the whole of Catholic (and Christian) beliefs is reduced to one issue that is painted only in black and white. I hope Fr. Jenkins continues to resis the over-zealous factions and pursue dialogue and academic excellence. It is shameful to me that northern Indiana, not just Catholics or Notre Dame, is gaining a bad reputation when we should be honored that the President is coming to our area for the 2nd time in less than 5 months as president.

by: Psp Homebrew Games

08-29-2009 @ 9:28am

Fr. Jenkins has shown courage and grace in the face of fierce attacks led by extremists like Randal Terry. The real "severe embarrassment" to Catholics is the shallow narrow-mindedness and partisan conduct of our Bishops.

by: nuclearferret

04-09-2009 @ 2:59pm

We get it: Catholics for Obama want the support for Notre Dame's actions. Because other Catholics did not protest, or protest loudly enough, about American policies in the Middle East, they should shut up and accept the expansion of abortion access and rights not only in the US but across the globe.

Notre Dame should honor whoever they want to. However, cloaking it as some grand gesture of engaging a President who has, through his actions, demonstrated that abortion will become more pervasive is deceptive at best.

And how many additional troops are being sent to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Somalia under this Administration?

by: BillSamuel

04-09-2009 @ 10:16pm

There is a difference between hearing people who take morally reprehensible positions and honoring them. The critics of Notre Dame are often not concerned about that, since many Catholics take the position - I think indefensible for a university - that no one who disagrees with key moral positions of the Church should be allowed to speak.

Here we have a President committed to abortion, war and the death penalty being honored by a Catholic university. I think it is legitimate to question the university honoring him. Of course he has areas where he is much closer to Catholic moral thinking, but the areas of difference are so great that I think it is legitimate to object to honoring him.

Hearing him seems to me a different story, but here I think it would be important to provide opportunity for dialogue. As I understand it, there really isn't such opportunity in terms of dialogue directly with the President in connection with the commencement address. However, there could be opportunities for dialogue within the university community around the position of the President and moral imperatives.

I am disappointed that most of the objection refers only to abortion and related matters. This is a President who is engaging in major escalation of war. Surely that is also an issue for the Christian conscience. Pope Benedict has made peace a cornerstone of his papacy.

by: BillSamuel

04-09-2009 @ 10:16pm

There is a difference between hearing people who take morally reprehensible positions and honoring them. The critics of Notre Dame are often not concerned about that, since many Catholics take the position - I think indefensible for a university - that no one who disagrees with key moral positions of the Church should be allowed to speak.

Here we have a President committed to abortion, war and the death penalty being honored by a Catholic university. I think it is legitimate to question the university honoring him. Of course he has areas where he is much closer to Catholic moral thinking, but the areas of difference are so great that I think it is legitimate to object to honoring him.

Hearing him seems to me a different story, but here I think it would be important to provide opportunity for dialogue. As I understand it, there really isn't such opportunity in terms of dialogue directly with the President in connection with the commencement address. However, there could be opportunities for dialogue within the university community around the position of the President and moral imperatives.

I am disappointed that most of the objection refers only to abortion and related matters. This is a President who is engaging in major escalation of war. Surely that is also an issue for the Christian conscience. Pope Benedict has made peace a cornerstone of his papacy.

by: Eric77

04-10-2009 @ 12:41pm

The distinction you make is an important one. If religious universities were to ban anyone from speaking who dissented from any portion of that religion's doctrine, I think it would be sad. Honoring them with some sort of honorary degree or award is another matter. Dialogue is important.

"This is a President who is engaging in major escalation of war." Sssshhhh...don't bring up inconvenient truths.

by: Eric77

04-10-2009 @ 12:41pm

The distinction you make is an important one. If religious universities were to ban anyone from speaking who dissented from any portion of that religion's doctrine, I think it would be sad. Honoring them with some sort of honorary degree or award is another matter. Dialogue is important.

"This is a President who is engaging in major escalation of war." Sssshhhh...don't bring up inconvenient truths.

by: 1Grace

04-15-2009 @ 1:12am

Eric I see your point . I just got a conservative email requesting i sign a petition. Does not seem like its my affair to bud in, and am somewhat reminded of the terrible way our former President was treated by liberal institutions in the past . I am sooo tired of that divide. President Obama seems to have forgotten his pledge to try and stop that as of late , but it does not mean it was a bad idea to reach an aggreement to work for the better good of all .

by: SD Cards

08-12-2009 @ 11:15am

In both his 2006 speech to Sojo's Pentecost gathering and his Philadelphia address on race and religion, President Obama broke some important new ground for not only progressive religious outreach, but for the general place of religion in the American republic. There's no doubt in my mind that some of the conservative backlash against Notre Dame is out of fear that he will do the same in South Bend

by: SD Cards

08-12-2009 @ 11:15am

In both his 2006 speech to Sojo's Pentecost gathering and his Philadelphia address on race and religion, President Obama broke some important new ground for not only progressive religious outreach, but for the general place of religion in the American republic. There's no doubt in my mind that some of the conservative backlash against Notre Dame is out of fear that he will do the same in South Bend

by: Best Antivirus Software

09-01-2009 @ 9:56am

Fr. Jenkins has shown courage and grace in the face of fierce attacks led by extremists like Randal Terry. The real "severe embarrassment" to Catholics is the shallow narrow-mindedness and partisan conduct of our Bishops.

by: Best Antivirus Software

09-01-2009 @ 9:56am

Fr. Jenkins has shown courage and grace in the face of fierce attacks led by extremists like Randal Terry. The real "severe embarrassment" to Catholics is the shallow narrow-mindedness and partisan conduct of our Bishops.

by: Virus Protection

09-01-2009 @ 11:56am

Fr. Jenkins has shown courage and grace in the face of fierce attacks led by extremists like Randal Terry. The real "severe embarrassment" to Catholics is the shallow narrow-mindedness and partisan conduct of our Bishops.

by: Virus Protection

09-01-2009 @ 11:56am

Fr. Jenkins has shown courage and grace in the face of fierce attacks led by extremists like Randal Terry. The real "severe embarrassment" to Catholics is the shallow narrow-mindedness and partisan conduct of our Bishops.

by: nuclearferret

04-09-2009 @ 2:59pm

We get it: Catholics for Obama want the support for Notre Dame's actions. Because other Catholics did not protest, or protest loudly enough, about American policies in the Middle East, they should shut up and accept the expansion of abortion access and rights not only in the US but across the globe.

Notre Dame should honor whoever they want to. However, cloaking it as some grand gesture of engaging a President who has, through his actions, demonstrated that abortion will become more pervasive is deceptive at best.

And how many additional troops are being sent to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Somalia under this Administration?

by: squeaky

04-09-2009 @ 5:20pm

"Notre Dame should honor whoever they want to."

Exactly.

"And how many additional troops are being sent to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Somalia under this Administration?"

Well, sadly, the Iraq war diverted resources away from Afghanistan, allowing the gains against the Taliban and Al Quaida to slip away from us, and further gain a foothold in Pakistan. I suppose he could just continue ignoring these hotspots for terrorism, though.

by: Psp Homebrew Games

08-29-2009 @ 9:28am

Fr. Jenkins has shown courage and grace in the face of fierce attacks led by extremists like Randal Terry. The real "severe embarrassment" to Catholics is the shallow narrow-mindedness and partisan conduct of our Bishops.