Theologian tells graduates to shape the future

Near the end of her graduation address for Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College on June 10, Professor Isabell Naumann, ISSM, told those present that there is one question which we must all ask of ourselves.

“What contribution have we made in shaping the future? This contribution is in the hands of each and every one of us.”

Professor Naumann, president of The Catholic Institute of Sydney and member of the International Theological Commission, put this question directly to those who had just graduated at the ceremony at St Columba Centre, Ponsonby, Auckland. (Te Kupenga partners with The Catholic Institute of Sydney to deliver the bachelor of theology degree.)

“[The future] is in your hands as professionals and leaders, as members of the ecclesial community and as part of the shapers of this country. I hope you accept this responsibility,” she said.

Professor Naumann’s address touched on many related themes — such as formation, study, dialogue, evangelisation and interaction with contemporary culture.

Modern culture operates in many ways that are less than ideal, but Christians live their vocation and mission in the same modern culture.

“We daily witness — mostly through the media — that this culture we live in, increasingly resorts to violence to solve its disputes, both at the international political level and at the street level of our own cities,” Professor Naumann said.

“In the absence of any vibrant spiritual life, many seek destructive substitutes  . . . We need to remind ourselves continually that their diminishment is also ours because of the bonds that unite us (as humanity) to them, and that our deepest commitment as Christians is towards all who suffer from whatever cause in the world around us.”

If one theme came up over and over again in her address, it was that of the need for authentic dialogue, and the formation needed to prepare graduates to undertake this.

“These times, with their often-conflicting views, false alternatives and powerful influences, and where crucial discernment and decisions ought to be made (if we are to live authentically by the message of the Gospel entrusted to us) call for dialogue,” Professor Naumann said.

“[What is] meant is dialogue at various levels, in order to better understand both these challenges our society faces, and also how best to resolve them. Dialogue as a genuine exchange of gifts will help foster an encounter between the sources of revelation and the various cultural groups that constitute our societies (Australia and New Zealand).”

Institutions like CTC help prepare graduates to do this in many ways, but a right attitude and outlook are essential.

Quoting Pope Francis, Professor Naumann, said that “philosophy and theology permit [us] to acquire convictions that structure and strengthen the intelligence and illuminate the will . . . but this is fruitful only if it is done with an open mind and on one’s knees. The theologian who delights in his or her complete and conclusive thinking is mediocre. The good theologian and philosopher has an open mind, that is, a mind that is not closed, but always open to the ‘maius’ of God, and of the truth, always in development, according to the law that Saint Vincent of Lerins described in these words: annis consolidetur, dilatetur tempore, sublimetur aetate, ‘consolidates with the years, it expands with time, it deepens with age’. This is the theologian who has an open mind . . .”.

Catholic tertiary institutions should, therefore, provide an holistic education for students, in a time of rapid societal change, where new skills are needed.

“That is why studying at CTC is not all about theoretical knowledge, the ability to think critically and to meet one’s responsibilities, but importantly to also be concerned with the education of the heart — toward a holistic Catholic culture and cultural consciousness within an ever more secularised mind-set and atmosphere,” Professor Naumann said.

“College graduates have a great and central responsibility to deal with these challenges. Such responsibility requires not only professional expertise and academic knowledge, but also realistic and constructive optimism, courage and personal action. People who take on responsibility in professional positions need first and foremost an inner compass of Christian values and clear ethical guidelines,” she said.

But taking on this responsibility will likely lead outside one’s personal comfort zone.

Responsibility also means living attitudes; representing positions; taking a stand against destruction and degradation.

“This often requires courage to go against the tide, if necessary, to speak uncomfortable truths, and to stand up for one’s convictions calmly but persistently.”

Professor Naumann said that “Catholic tertiary Institutions are poised, and ought to be poised, to propose solutions that express the religious and ethical values and principles proper to a Christian vision of the human person and society, toward a true Christian anthropology”.

Courage will likely be needed to speak uncomfortable truths, when they are not welcomed by public opinion.

“Hence, it remains a key dimension of such a tertiary establishment to teach students to dialogue critically with one another and with contemporary culture.” This can happen within and outside of the institution.

But while “genuine public dialogue requires critical thinking”, at the same time, benevolent thinking is needed.

Professor Naumann encouraged those graduating to remember their own and others dignity and giftedness — and that God knows each person “in our particularity, and for each one he has a special love and a different plan”.

She also encouraged graduates to work with other good people, and to work hard, and to be responsible leaders in society and in the Church.

“And may you one day be known as theologians whose minds consolidate with the years, expand with time and deepen with age.”