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The following is written by a Secondary Catholic School teacher, reflecting on the experience of a seminar aimed at the formation of Catholic teachers. It is an example of the liberal attitude pervading Catholic Institutes, which, at times, seem to teach something other than true Church teaching. This letter aims at exploring the philosophy presented by the priest offering the seminar. It was sent to the Editor of a Newspaper.
(The names of the venue and the Priest concerned have been omitted. Their inclusion would not serve a just and charitable purpose. In any case, what is important is the philosophy behind the seminar and not the person giving it. It is certainly not an isolated situation and I am certain that many readers will be aware of similar experiences).
To the Editor
It was with great relief that I read last week's editorial entitled "Modern Theologians need humility of the ancients" as it gave me the courage to speak up about my recent experience at an in-service listening to a priest and theologian speak on Jesus and the Scriptures.
For an entire day, I was subjected to interpretation of Scripture ,which many present could not see as bordering on the heretical. The theologian concerned not only implied dissent from official Catholic teaching but presented a very simplistic interpretation of scripture, which is ironic since his main aim was clearly to dissuade his listeners from following the " naïve" interpretation of the past.
Whilst his emphasis on the need for exegesis in explaining Scripture is very sound and enriching, it can also be very damaging if one holds to his belief that the Gospels are merely narratives and are to be studied as such. His emphasis was that the Gospels, though rooted in the experience of the Church, are stories. Yes, narrative is definitely present in Scripture and symbols are at times used as a method of catechesis, but, to state that the laws of narrative apply to each of the Gospels in their entirety is ludicrous. What of the " harsh " sayings of Jesus on divorce and adultery for example, or the poetry in St. John's Gospel which indicates oral tradition that has been passed down through the decades until it reached its written form? What of the other complexities found and the cryptic sayings that are quoted in Scripture, as well as the long discourses?Are these merely narrative, told for enjoyment?
The seminar having concluded, many teachers would have walked away from the day with the following ideas and "insights", which , of course would be then shared with their respective students:
It seems to me that a man who clearly does not support the Magisterium and teaching authority of the Church cannot be trusted when it comes to his interpretation of Scripture. Because of his natural and rational interpretation, Fr has emptied Scripture of all supernatural content and he is not the first to do this. The unfortunate thing is that this type of exegesis will lead many, as has already occurred , to lose their faith. I, for one, have been strengthened as a result of Fr's presentation and disregard for the authority of the church, to continue fighting against the errors that are being spread in our schools as a result of poorly selected speakers invited [ to speak to teachers].
I am one angry Religious Education teacher.