requiescat
By Diogenes (articles ) | May 16, 2006 7:51 AM
Jaroslav Pelikan, Professor Emeritus of Yale University, died last Saturday at the age of 82. "In the estimation of many," says the First Things site, he was "the twentieth century’s most distinguished historian of Christianity."
Pelikan's vast learning made him an intimidating figure to many. A story -- whose genuineness I can't vouch for -- has it that from time to time Pelikan would find an over-excited grad student in his office, eager to expound an original theological discovery and win the Master's acclaim. Having seated the student on the other side of his desk, the Professor would say, "I am very interested to hear your new theological idea, Mr. So-and-so, but, before you explain it, let me tell you three things about it: One. It was already propounded by a fifth-century Syrian monk. Two. He expressed himself better than you will. Three. He was wrong."
I hope it's true.
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Posted by: -
May. 17, 2006 10:47 PM ET USA
During my conversion from Lutheranism to Catholicism, I phoned Pelikan (long-distance from Australia) to ask why he converted to the Russian Orthodox faith. He said Newman converted at 44, & wrote a 600p book; whereas he converted at 74 & would require a 1000 pages to do my query justice. I said that if he ever did write that book, I would definitely buy it, & he said, “Yep, I think it will be a best seller!" Sadly the book was never written, and we will never know. www.cumecclesia.blogspot.com
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Posted by: rpp -
May. 17, 2006 12:02 AM ET USA
It is always wonderful when a faithful servent of God goes to his reward. While we may miss the person, we are only parted for a short time. May the Lord bless and keep Professor Pelikan. It so good, by the way, to see some good news about a good and faithful servernt in this column.
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Posted by: Quadratus -
May. 16, 2006 11:50 PM ET USA
Professor Pelikan started as a Lutheran and converted to the Orthodox Church late in his life. His scholar credentials were impeccable and his works outstanding most of all in Classical culture and Christianity. He was however a little liberal in some of his views at the end of his life. All in all we have lost a giant in the field of theology and Church history. Rest in Peace Jaroslav Pelikan.
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Posted by: Pete133 -
May. 16, 2006 9:27 PM ET USA
What a pity none of our bishops or priests held the distinction of being "the century's most distinguished historian of Christianity." Perhaps not knowing from where we've come explains not knowing where we are, where we are going, or how we're going to get there.
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Posted by: TheJournalist64 -
May. 16, 2006 7:15 PM ET USA
Pelikan, I have often noticed, is a Protestant more Catholic than many Catholics. May he be enlisted with the (non-canonized) saints rapidly.
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Posted by: stpetric -
May. 16, 2006 5:14 PM ET USA
As a graduate student at Yale in the mid-1980s, I was very moved one Good Friday to see Professor Pelikan at the liturgy of the day on his hands and knees to venerate the Cross. A great scholar and a man of great faith, may he rest in peace.
