Theologian sees irrational approach among some Catholic religious-education teachers

July 20, 2012

Writing for The Catholic Thing, Francis Beckwith coins a new term, “egopapism,” to describe the attitude displayed by Arlington diocese religious-education instructors who refused to take an oath of fidelity.

When they argue that Christians should be guided by their own consciences, without admitting the need for expert guidance and authoritative judgment, those teachers embrace “an anti-intellectual and fundamentally irrational position.” Unfortunately, Beckwith reflects, that unserious approach to religious instruction is all too common in the Church. Beckwith—who became one of America’s leading Evangelical Protestant theologians before returning to the Catholic faith—relates:

As I noted in my 2009 memoir, Return to Rome, the lack of theological seriousness that flowed from this agenda is what pushed me and many others into the arms of Evangelical Protestantism.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Egopapism and the Arlington Five (The Catholic Thing)
• Some catechists object to profession of faith (CWN, 7/12)