Spring Break
Principles, popularity and the Fightin' Irish
Paul Hawkins
Issue date: 4/2/09 Section: Opinion
A minor squall has been kicked up in political and religious circles lately over the invitation that Notre Dame University has extended to President Barack Obama to address their commencement. The president will also receive an honorary degree. I don't know all that is behind their decision in inviting the president, but I would understand any university feeling pride that the president of the United States would address its graduates. You may ask, then, what's the controversy?
Well, there is that little matter regarding the Catholic Church's teaching on abortion. It's not a criticism; it's just a simple fact that the president is a very pro-choice politician. He has had a long record of supporting pro-abortion positions. He has also promised to sign the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA). This is a federal law that will remove virtually all restrictions at all levels of government in this country. Conservative Catholics are outraged that Notre Dame would give him this platform at one of the nation's most prestigious Catholic universities. In my mind, this whole incident raises some issues.
First, how far are we willing to go in sticking to our principles? If Obama were to speak at the U.S. Naval Academy or the University of South Carolina, nobody would even question such a visit. However, those institutions are different than Notre Dame or Brigham Young or Liberty University -- all colleges affiliated with religious organizations with teachings directly opposite to that of the president's positions on abortion.
Obama is still extremely popular with much of the country, but if Notre Dame wants to remain true to its Catholic roots, they can't trade momentary popularity for their timeless values.
Many will scream academic freedom. Freedom not only means the right for different groups to speak up equally, but it should also protect groups who exclude individuals, organizations and ideas based on principles on which they stand. Notre Dame chose, on their own, to invite the president. It's a concern of mine that they are losing their Catholic identity by de facto endorsing the president's stance on the unborn by honoring him in such a way. All of this, though, makes me wonder why Notre Dame would invite him in the first place.
Well, there is that little matter regarding the Catholic Church's teaching on abortion. It's not a criticism; it's just a simple fact that the president is a very pro-choice politician. He has had a long record of supporting pro-abortion positions. He has also promised to sign the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA). This is a federal law that will remove virtually all restrictions at all levels of government in this country. Conservative Catholics are outraged that Notre Dame would give him this platform at one of the nation's most prestigious Catholic universities. In my mind, this whole incident raises some issues.
First, how far are we willing to go in sticking to our principles? If Obama were to speak at the U.S. Naval Academy or the University of South Carolina, nobody would even question such a visit. However, those institutions are different than Notre Dame or Brigham Young or Liberty University -- all colleges affiliated with religious organizations with teachings directly opposite to that of the president's positions on abortion.
Obama is still extremely popular with much of the country, but if Notre Dame wants to remain true to its Catholic roots, they can't trade momentary popularity for their timeless values.
Many will scream academic freedom. Freedom not only means the right for different groups to speak up equally, but it should also protect groups who exclude individuals, organizations and ideas based on principles on which they stand. Notre Dame chose, on their own, to invite the president. It's a concern of mine that they are losing their Catholic identity by de facto endorsing the president's stance on the unborn by honoring him in such a way. All of this, though, makes me wonder why Notre Dame would invite him in the first place.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
No invite
posted 4/03/09 @ 11:29 AM EST
Notre Dame was founded as a catholic university and on catholic values; if they allow President Obama to speak at their Baccalaureate then it will go against everything they stand for. (Continued…)
Mr. Jones
posted 4/03/09 @ 4:47 PM EST
Wow, what a brown-noser. Why don't you ask God for extra homework while you're at it.
Miciah
posted 4/05/09 @ 11:42 PM EST
I stopped reading at 'pro-abortion'. By using such a term, the writer displays a clear lack of objectivity.
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