Citing a lack of Catholic identity, a professor is resigning from Georgetown University and heading to the University of Notre Dame, according to an open letter he wrote and published at Front Porch Republic.
Patrick Deneen,Associate Professor of Government at Georgetown University, had some stinging criticism of the Jesuit university, saying that Georgetown “increasingly and inevitably remakes itself in the image of its secular peers, ones that have no internal standard of what a university is for other than the aspiration of prestige for the sake of prestige, its ranking rather than its commitment to Truth.”
Ouch.
Deneen wrote that the school’s Catholic identity “has increasingly been cordoned off to optional activities of Campus Ministry.” He writes of his experience:
In the seven years since I joined the faculty at Georgetown, I have found myself often at odds with the trajectory and many decisions of the university. In 2006 I founded The Tocqueville Forum as a campus organization that would offer a different perspective, one centered on the moral underpinnings of liberal learning that are a precondition for the continued existence of liberal democracy, and one that would draw upon the deep wisdom contained in the Catholic humanistic tradition. I have been heartened and overjoyed to witness the great enthusiasm among a myriad of students for the programming and activities of the Forum. However, the program was not supported or recognized by the institution, and that seemed unlikely to change. While I did not seek that approval, I had hoped over the years that the program would be attractive to colleagues across disciplines on the faculty, and would be a rallying-point for those interested in reviving and defending classical liberal learning on campus. The Tocqueville Forum fostered a strong community of inquiry among a sizeable number of students, but I did not find that there was any such community formed around its mission, nor the likely prospect of one, among the more permanent members of the university. I have felt isolated and often lonely at the institution where I have devoted so many of my hours and my passion.
Deneen said Notre Dame hired him because they regard him as “someone who can be a significant contributor to its mission and identity, particularly the Catholic identity of the institution.” He said such considerations are not typically a criterion for hiring at Georgetown.
Deneen said he’s not going to Notre Dame with blinders on. ”I don’t doubt that there will be many battles at Our Lady’s University,” he wrote. ”But, there are at least some comrades-in-arms to share in the effort.”
Adam Wilson
CNS Staff
Matthew Archbold
Charlotte Hays
79 Comments
WOW!
We need more professors with the courage to speak up and stand up for our Faith which includes the history and traditions of our country and its Founders. Patrick Deneen, Associate Professor of Government at Georgetown University, had that courage and we should applaud his efforts. I hope and pray that he will be welcomed at NDU and recognized as a person who cares about the truth, the truth that is not politically motivated by a not so hidden agenda of the Left.
I doubt the situation will be any better for this fellow at Notre Dame. I spent 15 years at Boston College (another “Catholic” university) and many of those Jesuits were in full schism as well.
Boston College aka BC…”Barely Catholic”
My husband went there, and that’s where he says he learned to question “authority” – and we are not talking about the police.
@David S.
Yeah, I kinda laughed to myself when Prof. Deneen said he would be going to Notre Dame.
Agree that ND has it’s problems but they have been at work far longer at the many Jesuit institutions in this country and Georgetown has always seemed to be in the lead.
I hope his having been hired at ND is a sign that at least this department is hiring as should be.
Me, too. Am appalled at the low level to which the Jebbies have sunk. They used to be the icons to whom we looked for strength and guidance. Not now, they’re heretical, progressive, libs who are destroying the Catholic Church, religion, and universities from within.
Notre Dame??? Doesn’t he mean Obama U?
And Notre Dame is better?
Re Notre Dame… It depends on which institution has openings, of course, AND in the past few years, with John Cavadini there have been some improvements in some areas. And “better than Georgetown?” You bet!
Oops! John “Cavadini”
I have my doubts that Notre Dame is any better than Georgetown.
Seems like six-to-one, half a dozen to the other.
They are both off the liberal, schismatic deep end.
Going from the frying pan into the fire.
My first thought!
I was enrolled in a Diaconate program courtesy
our Diocese. Little did I know what was the
agenda.
Three books were part of the studies…
Catholicism by Richard McBrien
The Shack
Good Goats…Bad Sheep
I changed the name of the first book to:
Catholic Schism
Enough said!
Please enlighten me about the Shack I recently had a devout Catholic highly recommend this book to a number of Catholic women at her prayer group
Just Google for a review of the book. It his, from a Catholic perspective, just plain liberal feel good heresy. I spoke witht the book club at our parish and asked why they couldn’t find a Catholic author instead of this kind of junk. Gee, they didn’t like it.
The SHACK is a liberal thoughts fantasy book!
Gee, I thought Georgetown was Jesuit – not Catholic.
(sarc/off)
Catechist Kevin
Kudos to this professor. But really – he’s going to Notre Dame? I’d think he could find a more Catholic step-up than that, but I guess anything is better than Georgetown.
Bravo, Patrick! It is so encouraging to hear the rare expression of a faithful Catholic’s “courage of his convictions,” especially on the level of higher education! There are many of us out here who applaud you and pray for you and others like you!
This lack of Catholic identity is not limited to the university level. After a dozen years of teaching in a second career, I left a K-8 Catholic school because its Catholic character was deliberately being submerged, belittled and lost. The principal was protected by a financial agreement between the diocese and the parish – teaching our Faith matters less.
I agree, Bob. In the past five years my archdiocese has put 15+ principles in the K-8 schools, the vast majority coming from 20-30 year public school careers. The first thing my new principle did was eliminate first Friday Mass. The schools’ offices are run by ideological liberals, just like the government schools. Catholic values are disdained.
Good luck at UND! You’ll need it. I believe that it is only marginally better than Geoegetown. You know that there ARE some real Catholic colleges that need committed Catholics. Try Christendom, Franciscan Univ Steubenville, Thomas Aquinas and a sleeper that is making a mark – Wyoming catholic College.
As a recent student at Georgetown (BA ’03) and ND (MTS ’11), I can say both contribute to the Church’s mission. It’s because of my time at Georgetown, which included the witness of many faithful professors and the rigors of an honest intellectual environment, that I’m Catholic today. It’s because of Notre Dame that I’m able to appreciate the Tradition and diversity inherent to the body of Christ. Friends, there are many ways to go about contributing to the greater glory of God in pursuit of the life, sweetness, and hope God offers, and I constantly thank God for the manifold ways this happens at Catholic universities.
I was able to find a foothold onto my Roman Catholic faith at my AM, Univ. of San Fran. too. But I looked, very hard. Jesuit high schools and colleges (with the very rare exception)are overtly intolerant of and actively root out authentic Catholic faith. Just ask Fr. Fessio about the St. Ignatius Institute at USF. To their credit, I can’t remember the last time I saw the word “truth” in their alumni magazine. Probably want to keep the inclusive vibe going.
Dear Jason,
Read your comment and was surprised you saw things in a positive light. You need to look deeper and take off the rose colored glasses. The majority of professors in our Catholic Universities research has shown that these professor (85%) are liberal progressives on the far left of the political spectrum. What does that mean? To me they support abortion on demand and same sex marriage in opposition to Catholic teaching. Like President Obama many support socialism as a form of governance which tries to ensure equal outcomes by the redistribution of wealth not equal opportunity. They support the entire left agenda. Our Catholic Identity is being compromised on all levels. Our Pope has called for these schools to reevaluate their mission and identified their need for change. Please bring yourself up to date. Times they are a changing.
Jason, I have to second Robert’s excellent comments above. No doubt, SOME people at almost ANY university can find certain people and certain books to study that are good, but your account flies in the face of 50 years of experience in the so-called “Catholic” colleges and universities of North America. Until more Catholics begin to open their eyes, and defund these CINO universities, there is little hope for the upcoming generation of Catholics.
While there with my daughter on a college visit last Spring. The tour guide who, while a very nice young man and very proud to speak of of his school, was all but apologizing for its catholic identity. Quite frankly, I would rather a secular school with a good Newman center than a catholic school that’s pretending.
An hour or two tour of campus isn’t the same thing as a four year education and formation. Why don’t we ask students for their perspectives? Faith at Georgetown and Notre Dame is alive and well.
I graduated from Georgetown, BSFS 1986, and though there were a few beautifully inspirational and faith-filled professors and students there, they were few and far between. The crucifixes were ripped off the walls, the dorms were becoming coed,students were confused and morally lost, and the University proudly stressed its diversity and muffled its Catholic identity. As a faithful Catholic student, I was isolated and ridiculed for my attempts to retain my virtue. Still, the adversity made me stronger, and for that I am grateful.(but I don’t think Jason and I went to the same place)
Alison, You are correct in your approach. Better to have the faithful Newman Cntr than a university openly attacking the Church while claiming to be an angel of light.
A friend toured Georgetown with his daughter three years ago. The tour guide waxed poetic at length about the school having an imam on staff. When asked about its Catholic identity, the guide muttered something about school history. Perhaps that particular guide was not Catholic, but surely the guides are chosen to represent the school and its mission? Or maybe he was.
The school’s website notes that Georgetown is the nation’s oldest Catholic and Jesuit university, but then then seems to veer off into a detachment from it: “Drawing upon this legacy…” and cites “religious and cultural pluralism.” Respect, of course — but what about witnessing to the one true faith? Not going to spend $58K per year for my kids to receive an education in “be nice” moral relativism.
I wish Prof. Deneen all the best and hope that he finds some like-minded colleagues.
Well stated Jeanette. (I like your style of pros.) By the way, we made the mistake of sending our daughter to LMU in Los Angeles. A lot of money and the then “student spiritual director” (Str. Peg, an apparent rogue nun, now deceased) informed our daughter that the church was really just a bunch of old guys making up rules. The president of the university Fr. Lawton, at the time, would not return my calls.
Try the University of Maryland. Absolutely fantastic Catholic Student Center. A Young chaplain who is devoted to the truth of Christ and takes seriously the responsibility of his office to teach and save the souls of the students in his church. Masses are packed, adoration and confession each week, Bible studies, retreat, etc in addition to fun college stuff all year long. I simply cannot say enough about the ministry there. Much stronger and more active than at the Catholic university another son attended in Phildelphia.
Jason….please explain your idea of diversity.
What exposure do any of you actually have to Notre Dame besides reading about the Obama commencement speech? Can any of you name a more conservative elite university?
“Elite,” that’s a very telling word.
I did not attend ND. But I know MANY ND graduates, friends and family members. With one exemption I would say they are all very materialistic and only nominally Catholic. The onle exmption is someone who completely lost the faith at ND, and only later reverted to become a devout Catholic.
ND has a wealth of resources at its disposal, but it should be judged by the quality of its graduates.
Consistency,
Yes, off the top of my head Ave Maria, FL, Steubenville, OH, Belmont Abbey, Belmont Abbey College, NC. There are many more that are not hiding their Catholic Identity.
Add Christendom College,VA, and you have a great list of CATHOLIC colleges!
My own thought in reading these comments is that very few, if any of the ND detractors have been to Notre Dame for class, Mass, or anything else.
Although I don’t completely agree with Jason.
In his defense there are devout Catholic students and faculty on these campus that are fighting the good fight.
What is a shame is that they are the minority, not the majority that you would expect to have on a Catholic University or high school campus.
I have a cousin that attended one of the so call Catholic institution run by Jesuits. Not only has he left the Catholic faith be doesn’t even really believe in God as the all power and omnipotent being he is, but as “something” weak minded individuals believe in to hide from their troubles.
This provides more proof supporting the fact that Catholics are seen as mediocre at best in the eyes of the public… well, with the exception of this guy and the author if this blog. Stay zealous.
I forgot to mention in my comment of January 25th
…The Diocese paid for the Diaconate program
from Notre Dame University!
I wonder if the Bishop knows. Looks like the
same ‘leaders’ are at it again.
I can only hope that N.D. will have a change
in their leadership from Jenkins and McBrien
to those of the real Catholic Faith!
Many commenters here (quick to point out the shortcomings of Notre Dame) fail to realize that this sort of hire is exactly what needs to happen in order for Notre Dame to embrace its Catholic identity. As the professor said in his own comment, Notre Dame recruited him. This can not be anything but good news for Our Lady’s University. I’m very happy that Notre Dame came recruited him AND that the professor has decided to accept their offer.
Rejoice, faithful Catholics. If Notre Dame is going to turn it around this is the sort of news we should rejoice over.
Dear Prof.Patrick Deneen you had taken the right step. We can change other,but if they are listened we must clean our sandal.
God will bless and guide you.
Ciao
Now he’s going to Notre Dame where they honor the most anti life president ever in our history?
Occasionally I hear of a faithful Catholic teaching at one of those Jesuit places. I think, they’re not ALL BAD. Professor Deneen is leaving a post that will no doubt be filled now by an atheist, apostate, infidel, or plain old secularist. Too bad.
As someone who was educated by the Jesuits in high school and college I am thoroughly disgusted with the Jesuit Order. I salute the professor for bringing the situation at Georgetown to our attention and having the courage to make his move,notwithstanding the heathen criticism of his fellow faculty members and the self centered student brats.
At least Patrick will still be invited to speeches by Barry Obama, regarding his strong
beliefs in Abortion.
As the Jewish mother of a Jesuit novice, who graduated from Regis High School, NYC, in ’06, and Georgetown in ’10, I can attest to the joy with which our son participated in many initiatives, and activities related to his Catholic faith, and the Jesuits, in college …. Instead of finding fault, the good professor should have immersed himself in the large community of very religious Catholics who ARE at Georgetown, and initiated some faith-related activities himself! Our son, for example, even initiated a faith-based tour of Israel while at Georgetown… which other students, Jesuits, and faculty enjoyed immensely!
Bravo Prof. Deneen! The Faculty at Georgetown have sold out long ago. They have let the devilish ivy and egos choke their faith out of existence. God will see you through your new journey
Parents shoulddemand their money back. It’s a second class education with a princeton tuition.
I tell people that I was a graduate of a Jesuit university back in the day when the Jesuits were Catholic.
Poor guy. He will probably be disappointed to find ND is no different. They had abortion supporter Obama as a commencment speaker, Vagina Monologues, Support Gays and Lesbian organizations in campus etc. They are a football team posing as a college so they don’t have to play in the NFL.
Notre Dame is the leading catholic university in the world because it has world class resources; it is arguably the only catholic university with any serious gravitas in the academy at large that promotes the catholic faith in its fullness; it attracts the best catholic students and is engaged in multiple academic ventures with the Pontifical Institute. Yes. Fr. McBrien is a radical and an embarassment to many, and he is not alone there and there are other blemishes, flaws and scars as well.
Prof Deneen has been at Georgetown for years and has been to ND many many times. He knows the differences. He wrote: “I don’t doubt that there will be many battles at Our Lady’s University, but, there are at least some comradefs-in-arms to share in the effort.”
We will not lose Notre Dame. Too many people know what is at stake about this place. It is worth fighting for, and Prof Deneen knows this and he knows he is not alone. That is the point. Here is a look at ND’s Catholic dimension from its own website.
http://www.nd.edu/faith-and-service/
As a product of Jesuit education, I am continually perplexed that the Superior General of the Jesuits persistently turns a blind eye to the wayward priests, scholastics, administrators, and faculty in his Jesuit institutions. The old guard is almost all gone, i.e. the orthodox Jesuits who stood with the Pope and the Bishops in matters of faith and morals. Too hip for their own good, today’s Jesuits are a disgrace to their order and their founder, St. Ignatius Loyola, who, I’m sure, is nothing close to pleased with what his successors have done. Pride cometh before the fall, and whether it’s a matter of the Pope disciplining the order once again, or the order completely falling apart, the consequences of inventing your own morality can be drastic. So be it. The Franciscans are more than able to take over. AMDG.
When I was in College (1940′s), oh how I admired Jesuits for their Faith and courage. What Happened? Oh how we admired Notre Dame in the days of Knute Rockne. Every graduating Hi School Catholic wanted to go to NotreDame. Now we can count the good Catholic institutions on one hand: U. of Steubenville, Ave Maria, Belmont Abbey, Christendom, and Wyoming. How terribly sad.
Didn’t Notre Dame sponsor Obama? Maybe he’s jumping out of the frying pan into the fire. God be with him.
To Cathechist Kevin: Touche and bravo. Quintessential Jesuit education. A Jesuit University is Jesuit first and catholic second. It is hoped that the first will lead to the other but sometimes this is not the case. In my case, it did.
Why do some comment that he should have gone to a different, more Catholic university? How will Notre Dame become more Catholic without landing professors such as Deneen?
Right on, Gerald! Exactly my thoughts as well.
Notre Dame University – home of Jenkins and McBrien – wow, thats a step up – not! Steubenville would have been my choice – at least it can honestly, in good conscience, call itself ‘Catholic’ these days.
Good for Patrick Deneen. It’s nice and shocking) to see someone at Georgetown with integrity. That said, everyone knows that the only thing Georgetown University cares about is basketball. I also find it ironic and hilarious that they are always in, or hovering around the top 10 somewhere. I guess the alleged powers that be are scared to death of John Thompson III and his daddy.
St. Ignatius Loyola: “When my well informed conscience comes to a conclusion that is white, I will believe to be black if the Hierarchical Church thus determines it.” THAT is the “Jesuit tradition”.
Knights of Columbus: PLEASE stop giving student scholarships–funded by our annual dues as knights–to apostate “catholic” colleges. Supreme is using our dues to fund schism and apostacy and to foster the corruption of our young by pretending there is no difference in such institutions. The knights should give NO scholarships to anyone unless they are attending a campus approved by the Cardinal Newman Society!!! Supreme Knight Anderson is a faithful and courageous man, and this should be one of his stands very soon! Vivat Jesus!
Not only do we need Catholic Identity at Catholic Universities, but there must be a standard set for those who do not comply with this mission–namely firing them. Also, parents should be more vocal of the need for a Catholic environment and faith-building community for their children. We all need to be vocal about this or we will lose not only Catholic institutions, but our Catholic Faith due to inside-the-instituion high-jacking AND the attacks against the Catholic Church as is being evidenced by the proposed (soon to be enacted) health-care bill that the government has mandated. SPEAK UP to all against this overthrow of our religious rights,or we will no longer have the freedoms, first and foremost our religious freedoms, anymore.
As a graduate of both Notre Dame and Georgetown Law I have tried to stay abreast of both schools. Professor Dineen will find many kindred souls at Notre Dame. Her counterpart to the the Toqueville Society is Notre Dame’s Center for Ethics and Culture. Much of Notre Dame’s Catholic renewal centers around the Center, Father W. Miscamble, C.S.C., the law school, and the Department of Theology. There is an active student right to life group operating under the auspices of the Center. There is an excellent student bi-weekly conservative orthodox Catholic newspaper called The Irish Rover, based upon the Dartmouth Review. Pressure is being brought continually on the Administration to keep and renew the Catholicity of ND by a growing ad hoc alumni organization called the Sycamore Trust, founded and maintained by Mr. William Dempsey, a D.C. attorney. All of this is still in the minority but it is growing. Fr. Jenkins and his administration appear to be shaken, first by the huge uproar over the Obama affair and the realization that Obama played him and his administration for a fool. To his credit, for the second consecutive year, Father Jenkins has lead a contingent of ND students to D.C. for the March for Life – this year 350 strong. All is not lost at Notre Dame but the struggle has a long way to go. Both of my children are Notre Dame graduates and are devout Catholics and responsible citizens. It is still possible to get a solid Catholic education at ND, but you need guidance, discernment, and assistance. The Irish Rover annually publishes a synopsis of the best liberal arts courses taught by Catholic professors.
Well said, Bernard!
I agree, “well said, Bernard!” I, too, have experienced at Notre Dame, the rise of the renewal of the Faith and Catholic identity coming from the desire of the students to be at a Catholic university. It is not dissimilar to the renewal of the Faith in the Church at large, always starting with the faithful in the pews! Pray for Our Lady’s University!
Does he actually think going to Notre Dame is an improvement…..heavens to betsy!
Yes, he actually thinks it’s an improvement…because it is. Have you spent any time at Our Lady’s University? The sacraments are available 7 days a week, confessions are heard every day in the Basilica (usually there are lines to wait in), and there is a true reverence for the Eucharist. The rosary is still recited daily at the grotto, as it has been for decades (no pun intended!). Georgetown’s Catholic presence pales in comparison, so Professor Deneen is right on in his move.
I have had friends, nieces and nephews attend Franciscan University at Steubenville. Its theology is orthodox, yes. It is faithful and obedient to the teachings of our Holy Church, yes. It also has some issues that students have personally experienced, and I have witnessed: less than charitable behavior, an overzealous “in loco parentis” philosophy at work, an exorbitant assessment of nit-picking fines in the student residences, a bias against students who choose not to live in a prayer household, and, perhaps worst of all, an apparent competition that should be entitled, “Who can act like the best Catholic?”, with a sneering toward those who, while being obedient, faithful Catholics, are not deemed pious enough by some.
Notre Dame certainly has liberals in the administration and student body. But if you spent a day there, you would experience people of grace and professionalism. You would see devout Catholics at Mass, some on bended knee to receive our Lord, some ladies with heads covered out of reverence, and many loving, faithful Catholics. And if you attended a reunion weekend, you would experience the alumni on fire for their Church, and with a true devotion to the Blessed Mother. There is also a true presence of the Holy Spirit and a feeling of being home, which I can only ascribe to the fact that Notre Dame is, and will continue to be, Our Lady’s University.
So what…..we are not talking about people going to mass we are talking about the administrations orthodoxy….and sister…it just aint there.
Glad to have you coming to ND! For those that are so quick to judge ND, but have never set foot on campus, it is not what you think, nor is it anything like a Jesuit school. As an aside, Prof. McBrien has about as much influence over ND’s students as I do over Obama’s administration – zilch. Prof. Charlie Rice and Fr. Miscamble had much more of an influence on me than anyone else at ND. The truth is always the same no matter where it is taught.
Well if Fr. McBride has not influence why is he still there, rediculous.
I keep at armslength away from Jesuits. Of course, there may be some good ones.
In fact, “Tout,” I was on ND’s campus many summers ago, for Ralph McInerny’s Issues in Catholicism (I think that was the title) when 4, count ‘em, 4 faithful Jesuits celebrated Mass for us. Those priests were Fr. Joseph Fessio, Fr. Kenneth Baker, and 2 whose names I don’t recall. Fr. Fessio said to us at the time, “Look around you. This is a red-letter day. There are 4 orthodox Jesuits in the same place at the same time. You may not see this again in your lifetime!” We were greatly appreciative!
I liked Mary Lake’s comments and was interested to read that N.D. is not as bad as it5 seemed when they honored Obama there. (Although that definitely gave it some bad press. Does ND still have the same president that welcomed Obama?) Why does this good professor not consider University of Dallas? That is a good Catholic school, small but definitely magisterial. Just a thought.
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