A popular university in Louisville, Kentucky, is referred to by the locals as a “Catholic” university. But what exactly does that mean? In 2004, that same institution advertised a major speaker event: Starhawk, a witch, was coming to address the students in the auditorium. This woman’s achievements have made her a prominent voice in the areas of paganism, witchcraft, modern earth-based spirituality, and ecofeminism.
What makes a college institution Catholic? Is it the name? Is it the history of the location? Is it the courses offered?
In the past few decades, it has become increasingly difficult to distinguish a Catholic college from any other private college. Another well-known university on the East Coast, commonly referred to as the oldest Catholic institution of higher studies in the United States, has gradually lost its rich Catholic identity. Students now set up tables in the quad, sharing pro-choice pamphlets with passersby on their way to class. Signs such as “Feminists for Choice” are not uncommon at these booths.
A distorted idea of “freedom of expression” has become a core value of many colleges today. It is not uncommon to read news headlines about student-led rallies in support of anti-Catholic beliefs on campuses that claim the Catholic name. Attacks on churches, statues of saints, and God-fearing professors who speak the truth are becoming state news. The evil one is seeking to drive out any mention of the faith on campuses nationwide. Authentic Catholicism and any varying belief from the modern ungodly narrative is now seen as a threat.
It is evident, then, that the focus has shifted from an observance of objective truth to mere personal opinion, often driven solely by one’s emotions. An institution founded on the capricious nature of one’s feelings certainly cannot withstand the looming battle before us.
This story comes from the latest issue of Instaurare Magazine, the official magazine of Christendom College. Read more from Instaurare here!
Christendom College’s courageous founder, Dr. Warren H. Carroll, saw this corruption and chaos becoming the norm. He saw faithful colleges and universities abandoning tried and true approaches for immoral novelty. He knew that something had to be done. Since its birth in 1977, Christendom has provided a kind of greenhouse where the goods of a liberal education can be pursued in a full way, virtues can be cultivated, and the spiritual life fostered.
Mary Stanford, adjunct professor of theology at the college.
This analogy comparing Christendom to a greenhouse was recently referenced by Mary Stanford, adjunct professor of theology at the college.
“The image of an intentional Catholic community as a ‘greenhouse’ was suggested to me by my friend, author Regina Doman,” explains Stanford. “I thought this image provided a response to the critique that a place such as Christendom is a kind of ‘bubble,’ shielding naive students from reality, and ready to pop after graduation when they are thrust back into the world. The bubble analogy fails to account for the growth that is happening here. A greenhouse is a shelter, but only to a point. It filters out those elements which harm development in order to serve true growth. Plants that thrive in a greenhouse are never meant to remain there. They are intended to enhance the world beyond the greenhouse once they have developed. The greenhouse creates the conditions for their thriving, conditions which are not immediately available in the environment beyond them.”
Stanford explains further: “When speaking of Christendom as a greenhouse, I would use the word ‘protect’ in a very specific way. In providing an integrated curriculum, a rich sacramental life, a challenging code of conduct conducive to virtue and student activities which emphasize community and festivity, Christendom protects opportunities for growth. What is often lost in our culture is the truth that the word ‘grow’ is not a transitive verb; I cannot ‘grow something.’ I can create the conditions for something to develop, I can cultivate and promote its well-being, but ultimately, what ‘grows’ is a natural development from within. If a student is to thrive here, he or she must choose to embrace these opportunities freely—that is to say, ‘from within.’ Parents need to understand that Christendom is not a replacement for their child’s virtue, nor a substitute for his or her freedom. But it will provide opportunities for an honest search for truth and for the chance to foster real and lasting friendships.”
These favorable conditions for growth are what set Christendom apart from other modern colleges. Rarely will one find a private school where the faculty take an oath to the Magisterium. Rather than accept federal funding, Christendom relies on the support from generous donors, making it possible to operate apart from agendas that flow from government entanglement and which compromise the integrity of good institutions.
In addition, all morning classes end by 11:20 a.m. each weekday allowing students, faculty, and staff to gather for daily Mass and a community lunch. Multiple opportunities for daily Mass and sacraments make the ready flow of God’s grace possible for the students, faculty, and staff. In this way, Christendom College emphasizes for each student the importance of their spiritual needs for the success of their academic and social lives.
Amanda Graf, Vice President for Student Affairs.
“We want to proactively provide students with opportunities to grow in virtue,” says Amanda Graf, Vice President for Student Affairs. “Our men’s and women’s formation series bring in speakers to address relevant topics such as chastity, friendship, and prayer. Our Stronghold groups provide students with an opportunity for peer-led support and accountability. Various clubs and service opportunities allow students to practice works of mercy and serve as leaders in areas like the pro-life movement. Christendom students have many opportunities for personal and spiritual growth while they’re on campus. And of course, we have a robust liturgical life that is at the heart of everything we do on campus.”
Christendom’s small size helps to foster a family feel. The community is closely knit, and the professors are genuinely interested in the success of their students. In addition to being readily available in the classroom, the professors also make themselves fully accessible to students during their designated office hours. Students have enjoyed lively discussions with their professors in these settings, as well as during lunch in the St. Lawrence Commons and at evening activities hosted by the Student Activities Council. Wholesome activities are hosted on campus to encourage the building and strengthening of our community. These activities are designed to uplift students, making it possible for them to form lasting friendships with their professors and peers.
“I think Christendom’s mission offers students truth and clarity that they desperately want as they are starting out into their adult lives,” states Graf. “We have high academic standards and expectations for behavior and how those in our community live. Students who are seeking to be challenged so they can grow to be the men and women they know God made them to be are attracted to this mission because it is an opportunity to be formed and readied for a greater mission.”
To learn more about Christendom College’s rich community life, visit christendom.edu/campus-life.
Read more from Instaurare Magazine here.
Contributed by Julie Wells, Communications and Creative Services Specialist at Christendom College.