Thomas Aquanias examined at SMC symposium
By SARAH NESTOR
Saint Mary's Editor
Saint Mary's hosted the sixth annual Thomas Aquinas Symposium in LeMans Stapleton Lounge Saturday. The symposium featured lectures by Keith Egan, a Saint Mary's religious studies professor, and Sister Mary Catherine Hilkert, a Notre Dame theology professor.
Egan began the symposium with his introductory lecture titled "Taking a Long Loving Look at the Real with Thomas Aquinas." He related the teachings of Thomas Aquinas to real life experiences, specifically the experiences of college students.
The teachings of Thomas Aquinas, Egan said, can be used to reflect on our own lives and find the truth of contemplation, which leads to happiness.
"Contemplation and action do and must shape each other," he said.
Egan contended that there are many things in our culture that keep us from contemplating the truth, such as television, which can distract us. According to Egan, students have many ways to entertain themselves, but little time for leisure.
"The absence of leisure does not allow for contemplation," he said.
Egan said the following four steps can lead to true learning: pay attention to yours and others experiences, try to understand that experience, be willing to judge the correctness of experience and make a decision whether to act on judgment.
"We are doomed to mediocrity when there is no joy in learning," Egan said. "Play with your learning."
Hilkert's lecture, titled "Does God Will Suffering? Thomas Aquinas and Contemporary Theology," focused on whether suffering is a part of God's will.
Hilkert spoke about tragedies such as the Sept.11 terrorist attacks, the violence in the Middle East and friends dying of cancer. Hilkert said many believe such tragedies are part of God's plan, but added that belief is not necessarily true.
"They question why God would let this happen, not having come to terms with what has happened," Hilkert said. "Avoid blaming God for what humans are responsible for."
Hilkert said there could never be an explanation for senseless and radical suffering and that these acts could never be considered God's will.
"Our difficulty is that we cannot see the greater good," Hilkert said.
The Thomas Aquinas Symposium was sponsored by the Joyce McMahon Aquinas Chair in Catholic Theology at Saint Mary's and is the gift of Board of Trustee member and alumna Joyce McMahon Hank.
All News Stories for Monday, February 24, 2003
