Inconsistencies in Pax Christi proposal
Shawn Newburg
junior
I would like to point out a couple of the inconsistencies in Pax Christi's ideas about the ROTC programs. These inconsistencies are generally focused on their idea that all ROTC students should be required to take a class on just war theory. Now, I think that if we are to force these cadets and midshipmen to take these classes, we should take a closer look at the motives behind this wish.
The class would supposedly educate them for tough moral decisions that they will have to make upon entering their careers in the services. The question I pose is this: Why would the University not require morality classes for every student at Notre Dame? Each and every student will be going out into the world and will be forced to make hard moral decisions at some point. While we, as students, are required to take two theology classes, these classes do not necessarily have to address morality or even Christianity. (Try taking Chinese Ways of Thought.) Why not make it mandatory for every student to attend Mass? Why not make every student memorize the Catechism?
The truth is that, as students, we are given the choice to learn about morality in the method that we feel best approaches our needs. A student that is an atheist can attend this school, meet every requirement, and leave with a high moral code without ever attending a single mass or writing a paper about the Catholic Church. Forcing the ROTC students to take classes on just war theory is a ridiculous proposal. Having the class available to the students is appropriate. Offering retreats for the ROTC students during which they can discuss issues of morality in the armed forces is appropriate. Having open forums where the ROTC students can go and discuss with professors and other students their concerns for the future is appropriate. All this has been done. However, forcing them to take a class on just war theory because they apparently can not possibly come to any kind of moral code without the help of the infallible Catholic Church makes as much sense as taking attendance at church.
To burst Pax Christi's bubble of ignorance, not every student at Notre Dame is a Catholic, nor should every student be. The ROTC students have every asset they need in order to learn more about just war theory and what kind of morality is expected of a Catholic during war should they wish to do so. In this, University President Father Edward Malloy has not failed them at all.
Shawn Newburg
junior
O'Neill Hall
April 25, 2001
All Viewpoint Stories for Friday, April 26, 2002
