A few weeks ago, I stopped merely being disappointed at the education as far as Theology goes at Aquinas and started being furious.
This happened one day at the beginning of class, where the teacher always starts with a prayer. In the middle of the prayer, she decided to explain intercessory prayer. Everything was fine until she said, "Intercessory prayer doesn't actually do anything. It's just to make you feel good." Words cannot describe how furious I was at this statement. I was at a loss for words. I would have started an argument- oh, excuse me, debate- right then and there, but it was in the middle of a prayer. I'm starting to think she planned it like that just so that there wouldn't be any objections, because the students who care enough about that to argue are also the ones who respect prayer.
Ever since that class, I've been wondering what ever made her think that. We are surrounded by evidence that intercessory prayer does in fact work. For that matter, why wouldn't it? That statement almost seems like denying that God is there listening to our prayers. A THEOLOGY TEACHER saying this. It is simply abominable.
It is a shame that good teachers of theology are in such short supply, especially when they must have the credentials that Aquinas requires.
It is NEVER too late. You should interrupt that woman during the very next class you have and challenge her to explain her false statement regarding intercessory prayer. Then pummel her with other questions regarding prayer until she cries Uncle. Don't forget to ask where she got the audacity to interrupt a prayer to the Lord Almighty just to satisfy her superficial and false "teaching".
ReplyDeleteNever let a span of time between offense and correction prevent you from broaching the subject anew. It is NEVER too late. Besides, you owe her and that class a corrective fraternal Act of Mercy.
Happy thanksgiving.
ReplyDelete~Dr. K
I hope that you have a very blessed Thanksgiving.
ReplyDelete