Resources on Catholic, Jesuit Tradition

Ultimate Questions / Resources on Catholic, Jesuit Tradition / Student Reflections

Reflections date from Spring 2022, just prior to the launch of the new University Core.

1. Why is it important to ask “ultimate questions” as a college student studying Psychology?

Maeve Breslin (Senior, Psychology)

When I think about ultimate questions I hope to answer during my life, the primary ponderings that come to mind are: “Who am I?” And “Why does that matter?” In every way, college has been a space for me to grow. Growth through failure, growth through unforeseen opportunities, and growth through simply “faking it until I made it.” One of my primary satisfactions with my time at Saint Louis University is the truth that the person I was in August of 2018 would be amazed by who the April 2022 version of myself I have blossomed into. Four years ago, I would have voiced that a primary trait of mine was indecisiveness, specifically regarding what I wanted to study. It took almost three years of my undergraduate experience to feel confident that psychology was the right fit for me. However, even as graduation draws ever closer, I know that it is not a “perfect fit”, in the sense that I will never be fully satisfied and perfectly content as a psychologist. For me, I find peace in that imperfection, and it is also where the importance of ultimate questions which lead to the discovery of higher pursuits of truth come into the picture.

My philosophical education has pushed me to think about what it truly means to be, and what constitutes a life well lived. This knowledge implicates me to look at my psychology education in a deeper way than just a deep dive into the brain and its functions. Knowing that my education has the potential to lead to a career where I can help others to live fully and love others in meaningful ways proves to me that theology and my experience of Catholicism at a Jesuit institution has real world relevance. My spirituality influences the way I think about psychology, directs my desires to work with children, and everything in between. The Jesuit charism of cura personalis has informed my sense of self and worldview through the understanding that there is more than one “right” way to approach situations.

So, why is it important to ask “ultimate questions” as both a psychology student and in general? I believe that it is important because engagement with ultimate questions reinstates the truth that human beings are complex and are not problems to be solved through psychological analysis. Instead, questions relating to philosophy and theology extend my ponderings of, “Who am I?” and “Why does that matter?” to all people and leads to genuine connection and collaboration. What a privilege and high responsibility to enter the beautiful messiness of the experience of others, both as a future professional and in solidarity as just another person trying to figure it all out.

2. What does it mean for me to study theology/philosophy at a Jesuit institution?

Margret Cotner (Freshman, Theology and History)

I find that philosophy and theology fit into my formation as an individual and as a student through exploring ideas and perspectives that push my current beliefs as well as establishing new ways to learn and connect with others in my community at SLU. Being at a Jesuit university allows me to take a variety of classes that shape my perspective and identity, which makes me a more informed citizen of the world and someone who is better able to have discourse and dialogue with others.  Jesuit values of caring for the whole person and being for and with others are present in these classes, especially when people of different backgrounds, values, and religions can have conversation about topics in theology and philosophy. Through exploring deeper subjects that I wouldn't get to discuss at length in other classes, theology specifically allows me to build relationships with others and learn to better understand and listen to others, which promotes SLU's Jesuit mission.

Additionally, theology exposes me to a variety of sources that present different ways of thinking, writing, and understanding ideas and faith teachings, and discussing them with others in class promotes personal growth in understanding how to think about sources or teachings and what they mean to me. I can foster relationships with classmates through discussing theological subjects because there is more room for interpretation and perspective change than more science-based class, and theological discussion allows a unique way of connecting with others' beliefs and values, which I really enjoy. Enjoying what I learn makes my educational experience more formative and meaningful as well, and I find myself challenged to push ideas and question new things because I can have an enriching discussion with others in class. Being in theology helps me to form new beliefs and better understand why I believe what I believe and who I am as an individual. Overall, having theology classes that foster Jesuit values helps me to grow as a more informed individual who seeks meaningful interactions with others, and being in theology helps me foster new perspectives while enjoying my education.

3. Why is it important for me as a student studying Social Work to take theology and philosophy courses?

Audrey Williams (Junior, Social Work)

I've always loved being with people. When thinking of career options in high school, my math, science, and history courses didn't seem to align with anything I could see myself being excited about in the future. What I truly looked forward to were the moments I could sit down with someone and hear about how they were actually doing, or when I got the chance hear the stories of people marginalized by society, or when I could catch someone long enough to start talking about a social issue, I was passionate about. When I learned about the social work profession coming to college, it finally felt like the missing puzzle piece of a career I had been seeking. 

As I've started emerging into the world of social work through various classes and practicum, I could not imagine being adequate at my future profession without the connection I've been shown between what I'm doing and why I'm doing it that taking philosophy and theology courses has shown me. I quickly learned that becoming burnt out and being numb to your profession is common is social work. It's tempting to reduce the profession to a series of failures and successes or become easily bogged down after putting hope into your skills and not seeing results. Theology introduced me to an unfailing Hope that is bigger than myself. It set the foundation for me to be motivated in treating people with unconditional positive regard with a constant sense of hope in humanity because of the goodness of its Creator. Philosophy provided me with a framework of unwavering truths about reality.

When it's easy to get caught in the movements of a whimsical society or get wrapped up in anger toward life, I can remind myself of the truths of life, humanity, and morals that precede the present circumstance. Ethics allows me to view a situation fully and objectively, so that my professional decisions are not just guided by myself, but a logical framework highly debated and studied. Theology and philosophy courses are essential to the future of social work because learning about morality and truths of humanity is vital to a profession that has a duty to care for the whole person.

4. Why is a Catholic approach to Theology important?

Carina Swonger (Freshman, Theology/Catholic Studies)

As a lifelong Catholic, I was given the gift of learning my faith from my mom and my parish community. I grew to love the Lord at a young age, but there were also many gaps in my understanding and many burning questions that weren’t being asked or answered. It wasn’t until I engaged with theological studies in junior high and high school that my faith blossomed. Diving into Scripture, reading from the greatest thinkers in history, and discussing faith in our society made me realize that my faith could be mine. I had to own my beliefs and take charge of my own theological journey.

These mandatory classroom experiences are what originally sparked the passion I still hold for theology. Many of my friends who are still practicing Catholics and Christians have expressed that they likely would not be so if it weren’t for our teachers. I believe that professors have a fundamental role in not only forming intellectual scholars but in shaping the next generation of Church leaders, moral citizens, and frankly, saints.

A Catholic approach to theology is crucial because our faith is founded on a long history of tradition. Our Church ties back directly to Jesus Himself, and we have so many rich and unchanging teachings. Catholics have been at the forefront of almost every intellectual experiment and discovery, so there is much to be learned from approaching any subject through a Catholic lens. While Catholicism is rooted in tradition and unchanging truth, it is also ever adapting to the needs of a changing world. Catholics must take what they know and apply it innovatively with love and justice.

As a theology student (but most importantly, a young person of faith and goodwill) it is my deepest desire to see SLU take pride in its Catholic, Jesuit identity in a way that is authentic and unapologetic. Being firmly rooted does not mean that classrooms become a space of intolerance or narrow thinking. In actuality, I have cultivated my most diverse and well-rounded perspectives in authentically Catholic spaces. As Scripture says, “The truth will set you free.” Theology is the pursuit and application of the Truth, and that is an important practice for students of any discipline to master.

As a student, I want the wisdom and knowledge of my professors, but more than anything, I want to cultivate my relationship with God. After I (hopefully) graduate, I will need more than a degree bearing the Saint Louis University name to sustain me in my spiritual and professional journey. A theology class centered on the teachings of the Church and taught with the discernment of the Holy Spirit is the perfect space to question, discuss, and collaborate to answer life’s “Ultimate Questions.”