The mission of universities is to teach and spread knowledge.
"At the Catholic University of America, there is respect for each other, even if we have different cultural backgrounds, come from different countries, and have different ideas about how government should work and what policies are needed. The leaders of the university and the students are able to conduct difficult discussions in a way based on civilized dialogue, which is why they were able to avoid the protests that have swept many other universities in the United States," Aaron Dominguez, director of the Catholic University of America (CUA) in Washington, told Kossuth Radio. In his program Sunday newspaper.
There are several signs on the campus that talk about the search for truth or call to "Light the Light". When asked if they reflect the essence of The Catholic University of America, Aaron Dominguez replied:
- According to our motto, "God is the light". The signs are part of our new attention-grabbing marketing campaign. We live in a time when the world needs this light to dispel the darkness. I think all people want this, this is what they require; the light unites us. Just as the home gives light and warmth, a place that provides warmth and togetherness. The opposite of this is darkness, which separates us from each other, isolates us from the world and from God.
The mission of universities is also to teach and spread knowledge.
"This is exactly what our university was founded for, just like every other university in this country was founded for this reason. In many respects, we are similar to other American universities, but at the same time, as a Catholic research university, we believe that religion and knowledge cannot be separated from each other. It is artificial and wrong to separate faith and reason. We, as an American research university, handle the two together when we seek the truth. This is what we do in the practical sense of the word in our courses: in the nursing faculty, the economics school, the engineering faculty, as well as in theology and philosophy," the director pointed out.
According to Aaron Dominguez, faith and science go hand in hand:
– Especially in the field of humanities, which deal with the person himself. Our ethical approach recognizes man himself as an anthropological being, understands and realizes what it means to be a human personality, created in God's image and enjoying the love of his creator.
This is what God expects us to act towards each other as well. What comes from our faith determines how we conduct research.
For example, we would never conduct research activities that intentionally cause harm to a third person or use evil means for some scientific gain. This is forbidden in our country, explained Aaron Dominguez, adding: they do not use any means that are in any way related to, for example, abortion.
"This kind of bioethical approach also appears in the mentioned fields of science. As for other disciplines, such as physics or astronomy, there are also ethical considerations, but it is more about being able to freely search for answers to questions. In particle physics and astronomy, we study all the physical connections of the cataclysm that created the universe, the so-called Big Bang. This is what gives us the knowledge, the means to look deeply into how the world works. But what he can't answer is why. (Science) cannot explain why it happened, why we are here today," he added.
Regarding the fact that this spring there were demonstrations at many universities with unacceptable behavior, Aaron Dominguez stated: it is very disturbing to see the failure of culture, what is happening today in Washington and in the country.
"We are not completely immune from this here at the Catholic University, I do not claim that we are the perfect society. However, we respect each other, even if we have different cultural backgrounds, come from different countries, and have different ideas about how the government should work, what kind of policy is needed".
According to Aaron Dominguez, due to their deep respect for each other, they are able to conduct even very difficult discussions in a civilized manner.
"We can invite people from outside the university to express their opinions, who would otherwise be considered controversial, but we are able to conduct civilized and mutually respectful dialogues. This is the only way to get to the bottom of the truth, to be able to explore difficult questions. As brothers, recognizing each other's dignity. I think that this is also why we were able to avoid the destructive demonstrations (seen at other universities). Even at the Catholic University, there are people with different opinions, but they don't set fire to the building and don't try to subjugate the other. Thanks to God, we were able to prevent the destruction".
Stigmatization has become common practice these days, and religiosity is often given the politically inherently right-wing, conservative label. Aaron Dominguez pointed out: that is why he said that they can discuss all related proposals, which is traditionally a highly politicized issue.
"However, we will continue this based on faith. Based on my personal experience, I can say that in the United States the opposition between the right and the left appears in the form of the opposition between Republicans and Democrats. Even existing in this reality, the question arises, what does it mean to be a faithful Catholic? Neither party can embody the whole truth. For us, the important issue is mercy towards the poor and the fallen, which exists in Catholic social teachings".
"Respecting the completeness of life, which lasts from conception to natural death, is decisive, as is the recognition of private property, the principle of free enterprise, and the rule of law. As Catholics, these are our values, and if you look at politics, there is no party that can be called a perfect Catholic party.
All we can do is to discuss the ideas that are important to us, since this determines our consciousness, which is then reflected in our vote in the election. There are Republicans here on campus, we have a Republican student organization, but we also have a Democratic student group. One thing is certain: we are 100 percent pro-life, we fully believe in human dignity, we care for the poor, whom we must serve as brothers in the name of Christ. These are the determining factors that guide the way we run this educational institution. And this can ultimately help bring light to the darkness, which also stems from the division between the left and the right".
Cover image: Catholic University of America building
Source: Túrelio via Wikimedia
