When considering his or her future college career, every high school senior has
something different in mind regarding the choice of a major. Some students enjoy
literature but abhor mathematics. Others have always wanted to be engineers or
physical therapists. The list goes on. These are all necessary professions, and Newman
Guide schools have the means to equip students with the tools necessary in order to
succeed in practically all of them. Every student, no matter their desired major or career,
can find something for them at a Newman Guide school. However, no matter the career
trajectory, every Newman Guide school student ought to take as many theology and
philosophy classes as is possible for their schedule.
Such an exhortation might seem rash or maybe even unrealistic. Yet, I think most
students, when they break into the swing of things at their respective schools, will
realize that they have more room in their class schedules than they might think at first. It
is true that some majors are intensive with their class requirements, and I’m also aware
that Newman Guide schools include theology and philosophy as central aspects of the
core curriculum. Even despite the fact that all students are required to take at least a
few theology and philosophy courses, I don’t believe that meeting this small requirement
really gives the student the formation he’s intended to receive at an authentically
Catholic liberal arts institution.
Parents and students alike should know that many theology and philosophy
professors at Newman Guide schools are internationally (or at least nationwide) known
scholars. These authentically Catholic universities serve as bulwarks of Catholic
theology and philosophy, and therefore, the “best of the best” flock to these campuses
to teach and form students. In fact, one of the biggest, if not the biggest, reasons why
each individual school is listed on the Newman Guide is the strength of their theology
and philosophy departments. While the other departments at these schools are also
undoubtedly very competent, it needs to be said that the theology and philosophy
departments are among the strongest and, in my opinion, the most important at Catholic
universities.
With this in mind, I want to impress upon high school seniors the need to
immerse themselves in philosophy and theology courses at Newman Guide schools, if
they are not already majoring in minoring in one of the two. Don’t do the bare minimum!
Theology, the queen of all sciences, and her handmaiden, philosophy, are the two
wings that lift man up to God Himself. Faith and reason are our sure guides. Do not
allow yourself to miss out upon the best aspect of an authentically Catholic intellectual
formation by neglecting philosophy and theology.
Matthew Uzdavinis
Manager of Development
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