Students Speak Up

each professor attended to tasks that are crucial for sound theological analysis and reflection

I graduated from Saint Mary’s in 1994 with a bachelor’s in theology. Since then, I have completed a master’s degree in theology, worked in publishing for Saint Mary’s Press, completed a doctorate in bioethics, and have worked in the Catholic healthcare setting as an ethicist. Looking back on my education at Saint Mary’s, I am thankful that each professor in the theology department, though in different ways, attended to three tasks that I have come to understand are crucial for sound theological analysis and reflection. First, each insisted on the importance of “writing as dialogue.” To me, this has come to mean that the writing process is meant to be an exercise of critical engagement with others who support one’s thesis and those who do not. Second, each emphasized the view that human experience is the most important ground for understanding the central notions and assumptions of Catholic theology. Third, each communicated the difference between a theological “opinion” and a theological “point of view.” The real task in theology, in any discipline for that matter, is to understand another’s point of view, not necessarily another’s opinion. These tasks are central to my own work as an ethicist in Catholic healthcare. In the healthcare context, moral dialogue with others should never cease; human experience ought to be respected; and another’s point of view, though sometimes difficult to ascertain, is a relevant source for moral decision-making.

David Belde ('94), PhD
Director, Center for Ethics in Healthcare
Saint Joseph’s Health System, Atlanta, Georgia

Theology students speak!
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		each professor attended to tasks that are crucial for sound theological analysis and reflection I graduated from Saint Mary’s in 1994 with a bachelor’s in theology. Since then, I have completed a master’s degree in theology, worked in publishing for Saint Mary’s Press, completed a doctorate in bioethics, and have worked in the Catholic healthcare setting as an ethicist. Looking back on my education at Saint Mary’s, I am thankful that each professor in the theology department, though in different ways, attended to three tasks that I have come to understand are crucial for sound theological analysis and reflection. First, each insisted on the importance of “writing as dialogue.” To me, this has come to mean that the writing process is meant to be an exercise of critical engagement with others who support one’s thesis and those who do not. Second, each emphasized the view that human experience is the most important ground for understanding the central notions and assumptions of Catholic theology. Third, each communicated the difference between a theological “opinion” and a theological “point of view.” The real task in theology, in any discipline for that matter, is to understand another’s point of view, not necessarily another’s opinion. These tasks are central to my own work as an ethicist in Catholic healthcare. In the healthcare context, moral dialogue with others should never cease; human experience ought to be respected; and another’s point of view, though sometimes difficult to ascertain, is a relevant source for moral decision-making. David Belde ('94), PhD Director, Center for Ethics in Healthcare Saint Joseph’s Health System, Atlanta, Georgia

		a bigger heart, an open yet critical mind, and a soul seeking always to love and serve God My interaction with Saint Mary's faculty, staff, teachers, and students within the Theology and Campus Ministry departments has given me a visible sign of what it means to be Catholic, and live daily according to the law of love Jesus instilled in us. This law of love has expressed itself in many forms in my four years here at St. Mary's University. I can appreciate with a heart full of gratitude the patience, understanding and knowledge I have received in classes, retreats,spiritual direction, and leadership positions I have held. Therefore my life has become a living and breathing prayer, in which I simply know God is in every part of me and with me in all I do. Alyssa Marie Butenhoff ('04), Parish Lay Ecclesial Minister

		we have taken the rich teachings and traditions of the Catholic faith and turned them into practical lessons and life guidelines My most memorable experiences in the Theology Department at Saint Mary's have been moments in classroom discussion when we have taken the rich teachings and traditions of the Catholic faith and turned them into practical lessons and life guidelines that we as individuals and future ministers can live by, as well as the church community in which we live and work. I know that as I graduate from Saint Mary's and enter the world of ministry I will be educated not only with the history and teachings of the Church, but also the practical skills it takes to live a life dedicated to the service of others through spiritual and meaningful ministry. Jennifer Lawrence ('04), Peace Corp Volunteer in Kyrgyzstan

		SMU Theology...the study of "faith seeking knowledge" The greatest challenge, and yet the most rewarding challenge, I have found studying theology has been the broadening of my personal faith journey through in-class discussions and readings. The material covered in class has directly affected my spirituality, and this has been the reward of studying faith seeking knowledge, but it has also been the challenge of keeping the faith through the journey of searching. Lynn Streefland ('02), Graduate Student in Theology

		A personal journey of faith To me, being a Theology major at Saint Mary's University means more than just being a student of the faith; it means being an apprentice of Christ, the true model of humanity. Through my studies, I am gaining knowledge not only on the basic fundamentals of Theology, but I am also being aided in my own personal journey of faith. By way of example in their own lives, the Theology professors at Saint Mary's not only teach the faith but also live it. I know the educational foundations in the Theology department at Saint Mary's University will lead me to be the very best minister of the Christ that I can be. Brittany (Witek) Ecker ('01), High School Religion Teacher

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