Bravo to this student for reinforcing moral truth and Catholic teaching. THis guy has majore courage that this school leaders should emulate. And for those below who object to hearing about Catholic beliefs at a Catholic school, go to school somewhere elses. There are literally thousands of state and other schools. Don't go to a steak house, then get offended when they bring you a ribeye.
I can not think of a less appropriate topic for graduation, except maybe pornography. I mean really, do you really want to give that to grandparents, siblings, and children? Talking about how birth control is selfish? Ok, fine if you want to use the selfish metaphor to get your point across, but please choose a better example. I feel sorry for his parents, who had to listen to him give that.
@86interceptor actually, he was a seminarian at the moment, and he was graduating from the college seminary at UST, called Saint John Vianney College Seminary. He actually went on to major seminary where he then discerned out. He used nothing out of context and said what should have been said following a scandal that had happened earlier in the year. He should be praised, not condemned for his righteousness.
The speech was completely hypocritical because while discussing selfishness, he selfishly held an entire audience hostage to voice his personal opinions. That's selfish. Which is why people walked out. That was a time to celebrate the end of college, not be lectured by a future priest on his views of what he thinks you should or should not be doing.
The comments of the crowd and the person holding this camera are why I stopped being a Catholic many years ago.
I personally know many people who don't know Christ personally land who are Catholic. They say they are Christians but their public positions, their acts, and what comes out of their mouths condems them.
This young man is courageous and I hope is filled with the Holy Spirit. May God fill his mouth with words to uplift the righteous and castigate the openly evil.
Why would people (those jeering) want to go to a school named after Thomas Aquinas if they feel that way in the first place? It would be like a Jew wanting to go to Adolf Hitler Academy. Oh well, those people constantly contradict themselves anyway.
Just because we go to a Catholic school doesn't mean we agree with all doctrine. We are modern students who like all the pleasures of the world and, yes, birth control is one. Most UST students are not zealous like this person, we live life as it comes
OK, after watching this I am amazed at the students of St. Thomas and am glad I got to watch this so I didn't make the mistake of going here. I thought I would be in a strong Christian, if not Catholic, community. You do not even understand right from wrong.
If you go back far enough in the comments you'll notice that one year ago I watched this video and questioned whether I made the right decision to attend St. Thomas over Macalester. The two who responded told me to go to Macalester. After a year at St. Thomas I've realized how right they were. I'm transferring out of St. Thomas largely because of how religious the school is. People have the attitude of "If you're not Catholic then leave". And so I did. It's a relief to have rid myself of UST.
This is only a small clip of a much longer speech. As in all things, when something is taken out of context the main message is usually watered down, if not lost.
Kessler's speech was essentially on how we should put society's needs over our own desires when our desires harms society's needs, a very valid point. Do you disagree?
A FEW reacted negatively when he got their attention by driving his point home with examples which spoke to his audience.
"I am a UST grad, and will never support this vile university. I will never hire any UST grad because of the reaction of the audience."
I disagree. Instead, I would recommend you treating each UST Graduate as an individual as opposed to discriminating against a graduate whom may or may not have been present at this speech. Cheers.
It's fine that he expressed his opinion, and it was somewhat fitting since he did attend a Catholic university, but he crossed the line when he told people that they were wrong for what they do according to his religion. He did not take into account those in the audience who do not believe in the same things he does; and therefore insulted everyone else. That was what crossed the line. You are not required to be Catholic to attend St. Thomas, and he did not take that into account.
babi, when Kessler gave this speech, the mission statement of the University of St. Thomas was "Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely and work skillfully to advance the common good."
(It may still be this, I don't know.)
Everything in Kessler's speech reflected the mission statement of the school.
IronicBond, Kessler was promoting the concept that the graduates should change the world with unselfishness, like "Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jr, St Thomas Aquinas, dare I say Jesus Christ". That making selfish choices will not change the world in a positive manner. This is not a personal agenda.
However with how this video is presented here, it gives the appearance that Kessler is focused on an agenda.
The personal agenda exhibited here is on the part of sloussouarn.
Good for him that he is defending the traditional Catholic teaching against cohabitation, and birth control, but sad that he seems to be religiously indifferent. He used a Hindu and a Protestant as role models. That isn't Catholic.
Would you rather have heard the same "we're all amazing and perfect, do great things" speech you've become accustomed to? After 4 years at St. Thomas, I think the majority of students could've used a check to their conscience. This was a perfect demonstration of the hypocrisy of everyone calling themselves "open-minded". If it was a representative from ALLIED up there making the converse speech, I sincerely doubt that they'd all be booing "because it's selfish."
He did not act as a bigot, but merely expressed his opinion. If you're truly open minded you would have no problem with this speech. And if you were offended by this speech you may want to check to see where your priorities lie or seriously evaluate how grounded you are in your convictions. The only way this speech would offend you is if you felt guilty while watching it.
And for the rest of you, who call yourselves Christians, please reflect on what you have said.The Bible does not teach you to be superior to anyone else based on your beliefs.Nor does it teach you to disrespect your fellow man for the choices they have made.Shame on many of you for focusing too much on church doctrine and not enough on the moral lessons of the Bible.I'm as agnostic as they come and even I have looked through the Bible and realized this.
hmm... well, it's too late now anyway. national reply day was May 1st and I didn't tell Macalester that I would go there. I can always transfer if I really don't like UST
I remember reading about this in a newsletter when I visited UST last fall, but I never actually heard the speech. It sounded like the administration didn't approve of this guy's speech, but can a current student clarify that? If the school had supported this guy then there's no doubt that I would've withdrawn my application to the school. As it is, I've turned down Macalester, Hamline, Colorado College, and others to attend UST in the fall of 2007. Hopefully I won't meet many people like him.
As a recent graduate, I must say "Go to Macalester." You will find people like Kessler (speaker) at UST - additionally, Macalester is more well-known nationwide and globally than UST.
What is wrong with his speech? Why would you go to a Catholic school if you don't agree with there teachings? I think there should be more speeches like this in "Catholic" schools.
Because I want to get an education at a good business school. If there was a school just like St. Thomas without the religious part I would go to the other school. But there isn't, so I'm going to St. Thomas hoping the school isn't overly religious. If he believes that, fine. But I think it's wrong to make that kind of a speech at a graduation ceremony.
His speech wasn't that offensive, and completely in line with Catholics beliefs. It shouldn't have been such a controversy at a catholic university. You get what you paid for, dummies.
Had I not seen the women walk out crying, this speech would not have bothered me, but since I did I disapprove of it. No one deserves to cry on their graduation day.
this is a true thing that happend this is not a chain letter paste this comment onto 3 videos then press ALT 1 and your crushed name will appear on the screen it's so weird!!!
Some of those people might be considering doing something they may regret (premarital sex, birth control, abortion, etc). By doing that speech at that particular time, Ben may have changed the futures of some of those graduates for the better.
I applaud this man for having the courage to speak out on something as controversial as this. To those who think it was inappropriate to talk about something like this on what is generally supposed to be a happy day, I beg to differ. This was the best place to talk about such a topic. Why? Because after graduation, everyone goes their separate ways, and you really don't see many of these people ever again. (continued in next post)
People have a right to free speech no matter what! And, I will also recognize that fact. However, when giving a speech such as this, one must also recognize their audience.
I will always have the right to say the word, "Fuck!" But, that doesn't always make it the right word to say. Sometimes, people must consider what is appropriate and what is not. Kessler clearly did not make this consideration.
Had I been aware of this speech, there is no chance that I would have ever decided to enroll in Law school at UST.
As a big proponent of our bill of rights, I defend this clown's right to make his speach, but cannot believe that the administration would ever allow this nut on a platform to portray the school in such an extremest light.
I knew this was a catholic school, but was not aware that it was the flavor of catholocism which promotes hatred.
I think he has a right to his opinion, and the crowd has a right to theirs. Yet, I can not help but comment on the fact that this was an ill timed speech. I personally feel that graduation should be about triumphs and unity, not about personal, negative views on birth control and the like.
Nonetheless, good arguments on both sides anonyboy and ipsophatso.
My sister just graduated at this school in May, and she nearly left the ceremony because she was so ticked off at this guy's speech. At least I wasn't there, because I was on a two-week choir tour in Europe with my college choir at the time. Just watching this video makes me think: "This guy is NUTS! What the heck is he TALKING about?!" I'm certainly glad I wasn't there!
Why was she ticked off? It's just his opinion. Would she have been so upset if he had said Martians are coming next week to wipe out humanity? Maybe, just maybe, her conscience was convicting her. She should listen to it.
There were only a few topics she objected to. One topic I can remember is the one where the guy says how women should not use birth control pills. It wasn't his opinion she was upset about; it was the way he acted nasty on that specific topic. She was, like, "Well, I never!" (She didn't actually say this, but she could have).
What if a woman at the graduation had gotten pregnant at a young age and made the unfortunate decision to have an abortion. Let's say she regretted her decision and has asked for forgiveness. Why should she have to be reminded of it on a day that should be a happy day? What gives Ben the right to do that to her?
I may not have agreed with everything Ben spoke of that day, but his speech was not with a lack of logic and good reasoning. His speech would make a fine Homily at mass or at at a religious rally. My only problem with his speech that it caused me to watch an excited young woman be reduced to tears on what she thought would be a joyous day. Ben blindsided that woman and many other women at that ceremony.
The day was ruined for those women, and it was ruined for people like me who wanted to see those women happy and proud at their accomplishment of graduating college, not crying because of a prior decision that they have made in their life. I respect the message that Ben tried to give, but I cannot repect the resulting damage that was caused by its ill timing.
As a person who goes to UsT, I have to say, this guy really is an asshole. I am seriously reconsidering going to St. Thomas because of people like this. Not everyone at the school is going to agree with his opinions, and hammering it in to a diverse class just doesn't seem right. I guess I understand these points being brought up at a Catholic university, but I can also understand the people in the crowd who have a negative reaction. That's my 2 cents.
If one is against any of the following - abortion, contraception, premarital sex, homosexual relationships and/or marriage, or any other issue that can be riduculously and endlessly argued over without resolution - they have the freedom to not have, do, use or participate in any of the previous listings. Be thankful for that freedom, just as those who do have, use, participate and do the above listings are also thankful.
Ben wasn't preaching against our license to use contraception or to fornicate. Rather, he was preaching against the decision to fornicate and use contraception.
Analogously, one can be thankful for the freedom that permits the KKK to perpetuate racial prejudice; yet, at the same time, one should condemn the perpetuation of racial prejudice. There is no contradiction between these two attitudes.
i'd be so damn proud to go to that school. i thought it was a great speech and he explained why those things were wrong. true happpiness comes from the pure of heart. he's not a bigot.
Someone called Ben a bigot. I think those who jeered, booed, & walked away were bigots against someone who thought differently and had the guts to challenge their own small worlds. They can't bear the suggestion that living for themselves, their own convenience & immediate gratification, might not be the best way to live. Nothing Ben said contradicted Catholic doctrine, something those students and faculty associated themselves with when they became part of the University community.
You weren't listening. He was bringing the Gospel, which is the blueprint for salvation. Many will condemn those who repeat the words of Christ, just as they condemned Christ. What I wonder at is how modern man defines despair as knowing the truth, and happiness as total, limitless self-indulgence. Was not the passion and death of Christ the exact opposite of this modern "theology"?
hey! thank you very much for finding this video and posting it for all of us.. i added it to my blog post about this nutcase.. very much appreciated :)
Sorry, Christ said "I do not come to bring peace but division" and went on to say that His teachings would set one man against another, "mother-in-law against daughter-in-law" and so forth. Life in this world is a "winnowing" where the good and evil are separated by their choices to either adhere to God's teachings or reject them. No apologies for that, and no quick fixes in this life for that either.
Fantastic! Enormous courage. The only opinion that counts is God's. Ben gave a courageous witness to His LAWS. The greatest gift Ben could give his peers is the Truth. The vast majority of students are completely blind to the terrible immorality into which they plunge themselves. Ben, to the sacrifice of his own popularity and “status”, spoke the words of truth that no one else has the courage to say.
What a pleasure to see such an accomplished athlete and student. And better still, a perfect example of Christianity. You are a credit to your University and I consider myself fortunate to hear you speak.
What a jackass. This guy is obviously a moron, aside from the fact that he decided to call many of the women in the audience selfish on their graduation day. I like how when he talks about the "public good" he says "goods."
I didn't hear him call anybody selfish. I heard him condemn nobody. I heard him name nobody. He condemned behaviour that Christ Himself condemned. He did not condemn individuals, as Christ did not condemn individuals, choosing instead to tell them to "go and sin no more". Perhaps those who were so upset were convicted by their conscience.
The fact is that YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE CATHOLIC TO GO TO ST. THOMAS!!! If they allow and supposedly "treasure" (words of an administrator to me) others of different faith, they should not be surprised that there is such a debate about this graduation speech.
When the administrator told you he treasures others of different faiths, he likely meant that he treasures others *regardless* of their faith. Of course, he may have actually meant that he treasured your faith. But then he'd be a ruddy heretic, and then who cares?
Still, you're right, you DON'T need to be a Catholic to go to St. Thomas. But, then again, you don't have to be a citizen of Singapore to go there--and you couldn't complain if you got flogged for defacing another's property.
What he's trying to do is to give people the truth and encourage them to help in this fight.But not everyone seems to be happy.People will tend to argue because when contraception is available they become free of responsibility for what they do.Some people may argue because they have done these things and dont want any body to say that what they did was wrong....Anyway he is right. If only people would realise just how right he is.
With all due respect (i.e., very little), you are the one acting like a child. Perhaps you had a negative experience in your life which remains unresolved. That can cause one to feel angry at the world.
true im 19 years younger to you but dat doesnt give you the right to shut up me up. I never implied that one doesnt have the right to decide their own religion. I dont knw where u got that idea from? plus dont judge anyone by their age. being 35 alone doesnt make one experienced enough to disregard a 16 year olds opinion.
I am a mother of ten children. I admire the courage it took for Ben to stand up for his beliefs. He did miss a very important point though. God gave us the laws (Ten Commandments, laws of the Church) for our own benefits to. If we follow them we are happier, if we don't there are consequences. I wish you all that peace that only God can give.
I feel like you might need help. We get the Catholic doctrine thing though. Thanks. Once may have sufficed. I'm not sure if you go to school there, but we non-catholics aren't unwelcome, nor are all of us unrepentant sinners. Did we lose our right to disagree with draconian conservatism when we enrolled?
I'm not sure what history you are checking out but everything I've read up states the opposite. People hold sex in more regard today than they did hundreds of years ago. Before then it was just barbaric for women unless they were brough up in a well off home and even then they were sent off for money to marry older men who wanted them for sex.
I'm afraid that you are mistaken. Ancient Christian teaching about sex held it to be a most sacred act of love. This is, of course, a generalization, and there were at least some ancient authors who would disagree, but the overall attitude toward licit sex was markedly positive.
I hope that Ben Kessler gives back the Tommie of the Year because, I mean, what Catholic would want to be "honored" by a University that has failed to educate such a large proportion of its students (as evidenced by the trogdolytes that the mike picked up on) as to the Truths of the Church?
Using birth control says that I want to have the pleasure associated with the marital act, but not the responsibility. If you don't want the natural consequences of an act, you shouldn't engage in it. It's like a person who gorges himself and then vomits so as not to lose weight. It's not only selfish, it's perverse.
You are absolutely right. People are becoming fragmented, they want to "de-nature" everything. They don't want the natural consequences of the marital act, they don't want the natural consequences of gluttony, they don't want the natural consequences of unnatural homosexual relations. In short, all the natural consequences ordained by God. They want to short-circuit them so they can live outside God's laws. Well THAT has one consequence that is inescapable: HELL.
People might look at this and say "wow, St. Thomas needs to figure out how to control their students. Their commencement speaker is up there saying things which need not be said at this time, and his classmates and the rest of the audience is shouting obscenities and booing him the entire time. Where is the politeness?"
Also, I don't think the audience should have reacted the way they did. Whether or not you agree with his statements (you being an audience member), you should still sit quietly and listen to him. Otherwise, it's just rude. It is true that his speech probably does not put the university in a favorable light. HOWEVER, it is also true that the "heckling" from the audience does the same thing. [continued below due to length]
He could have made a blog, or come up with some sort of newsletter where he shouts his opinions all day. It astounds me that any time someone gets in front of a microphone they feel the need to give their personal opinions. That in itself is fine, if that's what the occasion was calling for. A commencement speach never calls for someone sending out his own opinions if they are unrelated to graduating. [continued below due to length]
The purpose of the speech was not for him to blast out his views on relevant issues; the point was for encouragement (as he said). If he wanted to speak his mind on these issues, that's fine. But he should not have done so at this particular occasion (that goes for anyone, whether I agree or disagree with the content of the speech). [continued below due to length]
I was not at the graduation ceremony; I am about to graduate highschool. However, I agree with his statements. He spoke his mind, and was unafraid to do so, which is honorable. However, as previously stated, he should not have spoken about such things as a commencement speaker. [continued below due to length]
a graduation is not a soapbox event for a speaker air his judgemental views. that, in my opinion, is truly selfish, for he distracted from everyone's accomplishments for the sake of making his own opinion heard when it was irrelevant to the event. that is what he should be ashamed of for there's a time and a place for closemindednes.
Using commencement speeches to air judgmental views is a time-honored tradition. Jodie Foster used her soapbox at a recent Ivy league commencement speech to slam President Bush because she felt he was ruining the world. Why shouldn't Ben Kessler be able to talk about the things that he thinks are threatening the world at his own commencement speech?
I attended the ceremony.I was shocked chastising the entire class for the acts of a few "under-grad" students.I don't believe it was his place to pass judgement on the faculty or women practing birth control. I refrained from leaving.I do support those that demonstrated.Ben stated that the class had failed; Ben failed to.He is entitled to his beliefs, but there is a time & place for that. I don't believe that his weak apology is sufficent. I support Ben being stipped of Tommie of year 2006.
Ben's condemnation of birth control was not his own 'judgement' or 'opinion'. It is Church teaching. I find it ridiculous and troubling that so many people believe that expressing CATHOLIC TEACHING at a CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY graduation is inappropriate. If you don't like Catholic teaching, don't go to a Catholic college!!! There are plenty of other colleges to go to.
I was in the graduating class. I neither offended by nor cared for Ben's speech. Ben spoke his mind, and the people that didn't like what he was saying spoke their minds. Everyone enacted their freedoms, regardless of whether or not they did it in a "tasteful" manner is a matter of one's own personal opinion. I enacted my freedoms too. I shut the fuck up til the end, and then jettisoned myself and my family to the World Buffet where I selfishly gorged myself with crab legs and wontons.
That's a courageous kid speaking his conscience at a Catholic university, and his conscience obviously corresponds to Catholic teaching. So why all the whining and insults? Some people need a heavy dose of reality. To quote a great Minnesotan, "you know, it's possible to become so defiled in this world that your own father and mother will abandon you, and if that happens, God will always believe in your ability to mend your ways."
Ben, if you represent the future of the Catholic faith – you’ve made my decision to seek my faith elsewhere very easy – and I will be taking my children as far away from the Catholic Church as possible, so that they grow up in a faith base while learning tolerance and humility.
Please! Please! I'm begging you! Leave as quickly as you can! It will make things go more quickly when the Lord Jesus separates the sheep from the goats.
I feel very strongly about ecumenism. If it weren't for the ecumenism prescribed by Vatican II, then I would not be a Catholic, today. But we have do it the way Vatican II wanted it done. According to the Vatican II decree, Unitatis Redintegratio 11: (continued below)
"It is, of course, essential that the doctrine should be clearly presented in its entirety. Nothing is so foreign to the spirit of ecumenism as a false irenicism, in which the purity of Catholic doctrine suffers loss and its genuine and certain meaning is clouded."
I have gone to Catholic school since the second grade, and thus I have known many priests. Never has a priest said to me that since I am a Lutheran my religion is false.
Lutheranism isn't false BECAUSE you're Lutheran, of course!
Wait... Why are you being so anti-Catholic? Who are you to decide that my religion is false? Why can't you be more tolerant of other people and their beliefs?
anonyboy, If the Jews were God's chosen people, at what point did their religion become false? Did God decide that their religion wasn't good enough anymore, and thus they must all convert to christianity?
That very opinion is what caused such atrocities as the Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, and every other time that Catholics have decided that as you say, "That every other religion is false."
Please do not misunderstand me. I did not mean that your religion was false. I simply don't believe that their is a one true religion. As long as the religion teaches love and tolerance, I am okay with it. All religions have their faults, and I was simply pointing out a few that Catholicism has. I never said it was false. I just said that it was not perfect.
Look, if you really think tolerance is a supreme virtue, then why don't you stop being hypocritical by condemning my Church, which teaches that it is the only true religion.
As a 4.0 student, and an exemplary athlete, you should be a unifying factor within the Church and the wider community. Your peers had seen you as a natural leader and elected you Tommie of the Year – this could have made a sensational platform for healing and reconciliation. Instead, you chose to drive a divisive wedge between Catholics, other faiths, and the community in general.
As a human being Ben, you are absolutely entitled to your beliefs and values, and there is no denying your passion on these subjects. I would never even begin to attempt to influence your views on the values of birth control, or on the sanctity of marriage, but I would hope you’d listen to others’ beliefs as they listened to yours. Understanding and compassion was a value taught by Christians long before a Pope sat in Rome.
I will respond one time only for historical clarification -- St. Peter was indeed claimed to be the first "pope" by the Catholic faith...however, recognition of the papacy was not complete until several centuries later - it is obvious that the historical persecution of "non-believers" by Catholicism is alive and well.
You could learn much from him about having true class and humility in the face of adversity and differing value structures. Your contrite apology and hurried retraction shows that you gained some value from the meeting – I hope you take more than that with you into the priesthood.
I hope that your meeting with Father Dease was a pleasant one. Father Dease is faced with internal struggles on a daily basis concerning his faith and the wider community. He manages these fights quietly within his soul, and within his faith, without using his position as a leader to spout hateful rhetoric at his peers. His values may differ from my own, but he has a decided “way” of making his position known and understood.
Speaking of being selfish Ben, isn't keeping an audience captive with a personal, vindictive, and insulting rant the definition of that selfishness with which you were so disgusted? A few profanities and walk-outs aside, the restraint shown by the majority of your peers was truly the most un-selfish act shown yet by Saint Thomas students.
I like how when Ben's speech includes authoritative Catholic moral doctrine at a Catholic university's graduation ceremony, it suddenly becomes "a personal, vindictive, and insulting rant."
The CATHOLIC mission was founded on a man's inclusive messege. The reality is, people do not agree on things. So, in this case, Ben will go on to render Jesus's messege to a body of faithful, and another Priest who values reality and progression will do the same. Their results will be entirely different. Unwavering doctrine manginalizes its adherents.
Ben's only message is that people need to be serving others, to help make society better, rather than serving only themselves.
Needless to say that the protestors/agitators are pathetically childish. But that's the norm for people who want to silence others viewpoints and opinions. It's great to see that Ben didn't react or address them , as he obviously has more class.
Connor, for the easy of people to understand/remember what post you're referring to, clicking the reply button works great as it nests the comment below the original. I'm not a student of St. Thomas, but I find it rather interesting that people here seem to be debating why someone who was obviously given time to make a speech and chose to make one that he felt strongly about, should not have been allowed to speak.
Notice that we live in America, not some other third world country where we don't have freedom of speech. That freedom does not end when someone becomes or is offended. If people weren't so focused on the lambasting of selfishness of people who choose to live together or use birth control, things he feels are selfishness, you'd gleen a much better message out of the speech.
I think that he should be allowed to say whatever he wants. I also think that I should be able to walk out and boo. What I am against is the thrust of the speech. Ben seems to feel threatened by the world. This is typical of conservative Christians. The problem is that they are concerned with things that aren't that important. As far as getting more out of the speech: There wasn't more to get. Without the rant it was trite and typical.
Helloooooo! This was a commencement speech at a CATHOLIC University! I find it repugnant how many people think that it is offensive for a person to express Catholic ideas at a Catholic University affair. It seems to me the secular world is threatened by Catholics holding Catholic ideas.
Bravo to this student for reinforcing moral truth and Catholic teaching. THis guy has majore courage that this school leaders should emulate. And for those below who object to hearing about Catholic beliefs at a Catholic school, go to school somewhere elses. There are literally thousands of state and other schools. Don't go to a steak house, then get offended when they bring you a ribeye.
dheinsch 6 months ago
I can not think of a less appropriate topic for graduation, except maybe pornography. I mean really, do you really want to give that to grandparents, siblings, and children? Talking about how birth control is selfish? Ok, fine if you want to use the selfish metaphor to get your point across, but please choose a better example. I feel sorry for his parents, who had to listen to him give that.
zephyrae13 1 year ago
@86interceptor actually, he was a seminarian at the moment, and he was graduating from the college seminary at UST, called Saint John Vianney College Seminary. He actually went on to major seminary where he then discerned out. He used nothing out of context and said what should have been said following a scandal that had happened earlier in the year. He should be praised, not condemned for his righteousness.
sdo11750 1 year ago
God Bless him.
sdo11750 1 year ago
The speech was completely hypocritical because while discussing selfishness, he selfishly held an entire audience hostage to voice his personal opinions. That's selfish. Which is why people walked out. That was a time to celebrate the end of college, not be lectured by a future priest on his views of what he thinks you should or should not be doing.
Mayeflwer9 2 years ago 3
@Mayeflwer9 exactly!!
4evrDrum 5 months ago
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b4ckd00r5p1d3r 2 years ago
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TheRjriley 2 years ago
cool story hansel
jmRobersonn 2 years ago
The comments of the crowd and the person holding this camera are why I stopped being a Catholic many years ago.
I personally know many people who don't know Christ personally land who are Catholic. They say they are Christians but their public positions, their acts, and what comes out of their mouths condems them.
This young man is courageous and I hope is filled with the Holy Spirit. May God fill his mouth with words to uplift the righteous and castigate the openly evil.
ke2lley 2 years ago
What courage!
Why would people (those jeering) want to go to a school named after Thomas Aquinas if they feel that way in the first place? It would be like a Jew wanting to go to Adolf Hitler Academy. Oh well, those people constantly contradict themselves anyway.
I wonder what he is doing now.
centralcityky 2 years ago
Just because we go to a Catholic school doesn't mean we agree with all doctrine. We are modern students who like all the pleasures of the world and, yes, birth control is one. Most UST students are not zealous like this person, we live life as it comes
mazickert 2 years ago
OK, after watching this I am amazed at the students of St. Thomas and am glad I got to watch this so I didn't make the mistake of going here. I thought I would be in a strong Christian, if not Catholic, community. You do not even understand right from wrong.
4Scheedz 2 years ago
If you go back far enough in the comments you'll notice that one year ago I watched this video and questioned whether I made the right decision to attend St. Thomas over Macalester. The two who responded told me to go to Macalester. After a year at St. Thomas I've realized how right they were. I'm transferring out of St. Thomas largely because of how religious the school is. People have the attitude of "If you're not Catholic then leave". And so I did. It's a relief to have rid myself of UST.
MNKeeper 3 years ago
This is only a small clip of a much longer speech. As in all things, when something is taken out of context the main message is usually watered down, if not lost.
Kessler's speech was essentially on how we should put society's needs over our own desires when our desires harms society's needs, a very valid point. Do you disagree?
A FEW reacted negatively when he got their attention by driving his point home with examples which spoke to his audience.
Good for him!
Minxcomix 3 years ago
Is the man filming a practicing Catholic? If so, shame on him! He clearly does not know the faith.
He's so far away and thinks that screaming makes him a coward.
God help this "Catholic" university.
Pax Christi
J1Martyr 3 years ago
God bless him for the courage to speak against the evil of contraception, in this "Catholic" university, more like an anti-Catholic university.
J1Martyr 3 years ago
Your Scary!! You think you know God's will. I will pray for you.
DirkSmiggler 3 years ago
Thank you for your prayres, we are called to know God's will to act on it, so I also will pray that you may find His will and do it.
J1Martyr 3 years ago
i'll give you selfish Ben...call me.
mellamoPat8820 3 years ago
It is OK to talk Catholic at a Catholic University.
However, now that UST is officially breaking from the MSP/STP diocese, maybe espousing Catholicism should be censored in the future.
I am a UST grad, and will never support this vile university. I will never hire any UST grad because of the reaction of the audience.
softwarelaw 4 years ago
"I am a UST grad, and will never support this vile university. I will never hire any UST grad because of the reaction of the audience."
I disagree. Instead, I would recommend you treating each UST Graduate as an individual as opposed to discriminating against a graduate whom may or may not have been present at this speech. Cheers.
nmhood 3 years ago 3
Try not to judge all because of some. Notice how there were those that gave this young man a standing ovation.
Minxcomix 3 years ago
It's fine that he expressed his opinion, and it was somewhat fitting since he did attend a Catholic university, but he crossed the line when he told people that they were wrong for what they do according to his religion. He did not take into account those in the audience who do not believe in the same things he does; and therefore insulted everyone else. That was what crossed the line. You are not required to be Catholic to attend St. Thomas, and he did not take that into account.
babi2506 4 years ago
babi, when Kessler gave this speech, the mission statement of the University of St. Thomas was "Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely and work skillfully to advance the common good."
(It may still be this, I don't know.)
Everything in Kessler's speech reflected the mission statement of the school.
Minxcomix 3 years ago
This was not the occasion for him to promote his personal agenda. He was being selfish.
IronicBond 4 years ago
It's not his "personal" agenda, it's the agenda of the church. Plus, is it really "selfish" to speak truth to the audience?
tvdxer 4 years ago
It is when it is their graduation day. Its a catholic school they know the truth already
Klued22 4 years ago
IronicBond, Kessler was promoting the concept that the graduates should change the world with unselfishness, like "Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jr, St Thomas Aquinas, dare I say Jesus Christ". That making selfish choices will not change the world in a positive manner. This is not a personal agenda.
However with how this video is presented here, it gives the appearance that Kessler is focused on an agenda.
The personal agenda exhibited here is on the part of sloussouarn.
Minxcomix 3 years ago
this guy's awesome!
therealopusdei 4 years ago
Good for him that he is defending the traditional Catholic teaching against cohabitation, and birth control, but sad that he seems to be religiously indifferent. He used a Hindu and a Protestant as role models. That isn't Catholic.
ThirtySwine 4 years ago
Actually, I think he was trying to stress the idea of Natural Law, which is very Catholic.
I still think he deserved applause.
PraiseDivineMercy 4 years ago
Would you rather have heard the same "we're all amazing and perfect, do great things" speech you've become accustomed to? After 4 years at St. Thomas, I think the majority of students could've used a check to their conscience. This was a perfect demonstration of the hypocrisy of everyone calling themselves "open-minded". If it was a representative from ALLIED up there making the converse speech, I sincerely doubt that they'd all be booing "because it's selfish."
Geldric 4 years ago
He did not act as a bigot, but merely expressed his opinion. If you're truly open minded you would have no problem with this speech. And if you were offended by this speech you may want to check to see where your priorities lie or seriously evaluate how grounded you are in your convictions. The only way this speech would offend you is if you felt guilty while watching it.
jjoliver22 4 years ago
I remember it being a sunny afternoon until he began his speech (and then it got cloudy all of a sudden). Coincidence? I think not.........lol
plexus85 4 years ago
How brave, courageous, and simply right.
And the "losers" here were the immature, close-minded students booing and disrupting his speech.
tvdxer 4 years ago
And for the rest of you, who call yourselves Christians, please reflect on what you have said.The Bible does not teach you to be superior to anyone else based on your beliefs.Nor does it teach you to disrespect your fellow man for the choices they have made.Shame on many of you for focusing too much on church doctrine and not enough on the moral lessons of the Bible.I'm as agnostic as they come and even I have looked through the Bible and realized this.
accordselux 4 years ago
What a loser.
scamlover 4 years ago
hmm... well, it's too late now anyway. national reply day was May 1st and I didn't tell Macalester that I would go there. I can always transfer if I really don't like UST
MNKeeper 4 years ago
I go to Mac and i'd be happy to talk to you about it if you want, coolerking4077 at hotmail dot com.
accordselux 4 years ago
I remember reading about this in a newsletter when I visited UST last fall, but I never actually heard the speech. It sounded like the administration didn't approve of this guy's speech, but can a current student clarify that? If the school had supported this guy then there's no doubt that I would've withdrawn my application to the school. As it is, I've turned down Macalester, Hamline, Colorado College, and others to attend UST in the fall of 2007. Hopefully I won't meet many people like him.
MNKeeper 4 years ago
MNKeeper,
As a recent graduate, I must say "Go to Macalester." You will find people like Kessler (speaker) at UST - additionally, Macalester is more well-known nationwide and globally than UST.
nmhood 4 years ago
What is wrong with his speech? Why would you go to a Catholic school if you don't agree with there teachings? I think there should be more speeches like this in "Catholic" schools.
bondra1281 4 years ago
Because I want to get an education at a good business school. If there was a school just like St. Thomas without the religious part I would go to the other school. But there isn't, so I'm going to St. Thomas hoping the school isn't overly religious. If he believes that, fine. But I think it's wrong to make that kind of a speech at a graduation ceremony.
MNKeeper 4 years ago
His speech wasn't that offensive, and completely in line with Catholics beliefs. It shouldn't have been such a controversy at a catholic university. You get what you paid for, dummies.
tryan06 4 years ago
Yeah... "you get what you paid for" doesn't really apply to private universities...
MNKeeper 4 years ago
Had I not seen the women walk out crying, this speech would not have bothered me, but since I did I disapprove of it. No one deserves to cry on their graduation day.
banman3 4 years ago
rock on dude! defend life!
crownandnails 4 years ago
this is a true thing that happend this is not a chain letter paste this comment onto 3 videos then press ALT 1 and your crushed name will appear on the screen it's so weird!!!
KakashiRulz002 5 years ago
This is what being Catholic is all about. We have a champion.
nadadeturbe 5 years ago
tommie is the best in the world.tommie 4 ever.tommie will rule the world.vote 4 tommie.
tperry4 5 years ago
Some of those people might be considering doing something they may regret (premarital sex, birth control, abortion, etc). By doing that speech at that particular time, Ben may have changed the futures of some of those graduates for the better.
ajk 5 years ago
I applaud this man for having the courage to speak out on something as controversial as this. To those who think it was inappropriate to talk about something like this on what is generally supposed to be a happy day, I beg to differ. This was the best place to talk about such a topic. Why? Because after graduation, everyone goes their separate ways, and you really don't see many of these people ever again. (continued in next post)
ajk 5 years ago
He really deserved a standing ovation... ah well...
PraiseDivineMercy 5 years ago
He really deserved a punch in the face... ah well...
nmhood 5 years ago
So people only have a right to free speech when they agree with you?
PraiseDivineMercy 5 years ago
People have a right to free speech no matter what! And, I will also recognize that fact. However, when giving a speech such as this, one must also recognize their audience.
I will always have the right to say the word, "Fuck!" But, that doesn't always make it the right word to say. Sometimes, people must consider what is appropriate and what is not. Kessler clearly did not make this consideration.
nmhood 5 years ago
Oh boy, nothing has made me laugh that hard in a while...
Hahaha, this school is terrific. Why didn't I go to USC instead?
kmheld1 5 years ago
Had I been aware of this speech, there is no chance that I would have ever decided to enroll in Law school at UST.
As a big proponent of our bill of rights, I defend this clown's right to make his speach, but cannot believe that the administration would ever allow this nut on a platform to portray the school in such an extremest light.
I knew this was a catholic school, but was not aware that it was the flavor of catholocism which promotes hatred.
reburgnairb 5 years ago
I think he has a right to his opinion, and the crowd has a right to theirs. Yet, I can not help but comment on the fact that this was an ill timed speech. I personally feel that graduation should be about triumphs and unity, not about personal, negative views on birth control and the like.
Nonetheless, good arguments on both sides anonyboy and ipsophatso.
angerisagift88 5 years ago
My invisible man in the sky is better than your invisible man in the sky. Truly the cause of all war.
spamvigilante 5 years ago
My sister just graduated at this school in May, and she nearly left the ceremony because she was so ticked off at this guy's speech. At least I wasn't there, because I was on a two-week choir tour in Europe with my college choir at the time. Just watching this video makes me think: "This guy is NUTS! What the heck is he TALKING about?!" I'm certainly glad I wasn't there!
anders59 5 years ago
Why was she ticked off? It's just his opinion. Would she have been so upset if he had said Martians are coming next week to wipe out humanity? Maybe, just maybe, her conscience was convicting her. She should listen to it.
truthisbeauty 5 years ago
There were only a few topics she objected to. One topic I can remember is the one where the guy says how women should not use birth control pills. It wasn't his opinion she was upset about; it was the way he acted nasty on that specific topic. She was, like, "Well, I never!" (She didn't actually say this, but she could have).
anders59 5 years ago
What if a woman at the graduation had gotten pregnant at a young age and made the unfortunate decision to have an abortion. Let's say she regretted her decision and has asked for forgiveness. Why should she have to be reminded of it on a day that should be a happy day? What gives Ben the right to do that to her?
banman3 5 years ago
I may not have agreed with everything Ben spoke of that day, but his speech was not with a lack of logic and good reasoning. His speech would make a fine Homily at mass or at at a religious rally. My only problem with his speech that it caused me to watch an excited young woman be reduced to tears on what she thought would be a joyous day. Ben blindsided that woman and many other women at that ceremony.
banman3 5 years ago
The day was ruined for those women, and it was ruined for people like me who wanted to see those women happy and proud at their accomplishment of graduating college, not crying because of a prior decision that they have made in their life. I respect the message that Ben tried to give, but I cannot repect the resulting damage that was caused by its ill timing.
banman3 5 years ago
As a person who goes to UsT, I have to say, this guy really is an asshole. I am seriously reconsidering going to St. Thomas because of people like this. Not everyone at the school is going to agree with his opinions, and hammering it in to a diverse class just doesn't seem right. I guess I understand these points being brought up at a Catholic university, but I can also understand the people in the crowd who have a negative reaction. That's my 2 cents.
PallasAthea 5 years ago
If one is against any of the following - abortion, contraception, premarital sex, homosexual relationships and/or marriage, or any other issue that can be riduculously and endlessly argued over without resolution - they have the freedom to not have, do, use or participate in any of the previous listings. Be thankful for that freedom, just as those who do have, use, participate and do the above listings are also thankful.
razz17 5 years ago
Ben wasn't preaching against our license to use contraception or to fornicate. Rather, he was preaching against the decision to fornicate and use contraception.
Analogously, one can be thankful for the freedom that permits the KKK to perpetuate racial prejudice; yet, at the same time, one should condemn the perpetuation of racial prejudice. There is no contradiction between these two attitudes.
anonyboy 5 years ago
This guy is my hero.
CrazyE88 5 years ago
i'd be so damn proud to go to that school. i thought it was a great speech and he explained why those things were wrong. true happpiness comes from the pure of heart. he's not a bigot.
chantistar 5 years ago
to the young man videotaping or whose voice was heard on here: Why is this young man an asshole?
chantistar 5 years ago
Someone called Ben a bigot. I think those who jeered, booed, & walked away were bigots against someone who thought differently and had the guts to challenge their own small worlds. They can't bear the suggestion that living for themselves, their own convenience & immediate gratification, might not be the best way to live. Nothing Ben said contradicted Catholic doctrine, something those students and faculty associated themselves with when they became part of the University community.
amymle 5 years ago
He says, "I'm not here to bring dispair" ... he could have fooled me.
nmhood 5 years ago
You weren't listening. He was bringing the Gospel, which is the blueprint for salvation. Many will condemn those who repeat the words of Christ, just as they condemned Christ. What I wonder at is how modern man defines despair as knowing the truth, and happiness as total, limitless self-indulgence. Was not the passion and death of Christ the exact opposite of this modern "theology"?
truthisbeauty 5 years ago
hey! thank you very much for finding this video and posting it for all of us.. i added it to my blog post about this nutcase.. very much appreciated :)
bjl411 5 years ago
Sorry, Christ said "I do not come to bring peace but division" and went on to say that His teachings would set one man against another, "mother-in-law against daughter-in-law" and so forth. Life in this world is a "winnowing" where the good and evil are separated by their choices to either adhere to God's teachings or reject them. No apologies for that, and no quick fixes in this life for that either.
DMFerra 5 years ago
Fantastic! Enormous courage. The only opinion that counts is God's. Ben gave a courageous witness to His LAWS. The greatest gift Ben could give his peers is the Truth. The vast majority of students are completely blind to the terrible immorality into which they plunge themselves. Ben, to the sacrifice of his own popularity and “status”, spoke the words of truth that no one else has the courage to say.
DMFerra 5 years ago
you're a fucking idiot just like this ben dude.. burn ya'll at the stake!
bjl411 5 years ago
bjl411 .....you poor thing....we'll pray for you.
DMFerra 5 years ago
Dear DMFerra,
The good thing is that Ben exposed the bottom feeders. They came out of the woodwork like roaches. We find out about them thanks to Ben's efforts.
Torchdog 5 years ago
Kudos to Ben!
What a pleasure to see such an accomplished athlete and student. And better still, a perfect example of Christianity. You are a credit to your University and I consider myself fortunate to hear you speak.
Keep up the good work, Ben.
Torchdog 5 years ago
You are obviously not a moron. Thank you for your valuable contribution.
anonyboy 5 years ago
What a jackass. This guy is obviously a moron, aside from the fact that he decided to call many of the women in the audience selfish on their graduation day. I like how when he talks about the "public good" he says "goods."
princelyfrank 5 years ago
so you don't think women are selfish in that audience? lol, that french guy has got to go.
chantistar 5 years ago
I didn't hear him call anybody selfish. I heard him condemn nobody. I heard him name nobody. He condemned behaviour that Christ Himself condemned. He did not condemn individuals, as Christ did not condemn individuals, choosing instead to tell them to "go and sin no more". Perhaps those who were so upset were convicted by their conscience.
truthisbeauty 5 years ago
The fact is that YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE CATHOLIC TO GO TO ST. THOMAS!!! If they allow and supposedly "treasure" (words of an administrator to me) others of different faith, they should not be surprised that there is such a debate about this graduation speech.
Aguawater 5 years ago
When the administrator told you he treasures others of different faiths, he likely meant that he treasures others *regardless* of their faith. Of course, he may have actually meant that he treasured your faith. But then he'd be a ruddy heretic, and then who cares?
Still, you're right, you DON'T need to be a Catholic to go to St. Thomas. But, then again, you don't have to be a citizen of Singapore to go there--and you couldn't complain if you got flogged for defacing another's property.
anonyboy 5 years ago
That's right, reach out to the lost sheep. They will come to your flock if you QB sack them.
ipsophatso 5 years ago
it shouldn't matter, though. they don't have to accomodate other religions when people get their knickers in a wad
chantistar 5 years ago
I cannot agree more with him!
TruthHurtsDoesnIt 5 years ago
What he's trying to do is to give people the truth and encourage them to help in this fight.But not everyone seems to be happy.People will tend to argue because when contraception is available they become free of responsibility for what they do.Some people may argue because they have done these things and dont want any body to say that what they did was wrong....Anyway he is right. If only people would realise just how right he is.
TruthHurtsDoesnIt 5 years ago
You're a 16 year old child. Please shut up until you've experienced something in your life. You're going to to get some rude awakenings kid.
Apparently no one can decide their own religion on their own according to you. We need to have you shove it down our throat.
Might want to see someone about that obsessive compulsive disorder too.
srgtick 5 years ago
With all due respect (i.e., very little), you are the one acting like a child. Perhaps you had a negative experience in your life which remains unresolved. That can cause one to feel angry at the world.
anonyboy 5 years ago
true im 19 years younger to you but dat doesnt give you the right to shut up me up. I never implied that one doesnt have the right to decide their own religion. I dont knw where u got that idea from? plus dont judge anyone by their age. being 35 alone doesnt make one experienced enough to disregard a 16 year olds opinion.
TruthHurtsDoesnIt 5 years ago
whoa, calm down
chantistar 5 years ago
Its nice to knw that there are people like him out there still....who have the courage to speak the truth, stand up for what they truely believe in.
TruthHurtsDoesnIt 5 years ago
I believe that his intention was not to condemn anyone, but to show them Christ's love, and help them to convert.The truth will set you free.
TruthHurtsDoesnIt 5 years ago
I am a mother of ten children. I admire the courage it took for Ben to stand up for his beliefs. He did miss a very important point though. God gave us the laws (Ten Commandments, laws of the Church) for our own benefits to. If we follow them we are happier, if we don't there are consequences. I wish you all that peace that only God can give.
motlotrfans 5 years ago
Um, some guy wrote them on some stone. Just because someone writes something down doesn't make it fact. Enjoy the Rapture.
srgtick 5 years ago
Worst Speaker Ever!
nmhood 5 years ago
PEOPLE, educate yourselves. It is CATHOLIC DOCTRINE and he shouldn't have had to apologize!!!!
babs8855 5 years ago
I feel like you might need help. We get the Catholic doctrine thing though. Thanks. Once may have sufficed. I'm not sure if you go to school there, but we non-catholics aren't unwelcome, nor are all of us unrepentant sinners. Did we lose our right to disagree with draconian conservatism when we enrolled?
Tycobass 5 years ago
religion seems to warp a lot of ideas in the world
fohf 5 years ago
I'm not sure what history you are checking out but everything I've read up states the opposite. People hold sex in more regard today than they did hundreds of years ago. Before then it was just barbaric for women unless they were brough up in a well off home and even then they were sent off for money to marry older men who wanted them for sex.
divad78 5 years ago
I'm afraid that you are mistaken. Ancient Christian teaching about sex held it to be a most sacred act of love. This is, of course, a generalization, and there were at least some ancient authors who would disagree, but the overall attitude toward licit sex was markedly positive.
anonyboy 5 years ago
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tantra
A little older teachings on the divinity of sexual congress. The more you know!
ipsophatso 5 years ago
Everything you do in life is an act of being selfish.
divad78 5 years ago
CHECK OUT A REAL WEREWOLF HOST A COMEDY SHOW:
http://youtube.com/view_play_list?p=48F8B9A02E6CBB9E
tomomemitasha 5 years ago
I am glad that Ben had the courage to speak what he believes, despite its unpopularity in the world!
mpoush 5 years ago
I hope that Ben Kessler gives back the Tommie of the Year because, I mean, what Catholic would want to be "honored" by a University that has failed to educate such a large proportion of its students (as evidenced by the trogdolytes that the mike picked up on) as to the Truths of the Church?
HammerofHeretics 5 years ago
Troglodytes.
Also, not every student that attends the University of St. Thomas is Catholic nor do they need to be.
anomrabbit 5 years ago
Using birth control says that I want to have the pleasure associated with the marital act, but not the responsibility. If you don't want the natural consequences of an act, you shouldn't engage in it. It's like a person who gorges himself and then vomits so as not to lose weight. It's not only selfish, it's perverse.
HammerofHeretics 5 years ago
You are absolutely right. People are becoming fragmented, they want to "de-nature" everything. They don't want the natural consequences of the marital act, they don't want the natural consequences of gluttony, they don't want the natural consequences of unnatural homosexual relations. In short, all the natural consequences ordained by God. They want to short-circuit them so they can live outside God's laws. Well THAT has one consequence that is inescapable: HELL.
DMFerra 5 years ago
crazy
justinsnell 5 years ago
People might look at this and say "wow, St. Thomas needs to figure out how to control their students. Their commencement speaker is up there saying things which need not be said at this time, and his classmates and the rest of the audience is shouting obscenities and booing him the entire time. Where is the politeness?"
JSchramm06 5 years ago
Also, I don't think the audience should have reacted the way they did. Whether or not you agree with his statements (you being an audience member), you should still sit quietly and listen to him. Otherwise, it's just rude. It is true that his speech probably does not put the university in a favorable light. HOWEVER, it is also true that the "heckling" from the audience does the same thing. [continued below due to length]
JSchramm06 5 years ago
He could have made a blog, or come up with some sort of newsletter where he shouts his opinions all day. It astounds me that any time someone gets in front of a microphone they feel the need to give their personal opinions. That in itself is fine, if that's what the occasion was calling for. A commencement speach never calls for someone sending out his own opinions if they are unrelated to graduating. [continued below due to length]
JSchramm06 5 years ago
The purpose of the speech was not for him to blast out his views on relevant issues; the point was for encouragement (as he said). If he wanted to speak his mind on these issues, that's fine. But he should not have done so at this particular occasion (that goes for anyone, whether I agree or disagree with the content of the speech). [continued below due to length]
JSchramm06 5 years ago
I was not at the graduation ceremony; I am about to graduate highschool. However, I agree with his statements. He spoke his mind, and was unafraid to do so, which is honorable. However, as previously stated, he should not have spoken about such things as a commencement speaker. [continued below due to length]
JSchramm06 5 years ago
a graduation is not a soapbox event for a speaker air his judgemental views. that, in my opinion, is truly selfish, for he distracted from everyone's accomplishments for the sake of making his own opinion heard when it was irrelevant to the event. that is what he should be ashamed of for there's a time and a place for closemindednes.
gumbie84 5 years ago
Using commencement speeches to air judgmental views is a time-honored tradition. Jodie Foster used her soapbox at a recent Ivy league commencement speech to slam President Bush because she felt he was ruining the world. Why shouldn't Ben Kessler be able to talk about the things that he thinks are threatening the world at his own commencement speech?
HammerofHeretics 5 years ago
I attended the ceremony.I was shocked chastising the entire class for the acts of a few "under-grad" students.I don't believe it was his place to pass judgement on the faculty or women practing birth control. I refrained from leaving.I do support those that demonstrated.Ben stated that the class had failed; Ben failed to.He is entitled to his beliefs, but there is a time & place for that. I don't believe that his weak apology is sufficent. I support Ben being stipped of Tommie of year 2006.
nnyl 5 years ago
Ben's condemnation of birth control was not his own 'judgement' or 'opinion'. It is Church teaching. I find it ridiculous and troubling that so many people believe that expressing CATHOLIC TEACHING at a CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY graduation is inappropriate. If you don't like Catholic teaching, don't go to a Catholic college!!! There are plenty of other colleges to go to.
unityinfaith 5 years ago
I was in the graduating class. I neither offended by nor cared for Ben's speech. Ben spoke his mind, and the people that didn't like what he was saying spoke their minds. Everyone enacted their freedoms, regardless of whether or not they did it in a "tasteful" manner is a matter of one's own personal opinion. I enacted my freedoms too. I shut the fuck up til the end, and then jettisoned myself and my family to the World Buffet where I selfishly gorged myself with crab legs and wontons.
WhatOcean 5 years ago
Hahaha, that's the best post I've seen this entire damn page.
kmheld1 5 years ago
That's a courageous kid speaking his conscience at a Catholic university, and his conscience obviously corresponds to Catholic teaching. So why all the whining and insults? Some people need a heavy dose of reality. To quote a great Minnesotan, "you know, it's possible to become so defiled in this world that your own father and mother will abandon you, and if that happens, God will always believe in your ability to mend your ways."
cloonmore 5 years ago
Good luck in the Priesthood. I hope you find what you are looking for.
Anonymous (due to the forum)
St. Thomas Alumnus Class of 1998
Documan 5 years ago
Ben, if you represent the future of the Catholic faith – you’ve made my decision to seek my faith elsewhere very easy – and I will be taking my children as far away from the Catholic Church as possible, so that they grow up in a faith base while learning tolerance and humility.
Something which you are sorely lacking….
Documan 5 years ago
Please! Please! I'm begging you! Leave as quickly as you can! It will make things go more quickly when the Lord Jesus separates the sheep from the goats.
anonyboy 5 years ago
Just kidding. In all seriousness, though, I pray that you will come to accept the teachings of God's Church and be numbered among the saints.
anonyboy 5 years ago
Why is your religion the true religion? Simple question.
srgtick 5 years ago
Simple answer: Because it is.
Complicated answer: Because what it teaches is true, and (as necessarily follows) every other religion is false.
anonyboy 5 years ago
How do you feel about the Catholic Church's stance on ecumenism as outlined in the documents of Vatican II?
anomrabbit 5 years ago
I feel very strongly about ecumenism. If it weren't for the ecumenism prescribed by Vatican II, then I would not be a Catholic, today. But we have do it the way Vatican II wanted it done. According to the Vatican II decree, Unitatis Redintegratio 11: (continued below)
anonyboy 5 years ago
"It is, of course, essential that the doctrine should be clearly presented in its entirety. Nothing is so foreign to the spirit of ecumenism as a false irenicism, in which the purity of Catholic doctrine suffers loss and its genuine and certain meaning is clouded."
anonyboy 5 years ago
I have gone to Catholic school since the second grade, and thus I have known many priests. Never has a priest said to me that since I am a Lutheran my religion is false.
banman3 5 years ago
Lutheranism isn't false BECAUSE you're Lutheran, of course!
Wait... Why are you being so anti-Catholic? Who are you to decide that my religion is false? Why can't you be more tolerant of other people and their beliefs?
anonyboy 5 years ago
anonyboy, If the Jews were God's chosen people, at what point did their religion become false? Did God decide that their religion wasn't good enough anymore, and thus they must all convert to christianity?
banman3 5 years ago
I suggest you read the Gospels; that might help you to understand better. It has to do with the fact that the Jews were expecting a Messiah.
anonyboy 5 years ago
That very opinion is what caused such atrocities as the Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, and every other time that Catholics have decided that as you say, "That every other religion is false."
banman3 5 years ago
Stop saying that my religion is false! Try to be more tolerant, for goodness sake...
anonyboy 5 years ago
Please do not misunderstand me. I did not mean that your religion was false. I simply don't believe that their is a one true religion. As long as the religion teaches love and tolerance, I am okay with it. All religions have their faults, and I was simply pointing out a few that Catholicism has. I never said it was false. I just said that it was not perfect.
banman3 5 years ago
Look, if you really think tolerance is a supreme virtue, then why don't you stop being hypocritical by condemning my Church, which teaches that it is the only true religion.
anonyboy 5 years ago
Yes I do believe it is a virtue. I wish that you did too.
banman3 5 years ago
As a 4.0 student, and an exemplary athlete, you should be a unifying factor within the Church and the wider community. Your peers had seen you as a natural leader and elected you Tommie of the Year – this could have made a sensational platform for healing and reconciliation. Instead, you chose to drive a divisive wedge between Catholics, other faiths, and the community in general.
Documan 5 years ago
As a human being Ben, you are absolutely entitled to your beliefs and values, and there is no denying your passion on these subjects. I would never even begin to attempt to influence your views on the values of birth control, or on the sanctity of marriage, but I would hope you’d listen to others’ beliefs as they listened to yours. Understanding and compassion was a value taught by Christians long before a Pope sat in Rome.
Documan 5 years ago
"...as they listened to yours."
I have a feeling Ben would be a much better listener. At the very least I know he wouldn't stoop to heckling.
anonyboy 5 years ago
"...as they listened to yours."
I have a feeling Ben would be a much better listener. At the very least I know he wouldn't stoop to heckling.
anonyboy 5 years ago
"...as they listened to yours."
I have a feeling Ben would be a much better listener. At the very least I know he wouldn't stoop to heckling.
anonyboy 5 years ago
Stupid comment thing...
BTWFYI, the first Pope was martyred in Rome c. AD 67, and sat in Jerusalem with Jesus at the Last Supper. Are you sure you were *ever* Catholic?
anonyboy 5 years ago
I will respond one time only for historical clarification -- St. Peter was indeed claimed to be the first "pope" by the Catholic faith...however, recognition of the papacy was not complete until several centuries later - it is obvious that the historical persecution of "non-believers" by Catholicism is alive and well.
Documan 5 years ago
Someone's read the Da Vinci Code one too many times... and his login name is Documan.
anonyboy 5 years ago
You could learn much from him about having true class and humility in the face of adversity and differing value structures. Your contrite apology and hurried retraction shows that you gained some value from the meeting – I hope you take more than that with you into the priesthood.
Documan 5 years ago
I hope that your meeting with Father Dease was a pleasant one. Father Dease is faced with internal struggles on a daily basis concerning his faith and the wider community. He manages these fights quietly within his soul, and within his faith, without using his position as a leader to spout hateful rhetoric at his peers. His values may differ from my own, but he has a decided “way” of making his position known and understood.
Documan 5 years ago
Speaking of being selfish Ben, isn't keeping an audience captive with a personal, vindictive, and insulting rant the definition of that selfishness with which you were so disgusted? A few profanities and walk-outs aside, the restraint shown by the majority of your peers was truly the most un-selfish act shown yet by Saint Thomas students.
Documan 5 years ago
I like how when Ben's speech includes authoritative Catholic moral doctrine at a Catholic university's graduation ceremony, it suddenly becomes "a personal, vindictive, and insulting rant."
anonyboy 5 years ago
The CATHOLIC mission was founded on a man's inclusive messege. The reality is, people do not agree on things. So, in this case, Ben will go on to render Jesus's messege to a body of faithful, and another Priest who values reality and progression will do the same. Their results will be entirely different. Unwavering doctrine manginalizes its adherents.
ipsophatso 5 years ago
So... people do not agree on things... and this is supposed to prove... what? That there is no correct answer? Then stop criticizing Ben!
(This is bilge, once again, BTW.)
anonyboy 5 years ago
I also like the word Bilge, but using the same phrase over and over only works when you have little to say.
ipsophatso 5 years ago
Or when the other person has little to say, of course.
anonyboy 5 years ago
Ben's only message is that people need to be serving others, to help make society better, rather than serving only themselves.
Needless to say that the protestors/agitators are pathetically childish. But that's the norm for people who want to silence others viewpoints and opinions. It's great to see that Ben didn't react or address them , as he obviously has more class.
Jhouserok 5 years ago
I have never seen a classy person piss off that many people at one time or send women out in tears.
banman3 5 years ago
I have.
anonyboy 5 years ago
Connor, for the easy of people to understand/remember what post you're referring to, clicking the reply button works great as it nests the comment below the original. I'm not a student of St. Thomas, but I find it rather interesting that people here seem to be debating why someone who was obviously given time to make a speech and chose to make one that he felt strongly about, should not have been allowed to speak.
Jhouserok 5 years ago
Notice that we live in America, not some other third world country where we don't have freedom of speech. That freedom does not end when someone becomes or is offended. If people weren't so focused on the lambasting of selfishness of people who choose to live together or use birth control, things he feels are selfishness, you'd gleen a much better message out of the speech.
Jhouserok 5 years ago
I think that he should be allowed to say whatever he wants. I also think that I should be able to walk out and boo. What I am against is the thrust of the speech. Ben seems to feel threatened by the world. This is typical of conservative Christians. The problem is that they are concerned with things that aren't that important. As far as getting more out of the speech: There wasn't more to get. Without the rant it was trite and typical.
Tycobass 5 years ago
Helloooooo! This was a commencement speech at a CATHOLIC University! I find it repugnant how many people think that it is offensive for a person to express Catholic ideas at a Catholic University affair. It seems to me the secular world is threatened by Catholics holding Catholic ideas.