Modern Questions, Ancient Answers: Defining and Defending Human Dignity in Our Time

The inaugural event of Notre Dame's Project on Human Dignity featured this lecture by Archbishop Timothy Dolan (New York; President, USCCB). Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., president of Notre Dame, shared opening remarks, and John Cavadini, director of the Institute for Church Life, introduced the Archbishop. Catholic and Protestant responses followed the Archbishop's address, from Notre Dame theology professors Ann Astell and Gerald McKenny.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Human Dignity
• Culture of Life
• University of Notre Dame
• Catholic
• church
• Christian
• religion
• theology
• lecture
• talk
• address
• abortion
• euthanasia
• justice

[styleset]

I believe the best insight, though understated, from Archbishop Dolan's speech is the relationship between 'is' and 'ought'. More specifically, there is a causal relationship between the two that makes 'ought' the ethical, wholly dependent on 'is' the mystical. Human beings are in mystical contact and communion with the Divine which facilitates an imperative in human action. Human 'being' dictates human 'action.' Love God and love your neighbor. Let's discuss!