Catholic Intellectual Tradition: Why Leaders Should Care

Over the last half century, the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, characterized by a strong commitment to scholarship and spiritual values, has faced a challenging new intellectual and political culture.

The Catholic Intellectual Tradition Lecture Series, established last spring by the Office of Mission and Identity, asks Catholic leaders and educators how they should respond to new challenges. The second lecture in the series, Why We Should Care, will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 5, at 4 p.m. in the Power Center Ballroom and will feature speaker Margaret O’Brien Steinfels, co-director of the Fordham Center on Religion and Culture and former editor of Commonweal Magazine.

Steinfels will lead a discussion about why leaders at Catholic colleges and universities should care about the Catholic Intellectual Tradition and how they should respond to a constantly evolving social and political culture. A respected writer, editor and commentator, Steinfels is Fordham University’s journalist-in-residence.

“This lecture is an opportunity for all of us to understand—or reconsider—what is meant by the Catholic intellectual tradition and how it can enrich every aspect of our University,” said the Rev. James McCloskey, C.S.Sp., vice president for mission and identity. “Please plan to join us as we examine issues of critical importance to Duquesne University.”

Steinfels has written and offered commentary about a variety of subjects, including family issues, bioethics, religion and politics, and foreign and domestic policy. Her work has appeared in America, Dissent, the Los Angeles Times, The Miami Herald, The New Republic, The New York Times, Slate magazine and the Washington Post Book Review.

The lecture is free for faculty, students and others who would like to attend, and a reception will follow. RSVP at universityevents@duq.edu or 412.396.5131.