Bishop Williamson's column -
(July 24, 2010) : "UNIVERSITY" WASTELAND.
Several years ago when I wrote
that girls should not go to university, a number of readers were
shocked.
But when I listen today to a young Professor who recently spent six
years teaching English Literature in an English "university" (not
the same thing as a true university!), it seems I should add that boys
should not go either. Or they should at least think very hard
before going, and their parents should think very hard before
shelling out the expensive fees. Here, in order, is what the Professor
observed, what he sees as its causes, and what he sees as its remedies.
In the "university"
where he taught, he observed no pursuit of truth nor education for
truth.
"Language is a game independent of reality, producing its own artefacts.
The students are made to feel that everything is relative, there are
no standards, values, nor moral framework nor moral reference. The
sciences
are infected with an evolutionism which opposes "science" to religion.
The "Humanities" are degraded by a Freudian interpretation making
everything centre on s-x. Professors tell students to have a s-x life
because "it is good for them". These "universities" advertize
their night life, and almost praise the sin against nature. They are
utterly s-xualized.
"As for the professors, many
recognize that there is a deep-down problem, but many continue to play
the game. They are all Marxizing, if not Marxists. They teach as though
all authority is stifling, all tradition oppressive. Evolution rules.
As for the students, many more of them than one would think are yearning
for something, but they are no longer looking to their "university"
for truth. If they want a "Degree", it is only to get a job, and
if they seek a good "Degree", it is only to get a better-paying
job. Rarely will they discuss ideas."
So what are the CAUSES of the
university being turned into such a purely utilitarian processor of
information to serve the established system ? The Professor says,
" The basic cause is the loss of God, resulting from several centuries
of war on the Incarnation. Then education no longer means providing
a truth or morality to live by, but rather developing one's potential
to be different and better than anyone else. Into the vacuum left by
Truth moves pop culture and the Frankfurt School, with their liberation
from all authority. Into the vacuum left by God moves the State, which
sees "universities" as a source of technocrats and engineers. Absolutes
are of no interest, except one: absolute skepticism."
As for the REMEDIES the
Professor says, "These "universities" can hardly get out of the
trap they have fallen into. To learn something genuinely useful a boy
is better off at home, or talking to priests or going on a Retreat.
Faithful Catholics must do things for themselves, and band together
to re-build institutions of their own, starting maybe with summer
schools.
The Humanities must be restored, because they deal with the basics of
human existence, what is right, good and true. The natural sciences,
specific and derivative, must remain secondary. They cannot take
priority
of the Humanities. Let parents send their boys to these "universities"
to get a job, but not to learn anything truly useful."
"The loss of God" - all is said.
Kyrie eleison.