Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Paul Fitzgerald, S.J. Engages With The Question: Would Humans Be Religious If They Were Never Going To Die?, Paul J. Fitzgerald S.J., Alfred Benney

Rev. Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J.

Would humans be religious if they were never going to die? Jesuit Paul Fitzgerald works to answer the question “Would we be religious if we weren’t going to die?” Understanding that that this question requires an hypothetical answer, Fitzgerald responds with a “yes” because he suggests that religion is a response to our innate calling to the divine, and not a comfort to survive our own deaths.

Paul Fitzgerald, S.J. Engages With The Question: Can You Prove The Existence Of God?, Paul J. Fitzgerald S.J., Alfred Benney

Rev. Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J.

Can you prove the existence of God? Theologian Paul Fitzgerald, S.J. suggests that rather than try to prove the existence of God, he is more interested in exploring the divine as mystery. He finds it more important to investigate the existence of love, with the understanding that God is love.

Paul Fitzgerald, S.J. Engages With The Question: How Would You Define Religion?, Paul J. Fitzgerald S.J., Alfred Benney

Rev. Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J.

How would you define religion? Theologian Paul Fitzgerald, S.J., answers the question “What is religion?” by reflecting on his own experiences with the subject. Religion, he says, is the desire to discern God in one’s own life. Religion is also the ability to see creation as it truly is, no matter how chaotic it may be, and to find God present and active in these things. With this, religion also challenges us to see the world as it should be, and to act to allow that with the help of God.

Paul Fitzgerald, S.J. Engages With The Question: Can You Comment On Catholic Social Teaching In America?, Paul J. Fitzgerald S.J., Alfred Benney

Rev. Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J.

Can you comment on Catholic Social Teaching in America? Theologian Paul Fitzgerald, S.J. discusses the advantages of being in a community of Jesuits that support one other in opposition to the overwhelming call of individualism in American society. He suggests that people thrive best and learn in relationships with each other, and this is most certainly experienced throughout the Jesuit community.

Paul Fitzgerald, S.J. Engages With The Question: What Do You Think Was The Most Important Historical Event For American Catholics In The Last Century?, Paul J. Fitzgerald S.J., Alfred Benney

Rev. Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J.

What do you think was the most important historical event for American Catholics in the last century? Jesuit Paul Fitzgerald explains how he believes World War II the most influential moment in Catholic American History. After the war, Catholics moved out of their ghettos and into the suburbs, where they mixed with Protestants and attended public schools.

Paul Fitzgerald, S.J. Engages With The Question: How Would You Explain The “Problem Of Evil”?, Paul J. Fitzgerald S.J., Alfred Benney

Rev. Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J.

How would you explain the “problem of evil”? Theologian Paul Fitzgerald, S.J. reflects on the problem of evil and suffering in the world. He attributes this problem to two outcomes that God desires: first, our constant questioning of divine providence, and secondly, the need to comfort others and do good in the midst of this suffering.

Paul Fitzgerald, S.J. Engages With The Question: What Do You Think Is The Future Of Catholic Theology?, Paul J. Fitzgerald S.J., Alfred Benney

Rev. Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J.

What do you think is the future of Catholic Theology?

Jesuit Paul Fitzgerald explains his excitement and interest in what he refers to as the next “great shift” in Catholic Theology. As the numbers of clergy decline, the laity will more and more take over the task of theological development , and the Church will certainly see changes in the way we do theology, how the sacraments are understood, and even the way Catholics address the basic questions of faith.

Paul Fitzgerald, S.J. Engages With The Question: How Do You Make The Study Of Religion Interesting To Students?, Paul J. Fitzgerald S.J., Alfred Benney

Rev. Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J.

How do you make the study of religion interesting to students? Jesuit Teacher Paul Fitzgerald discusses the most effective ways in which he has learned to teach religion. The walls of Fitzgerald’s classroom have become transparent, as he relies much on service learning. He also firmly believes in the use of one’s own faith belief in teaching and inserting a level of discomfort in the classroom to keep students intrigued.

Paul Fitzgerald, S.J. Engages With The Question: What Is The Most Important Religious Conversation In America Today?, Paul J. Fitzgerald S.J., Alfred Benney

Rev. Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J.

What is the most important religious conversation in America today?

Jesuit Paul Fitzgerald claims that the most important conversation in theology today is the dialogue between Catholicism and Eastern religions, especially Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. If Catholicism can establish dialogues with these faiths, then much will be earned in the effort towards global understanding. He uses questions of Christ’s universal message to support this.

Paul Fitzgerald, S.J. Engages With The Question: What Can You Say About The Complexities Of Teaching Religion To Undergraduates?, Paul J. Fitzgerald S.J., Alfred Benney

Rev. Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J.

What can you say about the complexities of teaching religion to undergraduates? Jesuit Paul Fitzgerald speaks about the challenges of teaching religion in a diverse classroom. While many students of other faiths often enrich the conversation and read in ways cradle Catholics have not, it is also a challenge to not offend any of the students own beliefs.

Paul Fitzgerald, S.J. Engages With The Question: What Is The Relationship Of Theological Theory To Practice?, Paul J. Fitzgerald S.J., Alfred Benney

Rev. Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J.

What is the relationship of theological theory to practice? Fr. Paul Fitzgerald, S.J. speaks of his personal project and devotion to working with people living in a very poor neighborhood in South Los Angeles. He is most captivated by the women who have transitioned to an entirely different culture, and yet motivated by their Catholic faith serve their community with great generosity.

Paul Fitzgerald, S.J. Engages With The Question: What Led You To The Jesuits And An Interest In Theology?, Paul J. Fitzgerald S.J., Alfred Benney

Rev. Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J.

What led you to the Jesuits and an interest in theology? Dr. Paul Fitzgerald, S.J. talks of his process of becoming a Jesuit – from his studies at Santa Clara University as an undergraduate, to his doctoral studies in Paris. His academic focus has been in systematic theology and the social sciences/sociology of religion.

Paul Fitzgerald, S.J. Engages With The Question: What Contribution Have The Jesuits Made To The American Church?, Paul J. Fitzgerald S.J., Alfred Benney

Rev. Paul J. Fitzgerald, S.J.

What contribution have the Jesuits made to the American Church? Jesuit Paul Fitzgerald discusses what he believes is the greatest gift of Jesuits to America, which is the ability to see God in every moment and every aspect of life in the light of Ignatius. He refers to this view of life as "hopeful realism" and Catholics ability to see the world as it is, but also in union with the divine. Fitzgerald also discusses the contribution that Jesuit Education has given to American Catholics, and how this has created an educated Church unlike ever before.