Emotional education

The epidemic of poor mental health which has swept the Western world over recent years has left no demographic untouched.

From growing antidepressant use in over-65s and suicide rates peaking in those in their late 40s to 50% of millennials reportedly having left jobs for mental health reasons and children and adolescents manifesting with symptoms increasingly early in life, no age group is immune.

Governments have tried stemming the problem through research funding, public health initiatives and education for medical professionals and yet still the statistics continue to move in the wrong direction.

But is the global mental health crisis really a health crisis, or is it a crisis of education?

What if our international grapple with mental illness has more to do with a gap in our emotional education than a gap in our health system? What if were parking the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff, rather than getting to the roots of the problem?

In the US, more and more schools are adding social-emotional learning to the classic curriculum of language, math, science, history and geography. In the UK, too, the Department for Education has unveiled plans to make wellbeing education universal in schools by 2020.

Knowledge is power - so arming schoolchildren with the knowledge they need to manage their wellbeing feels like an appropriate response.

But what role could universities play in rewriting adult emotional education?

University students have been one of the hardest-hit demographics when it comes to their mental health - with rates of student depression, anxiety, self-harm, eating disorders and suicidal ideation continuing to surge.

The typical age range of university students also coincides unhappily with the most common age for the emergence of mental illness, with many sufferers experiencing their first symptoms between the ages of 16 and 24.

The demand for emotional education at university

At Fika, we recently conducted some research to assess the demand for emotional education from university students, as well as graduate employers.

The findings were starker than we could have expected.

97% of UK students felt they would benefit from such modules, 96% said emotional education could help reverse the student mental health crisis, 65% said it would protect them from encountering mental illness and 52% agreed it would help them better understand how to take care of themselves and each other.

Of the employers we surveyed, a staggering 99% said offering students an emotional and social education on the university curriculum would vastly improve their chances of career success. 95% said they would like to see young people arriving in the workforce with better emotional and social skills and 87% felt graduates often lack the emotional skills they need to thrive at work.

Could emotional education reduce the student mental health crisis?

Would emotional education improve students' chances of employment?

Out of a list of 19 possible attributes a graduate employee could bring to the workforce, employers ranked academic results bottom; valuing communication skills, teamwork, self-motivation and problem-solving above all else.

In the UK, university counselling services are struggling to cope with students growing demand for support.

And yet the thought of emotional education at university still seems novel

Perhaps universities, famed for their academic rigour, pursuit of intellectual growth and reputations for groundbreaking research, worry that the addition of emotional education to their offering will somehow dampen their perceived value.

But let me present you with an argument in favour of the so-called softer pursuit of emotional self-development in higher education.

The case for emotional education at university

The purpose of a university, according to Pearson, is to be the guardian of reason, inquiry and philosophical openness, as well as the enabler of social mobility - allowing people to transform their lives.

So what could be more fitting than for these great institutions of personal development, and learning for the sake of learning, to become bastions of emotional education - equipping young people for the inevitable challenges they will face as they embark on the journey to full financial, emotional and intellectual independence?

And, as the number of young people pursuing higher education globally continues to rise, dont these institutions also have a responsibility, as well as the potential, to build a brighter future for society on all levels: academically, economically and emotionally?

A once-prestigious subject vilified by modern elites

Philosopher Alain de Botton, in his book The School of Life, argues that emotional education, which for two thousand years stood as the pinnacle of literary and intellectual achievement, has been vilified by [modern] elite culture.

Its decline, he argues, is in part due to the modern university system, where an obsession with facts and accuracy took over. And yet it remains at once deeply relevant and widely neglected.

The challenge before us, says Botton, is to break down emotional intelligence into a curriculum of emotional skills. We should be ready to embark on a systematic educational programme in an area that has for too long, unfairly and painfully, seemed like a realm of intuition and luck.

He goes on: We live in a culture that refuses to foreground the idea of lifelong emotional development, not because such a script is inherently impossible, but because it hasnt taken the care to write it.

Who better to take the helm and rewrite the lives of future generations than the modern universities of today?

More here:
The Mental Health Crisis: A Crisis Of Health, Or Education? - Forbes

Kai Schwoerer

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - AUGUST 31: Morgan Mitchell of Southland looks dejected after conceding a try during the round 4 Mitre 10 Cup match between Canterbury and Southland at Orangetheory Stadium on August 31, 2019 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)

It was a big nightfor the Mitchell familyat the 2019 RugbySouthland end of the year awards evening on Monday.

Tight-head prop Morgan Mitchellwas named the Stags player of the year after what was his best season yetat Mitre 10 Cup level after first playing for Southland in 2015.

He played his 50th game for the Stags in Southland's last game of the 2019 seasonlast week against Bay of Plenty.

Kerry Marshall

Brayden Mitchell in action for the Southland Stags against Hawke's Bay in the 2019 Mitre 10 Cup.

After many seasons of being in and out of the starting line up, Mitchell owned the Southland No 3 jersey this year where hewas thecornerstoneof the Stags scrum and his work rate in defence was alsoimmense.

READ MORE:* Kiwi rugby coach Brad Mooar makes winning start to European coaching career * Mitre 10 Cup: Northland belt Otago in Whangarei to avoid wooden spoon* Mitre 10 Cup: Bay of Plenty move top of the Championship after overcoming Southland

His older brotherBraydenwas also honoured on Monday night when he picked up the Rugby SouthlandSupportersClub player of the year honour.

As as well as the Supporters Club awardBraydenwas also name the Stagsplayer's player of the year.

Braydenstarted the season as one of three hookers in the Stags set up but a re-occurring neck injury sidelined him.

Giventheinjury hindered him,both in terms of scrummaging andlineout throwing, he put his hand up to return for the Stags in the loose forwards rather than thefront row.

He impressed on the blindsideflank whileplaying for Southland B before coach Dave Hewett gaveBraydenhisshot at playing on the blindside flank.

The Stags co-captainwas akey figure in adding some steel to the Southland defence during the back half of the season.

AWARD WINNERS

JontyCarranTrophy (most promising under-16 player): Caleb Williams

Under 16 player of the year: Will Stodart

Under-18 player of the year: Cameron Millar/Aleki Saili

Under 19 player of the year: Morgan Riordan

Most improved referee: Jason McMath

Under 18 women'smost promising player: Teilah Templeton

Under 18 women's player of the year: Karlee Cruickshank

Most Promising women's player: Sarah Graham

Women's player of the year: Krishanee Tamou

Southland Country player of the year: Lachie McCall

Southland B player of the year: Ryan Carter

Women's sevens player of the year:Amy du Plessis

Men's sevens player of the year: Leigh Bristowe

Ack Soper Shield player of the year: Sam Brame

Bill Foster Trophy (most improved club team): Midlands

Coach of the year:RogerBuckingham (Tokanui)

Supporters Club most promising player: Charles Alaimalo

Supporters Club player of the year: Brayden Mitchell

Stags personal development award: Josh Moorby

Rookie of the year: Josh Moorby

Most improved back: Raymond Nu'u

Most improved forward: Mike McKee

Stags player's player of the year: Brayden Mitchell

Stags player of the year: Morgan Mitchell

Read this article:
Mitchell family claims big prizes at Southland rugby awards - Stuff.co.nz

Photo: Dragonfly Art Cottage

From arts and crafts to dance, music and theatre, the juniors will love these 10 artsy joints in the Klang Valley

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Founded by prolific choreographer and dancer Shirena Hamzah, this vibrant dance academy just celebrated its 20th anniversary with a record-breaking concert in July 2019.

Dancesteps Studio offers classes in genres of ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop and contemporary, taught by trainers qualified by the Royal Academy Of Dance and The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing.

Find it at: 20, Jalan Solaris 5, Solaris Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur | 03-6211 1753

This enrichment centre in Bangsar uses a specialised 'EduDrama' approach, teaching kids to be better communicators through the use of drama, role play and imaginary play.

Related: 8 Eco-Friendly International Schools In Malaysia

Julia Gabriel Centre's partnership with Trinity College London means that your budding thespians aged 6 years old and above will be able to attain speech and drama qualifications from TCL upon completing the programmes at this centre.

Find it at: 123, Jalan Bukit Pantai, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur | 03-2095 5500

The Actors Studio Academy @klpac (or The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre) offers classes in acting, directing, writing, dancing, singing and even gamelan for both children and adults, along with special masterclasses and workshops from visiting artistes.

Interestingly, The Actors Studio's 30th anniversary in 2019 has seen an exciting slew of productions and training sessions, some of which have been conducted by TAS founders themselves, Dato Faridah Merican and Joe Hasham OAM.

Find it at: The Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre, Sentul Park, Jalan Strachan, off Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Kuala Lumpur | 03-4047 9063

Do creativity and self-confidence go hand-in-hand? The artsy folks at Dragonfly Art Cottage believe so.

See also: 18 Asian Artists To Follow On Instagram

Founded by Joy Chong, this arts centre equips kids with visual arts skills like including painting, drawing, clay craft, up-cycling and much more, operating on the belief that art is a springboard for learning other subjects.

Find it at: 221, Jalan Maarof, Bukit Bandaraya, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur | 012-3967047 (Joy Chong)

Performing arts workshops, master classes and a chance to interact with renowned artistes visiting from around the world: adults and kids alike can learn much in just one weekend at the Damansara Performing Arts Centre.

Related: Datin Jane Lew, CEO of Damansara Performing Arts Centre, on dancing to her own tune

Find it at: H-01, Empire Damansara, Jalan PJU 8/8, Damansara Perdana, Petaling Jaya, Selangor | 03-4065 0001

Conducted in a bright, cheerfully decorated space, classes at My Art Studio encourages kids to use visual art as a form of self-expression and a tool for psychological and emotional development.

See also: American Kids Give Malaysian Food The Thumbs Up, Especially Apam Balik

The courses offered here the children's graphic art course, for instance are based upon art concepts introduced by Dr. Frank Cizek and Viktor Lowenfeld of Pennsylvania State University.

Find it at: 10, Jalan Haji Abdul Karim 29/KS2, Sungai Jati Industry Park, Klang, Selangor | 014-333 0941

Social skills, emotional intelligence, creativity: these are just some of the crucial skills that MuzArt's Heuristic Creative Art curriculum aims to develop in young learners, using art and music as holistic platforms of learning and offering individualised strategies to help students of varying levels of ability.

Related: Malaysia Tatler's Guide To Best International Schools In Malaysia

Find it at: M-1-16, Block M Plaza Damas, 60, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Taman Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur | 016-681 9696

A theatre company founded by Malaysian singer, actor, and director Shanthini Venugopal, The Jumping JellyBeans offers workshops and classes in speech, drama and creative storytelling.

While Shanthini and other Jumping JellyBeans facilitators often collaborate with other institutions to conduct workshops at schools, community centres and performing arts hubs like the Damansara Performing Arts Centre and Ruang By Think City, they also work to inspire an appreciation of the arts in special needs children and underprivileged students.

Find it at: Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur

Beyond just teaching kids to ace music exams and collect certificates, the British Academy of Performing Arts aims to ignite in students a passion for the performing arts, offering them a solid education facilitated by teachers hailing from some of the world's finest universities and music conservatories.

Find it at: A01-10, Sunway Nexis Mall, 1, Jalan PJU 5/1, Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya, Selangor | 03-7624 4740

Touted as a learning and recreational activity centre for all ages, Lara's Place offers personal development programmes, character-building holiday workshops, fitness classes and fun day trips.

A unique range of classes are offered here, from belly dancing and Latin dance to jewellery-making, kickboxing and kung fu.

Find it at: 26, Jalan 19/31, Petaling Jaya, Selangor | 03-7956 8768

Related: These Kid-Friendly Spas In The Klang Valley Will Make Your Little One's Day

Link:
Best Places In The Klang Valley For Kids Who Love The Arts - Malaysia Tatler

What explains Peter Pan Syndrome?

Psychologist Dan Riley coined the term Peter Pan Syndrome in his attempt to explore and explain the behaviors of these men who refuse to grow up. And while Peter Pan Syndrome is commonly attributed to men, Connie Omari, a licensed professional counselor and owner of Tech Talk Therapy, explains that the way many of us have grown up may have opened doors for both genders to suffer from this particular syndrome (which would explain why so many Peter Pans grace the small screen).

"When Dr Kiley wrote his book ... he was attempting to address a cluster of symptoms or behaviors that he noticed in some of the clients he worked with. He came up with his list of traits in order to try to define these behaviors as a syndrome so it could be better recognized and treated," says Brandon. "Unfortunately, his attempt to address these problematic traits in some individuals has become part of popular culture and a way of labeling individuals as immature or as people to avoid in relationships. I think this is unfortunate because it is stigmatizing and like all problematic behaviors, it arises as a means of coping with other difficult emotional wounds or problems."

What wounds or problems are they coping with exactly? Omari points out that many parents attempts to make their kids' lives better may have "left many of them feeling unprepared, and even, incapable of truly taking responsibility for their actions."

Dr. Rick Capaldi, Ph.D, a family therapist practicing in Nevada, echoes this sentiment, explaining that the amount of freedom, responsibility and accountability we're given during childhood has a direct impact on how we behave as adults. "If the direction and reasonable support by significant adults for embracing risk is not present, and excuses are consistently made for an individuals poor or childlike behavior, parents create a child whos helpless and risk avoidant, lowering their expectations and rewarding childishness versus maturity and growth," he says. "As the child grows into adulthood with a lack of a sense of accomplishment, pride, confidence and the ability and willingness to embrace risk and opportunity, they shy away from challenges. The long-term results for them, as well as those individuals they connect with, can be devastating, establishing a lifetime of dissatisfaction for all involved."

Some Peter Pans may exhibit traits or features of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, but they don't typically meet the full criteria for the disorder, says Brandon. "These symptoms or traits seem to stem from a deeper woundedness that occurred during their development. The symptoms are often masked with humor or confidence in an attempt of the persons ego to protect them from having to experience the associated negative feelings from past issues."

Cathy Hayes, a 43-year-old marketing and public relations director based in Florida, had been dating her boyfriend for about five months when she started to see a pattern emerge. "He was 40, never married, no kids. Smart, tons of fun and a nice guy. But completely clueless when it comes to relationships or how to date," she says.

Being a novice in the chivalry category is one thing, but as time went on, Cathy found herself acting more like a parent than a girlfriend. "It started to get irritating when he would come back to my house and just stay, making himself comfortable," she says. "Hed ask for back rubs and eat my kid's Lucky Charms. The more I gave, the less he did. I would even have to drive him home the next day! It was like adding a separate carpool to my to-do list."

His communication with her was also sporadic; Hayes never knew where things stood or when she'd see him next. "He would go days without communicating and then just pop up out of nowhere," she says. "Not once in five months did he ever tell me how he felt about me as a person or try to have a conversation about where things were or were not going with us. I felt like we were just friends who would make out on occasion."

The lack of communication, commitment avoidance and childlike behavior Hayes describes are all hallmarks of a so-called Peter Pan. But is there hope that he can change?

As Jax Taylor recently proved by finally tying the knot with long-term love interest and "Vanderpump Rules" co-star Brittany Cartwright, someone with Peter Pan Syndrome can change if and when he wants to.

"Sadly, a person with this syndrome often has no desire or reason to change if the current partner is truly fed up, the next 'supporter' is often waiting just around the corner," says Manly.

While it can vary, Manly says negative occurrences can sometimes snap those suffering from this syndrome into action. Loss, whether death of a family member or end of a relationship, can make us step back to assess our lives, she explains. When a Peter Pan loses a relationship as a result of self-indulgent or immature ways, the loss may be significant enough to trigger change. In the same way, if a Peter Pan loses a parent who was an idol or strong life force, that loss can trigger a life reassessment. Even losing a job as a result of not showing up or giving insufficient effort can if the loss is serious enough trigger change.

To know for sure, Manly suggests talking to them about how you feel and where you stand, which can help you move on or move forward based on their reaction. "The subject can be approached openly and honestly but with a bit of delicacy," Manly says. "For example, a partner might say, 'I love your sweet, boyish side, and I care about you so much. Still, I feel hurt and disrespected as it feels like Im carrying the financial load and key responsibilities in the relationship. Its important for us to address this, and Id like us to see a therapist together.' If the partner is unwilling to move forward, the choices are sad, but clear accept what is present or move forward on your own."

As for Hayes' Peter Pan? "We spent the weekend before last together, I drove him home, and havent heard from him since," she says. "My advice to anyone in this situation is to realize you cannot change them. If you choose to stay in it, you need to accept that this person is just not capable of anything more. I enjoy spending time and having fun with someone, but an adult relationship requires adult behavior."

Want more tips like these? NBC News BETTER is obsessed with finding easier, healthier and smarter ways to live. Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Are you in a relationship with 'Peter Pan'? Here's how to tell - NBC News

Playing sports has the added benefit of occupying public spaces, which helps break taboos

KOLKATA: You are in the ring and you are your own responsibility, boxing teaches you that. Your entire body is exhausted but you have to stay focused. You get distracted by the crowds of people around you but you have to obey the referee, says Razia Shabnam, Indias first international boxing referee and coach who is a woman.

Shabnam has spent the last nine years training the girls of Soma Homes, an NGO that provides shelter to young children at risk of human trafficking and forced sex work due to a lack of income and educational opportunities.

Having travelled the world to preside over numerous boxing tournaments, Shabnam believes sports can help young girls achieve self-actualisation through discipline, responsibility and accountability.

The therapeutic benefits of sports are slowly being recognised worldwide, especially for children. Shabnam states that boxing has helped her girls break out of their shells, and taught them valuable lessons in self-preservation and responsibility.

Razia Shabnam, Indias first female international boxing coach and referee

Shabnam has been training young girls of Soma Homes, Kolkata since 2011

Shabnams foray into the world of boxing began with her fathers encouragement and support. Born in Kolkata, she faced many challenges in her journey to becoming Indias first woman boxing coach. The daughter of a wrestler and sister of a boxer, Shabnam says her father and husband have always supported her decisions. However, it was her community that voiced their objections the most.

The recent film Burqa Boxers by Alka Raghuram features the lives of Razia Shabnam and three young women, Parveen Sajda (24), Taslima Khatoon (16) and Ajmira Khatoon (16) as they fight social, religious and economic hurdles in order to pursue their passion. The film highlights the struggles of female boxers while simultaneously revealing how the sport is being used to empower young girls.

The girls of Soma Homes hold their stance during a session

Boxing training has helped the girls learn lessons in discipline and accountability

Many women are fighting the gender stereotypes that prevail in this sport dominated by men. They recognise boxing not only as a stepping stone to a better life but also as a form of self-defence. Today, boxing has become an attractive and entertaining sport for viewers with athletes such as Mary Kom, Sonia Chauhan, and emerging boxing star Nikhat Zareen winning medals and earning accolades.

Society believes that there are certain roles and jobs that only men can do. A woman is meant to take care of the house while men go out to work. This is the biggest challenge I have faced, to show people that women are as capable physically to take on roles that are seen as masculine, Shabnam says.

Female athletes and their efforts to remove gender barriers have also placed many in the list of renowned referees and coaches. I have always received positive support from my coaches but having a female coach would have helped lessen the psychological reservations female athletes have when being trained by male coaches, says Shabnam.

It is with this determination that she now spends her time coaching girls and young women at Soma Homes.

Shabnam helps correct a trainees stance during a session

The girls are guided through their daily exercise routine

Soma Homes, a residential facility for young girls at risk, was started in 2005 by New Light, a Kolkata based NGO founded by Urmi Basu. New Light has been operating in areas that are also home to many of the citys redlight districts. The NGO provides nutritional support and helps educate and empower children and women to escape the limitations and risks of sex work.

With more than six shelters and schools, Basu joined hands with Shabnam to provide recreational activities such as boxing as another tool to empower the young girls of Soma Homes.

Basu, awarded the Nari Shakti Puraskar for her work with New Light, highlighted the importance of education for young children at risk as well as the significance of discipline combined with fun in teaching the children about responsibility.

New Light organises workshops to introduce young children to sports as a means of encouraging personal development and keeping them off the streets. Many go on to represent the country and win medals at national boxing tournaments such as Taslima Khatoon of Burqa Boxers, who was awarded a silver medal.

Training in session

Morning stretches are a part of the girls daily routine

The girls complete their early morning run under the watchful eye of Shabnam

On most days Shabnam trains the children to be athletic and fit. She agrees that not every girl has a knack for boxing, but says it is equally important to develop physical fitness and health.

Playing sports has the added benefit of occupying public spaces, which helps break taboos that surround sex workers and their children. Seeing Shabnam coach the girls every morning for over nine years, the morning walkers are familiar with them, occasionally waving at the girls as they complete their run. Neighbours also greet Shabnam a good morning as she walks around the park keeping an eye on the children.

Shabnam greets a regular passer-by during a session

The girls of Soma Homes

Some of the girls being trained by Shabnam aspire to teach other children to box one day, as their training has helped increase their confidence and made them feel stronger and more positive, both internally and in their outlook towards life.

Shabnams batch of trainees from Soma Homes

More here:
In Pictures: Boxing Helps Girls Break Stereotypes and Gain Confidence - The Citizen

In the 2019/2020 winter semester the University of Freiburgs Studium Generale is once again putting on a range of lecture series, panel discussions, readings, concerts and courses offering students, teachers and members of the public an interdisciplinary insight into various fields of knowledge.

This winter, the Saturday Uni will be looking at questions such as What does education mean today? What ideas and cultural convictions are at work in this concept? What is the state of educational opportunities in Germany? Speakers such as Aleida Assmann, last year winner of the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade, Jrgen Kaube, publisher of the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, and Prof. Dr. Peter-Andr Alt, President of the German Rectors Conference, will be answering these and other questions. Events will begin on Saturday 26 October 2019, at 11:15 with the lecture Bildung im Wissenschaftszeitalter: Die Vorsokratiker und die moderne Physik (Education in the scientific age: the pre-Socratics and modern physics) by Prof. Dr. Josef Honerkamp from the University of Freiburgs Institute of Physics.

Some familiar Studium Generale lecture series will also be returning this winter semester, including the dialogue format Bcher, ber die man spricht (Books people talk about) and Gesprche ber aktuelle Inszenierungen (Discussing contemporary staging). In addition the program will include new opportunities to broaden horizons and gain insight into different specializations. For instance, the Nietzsches Philosophien (Nietzsches philosophies) lecture series considers the thoughts of Friedrich Nietzsche, his interaction with other philosophers and his influence on the modern age from different perspectives. And in the freiburg.archologie (Freiburg archaeology) series, which will be held in cooperation with Baden-Wrttembergs museums and the state office for the preservation of monuments in parallel with an exhibition of the same name, enthusiasts can join in with the 900th anniversary of the city and enter into a dialogue with experts in the archaeology of Freiburg.

At the same time, with its individual lectures and lecture series, panel discussions, debates, film series and guided tours, the sister program Colloquium Politicum will also offer plenty of opportunity to consider fundamental questions of German and international politics as well as contemporary economic and social problems.

Program of the Studium Generale

Program of the Colloquium Politicum

Read more:
Educational Opportunities, Nietzsche and Archaeology of Freiburg - Mirage News

I first came across the name John Henry Newman in primary school. The hymns Firmly I Believe and Truly and Praise to the Holiest were often sung at our school Masses. Later when I was in secondary school I read his Apologia and The Idea of a University. At that time I understood that he was a very significant Victorian figure. I only came to appreciate that he is moreover an original theological thinker of great magnitude when I started to read German theology. The Germans love Newman!

Joseph Ratzinger described Newman as one of the heroes for his generation of seminarians. Newmans most significant publications, including the Grammar of Assent and Essay on the Development of Doctrine, were translated into German by Theodor Haecker, who was a friend of Hans and Sophie Scholl, the martyrs of the White Rose movement. It was actually Newmans work on conscience that inspired the White Rose students to resist the Nazis. Gottlieb Shngen, who was the young

Fr Ratzingers doctoral supervisor, wrote: Newman inspired us Germans as if he were one of ours and as if he had written especially for us, without this taking anything from his significance for the Christianity of England and the rest of the world. Ratzinger wrote: Newman taught us to think historically in theology; his teaching on conscience became an important foundation for theological personalism; and it was from Newman that we learned to understand the primacy of the pope.

For Newman, the pope was not an absolute monarch or dictator, but someone more like a constitutional monarch whose actions and judgments were circumscribed by a constitution. But in this case the constitution was Scripture and Tradition. Ratzinger also praised Newman for understanding the importance of doctrine. That is, as he expressed the principle: Christianity is based on the objectivity of dogma. It was precisely Newmans arrival at this conclusion that necessitated his break from Protestantism.

With his idea of conscience, Newman made a significant contribution to moral theology; with his treatment of the papacy, he developed a major topic in ecclesiology and helped to protect Catholics from embarrassing maximalist interpretations of the doctrine of papal infallibility. With his work on the development of doctrine, especially his criteria for distinguishing legitimate from illegitimate doctrinal developments, Newman addressed a contemporary hot issue in dogmatic theology, allowing that history plays a role in doctrinal development without jettisoning tradition and landing Catholics in the ditch of historical relativism.

Newman also made significant contributions to the field of theological anthropology with his emphasis on the importance of a pure heart for the love and reason relationship, and with his treatment of the illative sense (a mental faculty similar to intuition) in the faith and reason relationship. He also highlighted the place of the human imagination in spiritual development. The imagination had been a much neglected faculty of the human soul. Over the Christian centuries the intellect and will tended to get the lions share of academic analysis, but Newman understood the power of what is today called mythopoesis. There could be no CS Lewis or JRR Tolkien without a highly developed Christian imagination.

Newman also paid due attention to the heart as the site of the integration of all the souls faculties. Although some might assert that the heart is simply an organ that pumps blood around the body, what Newman called the heart was the place of integration within the human soul.

Just as some faculties of the soul are often over-looked, some transcendental properties of being (truth, goodness, beauty) can be neglected. Here too Newman was on to the problem and clearly understood the inter-relationship of all three and the indispensable importance of beauty in the liturgical context. He quite passionately opposed all forms of philistinism.

In many ways, but perhaps above all in his defence of beauty, and in his quest to integrate history into theology without falling into historical relativism, Newman was a precursor to two of the biggest names in 20th century Catholic theology: Hans Urs von Balthasar and Joseph Ratzinger. Like them he believed in the timelessness of truth.

Newman can also be read as an intellectual antidote to Nietzsche. As Shngen noted, Newman understood the problem of an ethical atheism. He understood that contemporary atheism had become a dogma, that is, a lived reality of which one is convinced and for which one is willing to die. Newman grasped that one cannot defeat this kind of atheism with logic, only with a counter-narrative, a counter-theological anthropology, a counter-Christian humanism that is more intoxicating than anything else on offer in the intellectual salons (and today one would add, in the pop culture magazines).

For all of these reasons and more, this Victorian saint is a Doctor of the Church for the postmodern 21st century.

Professor Tracey Rowland is the St John Paul II Chair in Theology at the University of Notre Dame (Australia)

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Newman is the antidote to Nietzsche - Catholic Herald Online

1. This Day in History: In 1917, infamous spy Mata Hari was executed by a firing squad outside Paris. Read more about her on Page A3.

2. Evergreen UMC Fall Luncheon and Bazaar: 10:30a.m. to 1:30p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. Homemade soup and BBQ will be available for $8, includes pie and beverage. Freshly made donuts, Grandmas Attic, Grandmas Pantry, along with crafts/sewing, will also be available.

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3. Author Meet and Greet: Author Jana Berndt (Finding Norm) will be at Dakota Coffee from 9-11a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19.

4. Todays Birthdays include philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900); The Godfather author Mario Puzo (1920-1999); automobile executive Lee Iacocca (1924-); Alice star Linda Lavin (1937-); actress-director Penny Marshall (1943-2018) and chef Emeril Lagasse (1959-)

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4 Things To Know - Wahpeton Daily News

He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you. Friedrich Nietzsche

A beautiful thing happened on Wednesday night: The Washington Nationals won a playoff series, advancing to the NLCS for the first time since the franchise relocated to the nations capital in 2005. It was one of those tragicomic playoff curses that seemed impossible to quash, like the Toronto Raptors repeatedly getting spanked by LeBron James after buying into their own hype machine and DeMar DeRozans midrange game. Well, we know how the Raptors season endedand its only fitting that the Nationals breakthrough came during a season when the team barely scraped into the postseason at all. The Nats euphoria was a reminder that, simply, life can be surprisingly good sometimes. Leave it to The Masked Singer to bring me back down to earth.

Thankfully, I DVRd the singing competition so I could watch Clayton Kershaw implode for the umpteenth timebut Thursday morning, the costumed reckoning awaited me. Even though it feels like Ive been covering the second season of the show since the dawn of the millennium, we aresomehow, through alchemical means perhaps?only on Episode 3. The final four contestants whod yet to perform made their debuts this week: the Eagle, the Flower, the Penguin, and the Fox, with one elimination in the cards. (At which point the remaining contestants will hopefully compete in a Hell in a Cellstyle showdownand, sorry, I keep getting distracted by the show endlessly promoting WWEs SmackDown, but theres serious crossover potential here.)

At one point, host Nick Cannon said The Masked Singer is all pleasure and absolutely no guilt, which, aside from being a strange and unnecessary admission, didnt ring true. Let me explain: When the contestants are introduced for the first time, a graphic pops up displaying their strengths and weaknesseswhich is typically a play on the costume the anonymous celebrity is wearing, not an actual clue to their identities. This week, the weaknesses shown for the Eagle and Penguin both referred to climate change.

The Masked Singer is either attempting gallows humor, or hoping a reminder that were rapidly killing our planet and the amazing creatures that inhabit it will serve as a call to action when were not trying to figure out whether a masked penguin is actually Raven-Symon.

Watching this and nearly having an existential crisis, I felt like Ethan Hawkes character from First Reformed, and briefly considered mixing together a Pepto-whiskey cocktail. Is this really the best way to engage in climate change discourse, with animal jokes on a dystopian singing competition? Perhaps not, but to quote my man, well, somebody has to do something! (Sidebar: Ethan Hawke should appear this season as a guest judge, but only if hes in character as the priest.)

Elsewhereas usualthe actual judges panel of Robin Thicke, anti-vaxxer Jenny McCarthy, Ken Jeong, and Nicole Scherzinger continued with a stream of questionable guesses for the contestants. The best among them: positing that the Flower could be Mariah Carey. Disregarding the fact she wouldnt be caught dead putting on a mask and singing for these plebes, it would be hilarious if the Masked Singer producers actually did this to Nick Cannon. (He and Carey were once married.) Imagine the Flower getting eliminated and Cannon having to be like, ITS my ex-wife Alas, The Masked Singer is not Nick Cannons personal hell. It is mine.

The judges have also gone a little pun-crazy this season; after the Flower performed some Dolly Parton, Scherzinger said the performance was heavy petal. That pun should be tried at the Hague; furthermore, it was a Dolly Parton song, not fucking Avenged Sevenfold. If the Flower smashed a guitar while singing Bat Country, you [Bane voice] have my permission to say heavy petal. Clearly, Ken Jeongs cringey humor is having some effect on the rest of the panel, and the solution is to get rid of himand also Jenny McCarthy, because anti-vaxxers dont deserve any kind of platform, and Jenny, listen, we dont give a shit that youre married to the Wahlberg from Blue Bloods.

When it came down to the smackdown elimination showdown, the Penguin bested the Eagle, which I also had some issues with. The Penguins vocals seem, well, Auto-Tune-y. The Eagle is by no means a professional singer, but he had a soulfulness to his voice that rang authentic. Alas, the Penguin had more physical theatricsand that seemed to woo the judges, who vote on the smackdown instead of the audience. Its probably not a good sign that the judges can be swayed by stage presence more than vocalsthen again, as Nietzsche might say were he forced to watch any of this, nothing matters. So the Eagle was unmaskedand after lots of clues implying hes worked alongside rock stars, he was revealed to be Dr. Drew Pinsky of Celebrity Rehab and Loveline.

McCarthy got closest of any of the judges by guessing that the Eagle was Adam Carolla, who was Dr. Drews former Loveline cohost. Thankfully, it wasnt Carollahe also doesnt deserve a platform, and Im sure his singing voice sounds like a frog choking on peanut butter. Ill say this for Dr. Drew: He wouldnt be mistaken for a rock star, but he wasnt all that bad of a singer, either. I take some solace in thatand in the fact that every week The Masked Singer is on the air means one fewer week until our national nightmare is over. Until 2020, at least.

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And This Week, the Masked Singer on The Masked Singer Is ... - The Ringer

Professor Emeritis Cornel West GS 80 and Professor Robert P. George speak on truth seeking.

Two renowned University-affiliated academics from opposite ends of the political spectrum came together in a talk to agree on what they see as the fundamental role of academia truth-seeking and open inquiry. McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence Robert P. George and Class of 1943 University Professor of African American Studies, Emeritus Cornel West GS 80 spoke at an event titled The Spirit of Truth-Seeking on Friday night.

The event took place during First-year Families Weekend and was sponsored by the James Madison Program as part of the University Humanities Councils Being Human festival. The talk took place in McCosh Hall 50 on Oct. 11, at 7 p.m.

University President Christopher Eisgruber 83 began the discussion with an introduction of the speakers and an opening statement in which he accentuated the value of truth-seeking at the University.

Tonights discussion addresses a topic truth-seeking that resides at the heart of this university, and indeed, at the center of any research university worthy of the name, said Eisgruber.

Eisgruber quoted James Peebles GS 62, the Albert Einstein Professor Emeritus of Science and a recent co-recipient of the 2019 Nobel Prize in Physics.

At his press conference on Tuesday, Professor Peebles said he hoped for many years that his theory was wrong, stated Eisgruber. He kept formulating alternative theories that might deepen our understanding of the cosmos by disproving the theory that eventually won him the Nobel Prize.

The spirit of truth-seeking is first a spirit of humility, George emphasized at the beginning of the dialogue. Its a spirit that recognizes ones own fallibility, that whatever ones convictions, beliefs, or judgments, they are fallible.

George affirmed some values that he believed to be essential for a research university.

For universities to be true to their truth-seeking mission, it is critical that they understand and that they be strict in their adherence to academic integrity and academic freedom, George asserted.

More important than the material benefits that a student can obtain with a degree from the University, according to George, is the examined life that can be offered to students.

You have here the opportunity to consider the best that has been thought and said, to consider the best arguments on competing sides, and to go for the big questions, George stated.

West highlighted that new students are becoming a part of the tradition of intellectual inquiry at the University.

You are in for magnificent joy, not just pleasure, West said to the first-year students. But most importantly, you are here to be thoroughly unsettled.

Continuing, West discussed what the concept of learning entails, morally and spiritually.

Deep education is about what [George] and I talk about ... students come in to learn how to die, said West. Students come in to learn how to die in order to learn how to live!

Reaffirming Georges point on ones fallibility, West proclaimed the importance of self-examination.

Nietzsche was right, its not just about having the courage of ones conviction, said West. Its the question of having the courage to attack ones conviction.

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George and West GS '80 discuss open-minded intellectual inquiry - The Daily Princetonian