As usual, I like to respond to a friend’s writing via this vehicle, rather than bog down his comments section. So here goes.

First of all, I’m not nearly as immersed in Catholic teaching as I should be. I’ve read the Catechism only about 1.5 times in my life, and cannot actively recall the parts about violence/military. However, I do know what my stance is.

Having been educated for eight years in Jesuit institutions and continuing on to work at one for the past two years, I think it’s safe to assume that I have a farily solid grasp on the “Jesuit ideal” and what it means to “walk Ignatian.” I believe that the Jesuit order is out to promote peace and justice, and that is one reasons I support what they do. But should we go so far as to say that violence riddles the rhetoric and teachings of the entire curriculum? Granted, I do not attend Canisius. But here, *how to committ* violence is not taught.

Yes, history courses highlight wars, battles and geopolitical struggles that have seen the bloodshed of millions of innocent lives. But is this inclusion of war a recounting of past events or glorification? I say it’s story telling. I have indeed studied Ghandi’s life and work (at a Jesuit high school) as part of a historical narrative. And I’ve studied war. But the non-violent solution was the only thing actively promoted. The topic of war was covered because, well, it *happened.*

Supplementary courses at my current institution do promote peace. We are lucky enough to have a peace studies minor, and a handful of courses that teach non-violence and peaceful resistance. But it’s not a requirement.

If anything, I say to you Andy that your suggestions are indeed a bit radical (for a University to change is…well…humorous). I would say that asking faculty to highlight peace teachers where appropriate in their disciplines is sufficient…to balance the view. But mandatory peace studies courses might be too much.

And in response to Mr. Whatshisface’s (not heigtening his google score thank you) email to you, I say someone shouldn’t let emotions rule his writing. True, ROTC programs, military and police personal are essential. In fact, I believe the Catholic teaching does certainly acknowledge the need to perform our civic duties (therefore, not speaking against such professions). What this gentleman fails to note is that you’re not asking to abolish all military programs…just those at your school. Our country surely wouldn’t fall into the hands of foreign tyrants if the 20+ people in Canisius’ ROTC program didn’t graduate each year. But a peace-teaching school does not have to host such a program if it is indeed in conflict with faith teaching (again, I’m fuzzy on).

People that bleed patriotism or swing so hard to one political extreme scare me, frankly. The glorified ideal that the military is saving us from the ever-present boogeymen every night is a stretch, Mr. Whatsyourface. Perhaps it’s you who I should be afraid of when I go to bed at night.

But to Andy, I say do the peaceful, understanding thing. Turn the other cheek to those students/strangers that are attacking you. If you get harassed, thank them for illustrating those behaviors that you are pointing out. If you get threatened, accept it as proving your point. The more peaceful and courteous you are, the worse they become. Don’t play their game.

What a horrible post this is. Note to self: don’t write before caffiene in the morning.