Some quick (simple) advice?

[mattkubes]

I was just in a microbiology lecture where a professor, of all things, went off on a story about how the Catholic Church invented its doctrine of Transubstantiation in the 1500s…something about red bacterial colonies probably growing on some blessed hosts in a damp monastery. He also mentioned that “this was not a belief of the early church.”

I know the position of the Church and I’m prepared to defend it, but do you think it’s worth contacting him about this misrepresentation of history? It seems like the damage has already been done…uch:

And that’s the story of my bizarre morning. Just thought I should come here and share.

 

[mattkubes]

And for the record, this is not a Catholic university, although I’m not sure if that would surprise anyone these days.

 

[Scoobyshme]

Matt, I would definitely defend our doctrines, albeit in a charitable manner. I would bring up the quotes from the Early Church Fathers, who lived long, long before the 1500’s, showing that the Church believed in the Real Presence, etc., then ask him how this could be. His only two responses, I think, could be 1) we made up the Early Church father’s quotes after 1500, in which case you could ask him for proof/documentation that this happened, or 2) he could admit he was wrong (highly doubtful if he’s like most college professors).

Or, maybe a third, he could just kick you out of class if he’s overly egotistical, and not address the problem at all.

In any case, it’s not just him, but those naive students who may believe him who need to hear the truth.

 

[mattkubes]

Yeah that’s what I’m leaning towards. I mean even a cursory reading of St Thomas Aquinas (13th century) disproves at least the date portion of his “argument.”

Part of the problem is that the lecture is videoconferenced so I wasn’t actually in the room with him - so it would have to be through e-mail and it’s obviously after-the-fact at this point! I just don’t see why this needed to be used as an example in a microbiology lecture haha.

 

[mardukm]

Dear brother Matt,

Yeah that’s what I’m leaning towards. I mean even a cursory reading of St Thomas Aquinas (13th century) disproves at least the date portion of his “argument.”

Part of the problem is that the lecture is videoconferenced so I wasn’t actually in the room with him - so it would have to be through e-mail and it’s obviously after-the-fact at this point! I just don’t see why this needed to be used as an example in a microbiology lecture haha.

The Miracle of Lanciano occurred in the 8th century.

therealpresence.org/eucharst/mir/lanciano.html

Blessings

 

[mattkubes]

Dear brother Matt,
The Miracle of Lanciano occurred in the 8th century.
therealpresence.org/eucharst/mir/lanciano.html
Blessings

Well that’s a nice link to have too!

It’s odd - he specifically mentioned small red spots appearing on a few ‘leftover’ hosts - to be honest, I think someone made the story up, because it’s not ringing any bells and a bit of searching hasn’t revealed anything.

Anyways, I have the letter composed…now I’m just on a search for his email address! Haha it’s always something…

Thanks for your help, Scooby and Mardukm

 

[francesj]

maybe he should have to document that teaching of his since it could be controversial if untrue…or enlightening if true…

 

[I_Fortuna]

Personally, I would refute anything I thought was wrong in class but I would have the documentation from legitimate sources to back it up. In fact, at the time of the statement, I would have asked where he got the info and asked for documentation to back up his statement or references.

If you can do this, point out the error to the professor and ask for a retraction and a correction of the misrepresentation of fact. Ask him to set aside 5 minutes of class time to admit to his error and offer the correct information. If he or she is an honest person, they will gladly oblige.
If they don’t, print out and show them this message.

Be sure you have all your documenation to present otherwise you may end up looking foolish.

As an art teacher, I have had students try to correct me. I would then refer them to documentation and an example of why my teaching was correct.

It is the professor’s classroom but you have the right to question and set the record straight by evidence you procure.

 

[I_Fortuna]

I would just like to add that I don’t like video conferencing. It is a cowardly way to teach that does not allow for refutation or challenge of ideas and information presented as fact that may not be fact.

This professor probably does not like to be challenged face to face which is the ideal setting and how classes were meant to be conducted originally.

I would definitely bring this to the attention of the authorities at the school if he does not present proper documentation and retract erroneous teachings. He has lessened his credibility already with misinformation and may have his own personal agenda for spreading more untruths.

Personally, I would like to see where he got his information and if it is from a reliable source.

 

[curlycool89]

I was just in a microbiology lecture where a professor, of all things, went off on a story about how the Catholic Church invented its doctrine of Transubstantiation in the 1500s

Well, the word Transubstantiation was defined at the Council of Trent in the 1500s. Before then, and continuing now in the Eastern tradition, it was/is just the Mystery. It’s from the Western, more scientifically engrained, tradition that we got Transubstantiation.

The process is not really the important part though. The important part is that what starts as bread and wine becomes the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ.