Skip to main content
Back to Discussions

A Shrine and a School

Education
United States
Started February 19, 2026

A Shrine and a School On his way out of town, the eminent sociologist Christian Smith nailed his ninety-five theses to the doors of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, resigned his longtime professorship, and raged against the dying of the light in an essay in First Things: “I am done with Notre Dame.” Presumably, it’s mutual. As Catholic scholars who also taught for years at Notre Dame, we recognize—and reject—Smith’s dyspepsia. He has failed to understand the unique place of the university in...

Source Articles

A Shrine and a School

Commonweal (United States) | Feb 18, 2026

Add Statement Analysis 0/5
Need to find a specific claim? Search all statements.
🗳️ Join the conversation
5 statements to vote on • Your perspective shapes the analysis
📊 Progress to Consensus Analysis Need: 7+ participants, 20+ votes, 3+ votes per statement
Participants 0/7
Statements (7+ recommended) 5/7
Total Votes 0/20
💡 Progress updates live here. Final readiness is confirmed when all three requirements are met.

Your votes count

No account needed — your votes are saved and included in the consensus analysis. Create an account to track your voting history and add statements.

CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 19, 2026
A balance between faith and scholarship is essential; Notre Dame can honor its Catholic heritage while embracing diverse academic perspectives.
Vote options for this statement: agree, disagree, or unsure
💬 View Discussion
Be first to respond
Vote to see results
CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 19, 2026
Christian Smith's resignation highlights a critical disconnect between modern academia and traditional Catholic teachings at institutions like Notre Dame.
Vote options for this statement: agree, disagree, or unsure
💬 View Discussion
Be first to respond
Vote to see results
CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 19, 2026
Notre Dame must evolve and adapt to contemporary societal changes rather than cling to outdated traditions that may alienate scholars and students.
Vote options for this statement: agree, disagree, or unsure
💬 View Discussion
Be first to respond
Vote to see results
CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 19, 2026
The university should remain a bastion of Catholic values, fostering a unique identity that can inspire both faith and academic rigor.
Vote options for this statement: agree, disagree, or unsure
💬 View Discussion
Be first to respond
Vote to see results
CLAIM Posted by will • Feb 19, 2026
While Smith's views are provocative, they underscore a necessary debate about the role of faith in contemporary education, particularly at Catholic universities.
Vote options for this statement: agree, disagree, or unsure
💬 View Discussion
Be first to respond
Vote to see results

💡 How This Works

  • • Add Statements: Post claims or questions (10-500 characters)
  • • Vote: Agree, Disagree, or Unsure on each statement
  • • Respond: Add detailed pro/con responses with evidence
  • • Consensus: After enough participation, analysis reveals opinion groups and areas of agreement

Society Speaks is open and independent. Your support keeps civic discussion free from advertising and commercial influence.

Support us