Dr Anna Abram: ‘Redeeming the Mystery’: Fake News, ‘Education for Truth’, and Thomas Aquinas

Keynote given at the Heythrop Summer Conference, 'Let Him Easter in Us', 7th July 2018.
‘Redeeming the Mystery’: Fake News, ‘Education for Truth’, and Thomas Aquinas
What is the secret of good theological education? Why are the student numbers in theology departments in the Western world decreasing and divinity faculties shrinking or closing? While some types of scientism, commercialisation and instrumentalisation of education are part of the problem, what is described by some as ‘post-truth’ or 'fake news' culture doesn't (yet) help the situation. By drawing insights from Thomas Aquinas' views on education, Pope Francis’ approach to ‘education for truth’ and my personal experience of Heythrop College, I will argue that an environment in which truth is not just valued but loved is the best antidote to fakeness.
Anna Abram was Head of Department of Pastoral and Social Studies for many years and a teacher of moral theology. She is now Principal of Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology, Cambridge.