Dr. Waldstein Offers Inside View of Synod

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Published on Thursday, 20 November 2008 01:56

Dr. Waldstein, the Max Seckler Professor of Theology at AMU, offered a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the synod in a lecture Wednesday night at the Academic Building. He was one of 40 theologians -- and one of only three laymen -- who were invited to attend as experts advising the synod.

The subject of the Synod was The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church and one of the major topics of discussion, said Dr. Waldstein, is to what extent all of Scripture is the inerrant Word of God. Following Vatican II, Catholics have largely been taught that Scripture is inerrant only in matters of faith and morals but Dr. Waldstein explained that many at the Synod believe the concept of inerrancy is more expansive than that.

Although Dr. Waldstein said it was hard being away from his family for the entire month of October, the experience at the Synod was unforgettable despite the fact that the mission where he stayed served "what may be the only bad food in Rome." He stayed with a delegation of bishops from Africa, and he said another aspect of his experience at the synod was the appreciation he developed for the vibrancy and life of the Church in Africa and other parts of the Third World.