Providence, R.I. -- Sister Dianne Bergant, C.S.A. emphasized that the actions and writings of Catholic theologians must reflect a present-day relevance to the Gospel readings in her first public lecture as Providence College's 2009-10 Rev. Robert J. Randall Distinguished Professor in Christian Culture.

"Real theologians are aware of the things going on around them. Theological thinking is influenced by the pressing issues of the world in which we live," said Sister Bergant, who is a professor of biblical studies at Catholic Theological Union (CTU) in Chicago.

Sister Bergant made that point during a lecture entitled "A Woman as a Theologian in the Church Today." She spoke to an audience of approximately 125 students, faculty, and staff members on September 29 in Moore Hall.

In speaking about the primary influences on theology, Sister Bergant recalled attending two liturgies less than a week after September 11. In a trend that she said was shockingly common in pulpits throughout the country, neither homilist made reference to the horrific terrorist attacks while addressing the Gospel messages of the day.

That approach contradicts current-day theological thinking, she pointed out. Theologians use biblical writings as a guide but relate their messages to the contemporary world.

"The author of the Gospel According to Matthew didn't have the struggle of people leaving the Church today, or wars, or other challenges and issues we face today," said Sister Bergant, who is the sixth scholar to be appointed Randall Professor. "Theologians today don't sit in ivory towers."

Sister Bergant has served CTU for 31 years. Her academic and literary focuses are in biblical interpretation and biblical theology, particularly issues of peace, ecology, and feminism. She served as president of the Catholic Biblical Association of America in 2000-01 and has been a member of the Chicago Catholic/Jewish Scholars Dialogue for the past 20 years.

She is the author of A Word for Every Season (Paulist Press, 2008), People of the Covenant: An Invitation to the Old Testament (Sheed and Ward, 2001), and Song of Songs: The Love Poetry of Scripture (New City Press, 1998).

Lecture themes
In addition to identifying contemporary theological influences, Sister Bergant addressed four other areas in her lecture: the development of theology after Vatican II, her ministry at CTU, the importance of scholarly writing, and the present climate in the Church for women.

The theology of the Church today developed largely as a result of the Second Vatican Council in Rome from 1962-65, noted Sister Bergant. Vatican II brought about significant changes in the Mass, caused Catholics and Christians to examine their roles in the world more closely, encouraged interaction and dialogue with other faiths, and raised interest in biblical studies, among other changes, she said.

Also at that time, she observed that women of her generation became the first to achieve graduate degrees in theology on a regular basis. Saying "I never thought I would be a theologian," Sister Bergant reflected on her lengthy career and role at CTU, where she helps prepare men and women for religious life.

CTU is the seminary of choice of about 30 Catholic communities of men and prepares men and women for ministry in the Church. Many students go on to serve in missionary fields, she said.

Underscoring the importance of scholarly writing, Sister Bergant said that even theologians need "doors to be opened" in order to get published and become respected in the field, be it in biblical, spiritual, or lectionary writing, or otherwise. She emphasized that theologians must know the audience they are writing for and be conscious that once something is published "it's out there for everyone to see."

"We" are the Church
Turning to the climate in the Church for women, Sister Bergant reminded the audience, "Don't forget what the Church is … it's you and I!" She said that Catholics must individually reflect on their attitudes toward women in the Church, noting to the students present that there are significant differences between her generation and theirs, and that they live in a time of diversity on multiple levels.

She said the structure of the Church is patriarchal in nature and that the resolution to enhancing the role of women is not simply putting them in authoritarian roles. Rather, change must be brought about by men and women outside the structure.

Sister Bergant, who is teaching a course on Biblical Methods this semester, will present a second Randall Lecture during the Spring 2010 semester.

The Rev. Robert J. Randall Distinguished Professor in Christian Culture is the College's first endowed chair. It is named for a scholar, priest, artist, and longtime PC faculty member. Father Randall, who attended the lecture, taught in the Department of English, the Development of Western Civilization Program, and the Liberal Arts Honors Program.

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