Society for B. J. F. organizes discussions on theological deviance and executive authority of the President
The Benedict Fenwick Debate Society Revives Historic Discussions at Holy Cross
The Benedict Fenwick Debate Society, the oldest campus organization at Holy Cross, recently held its second debate of the semester on February 17, 2025. Established in 1846, the society stood as a staple of campus life for over 150 years before becoming defunct around 2003. The debates, hosted by the society, are a testament to its rich history and the enduring importance of intellectual discourse at Holy Cross.
The first debate of the semester, held on February 3, 2025, discussed the moral duty of billionaires and artificial intelligence. This time, the topic was "Resolved: Teaching Heresy Undermines Catholic Education." The debate took place in Dinand Library's Levis Browsing Room, and it was a fiercely contested event.
Liam Murphy '25, Sebastian Kostrzewski '25, and Marc Capobianco '25 represented the affirmative, arguing that teaching heresies as religious truths undermines Catholic education. On the other hand, John Zimmermann '26, Michael Schwerdt '27, and Daniel Capobianco '25 represented the negative, arguing that heresies are an integral part of Catholicism. The debate concluded without a defined verdict from the judges, Dr. Kate Bush, visiting assistant professor of the history department, and Professor Donald Brand of the political science department.
The debate marked a return to form for the Benedict Fenwick Debate Society, which held its first debate of the year on November 2nd, discussing topics concerning the 2024 presidential election, the possibility of Greek life on campus, and the nature of human morality.
The society's debates often touch upon significant historical topics, such as the justifiability of teaching heretical doctrines at Catholic institutions. This reflects the deep political and religious issues historically discussed in early American colleges. For instance, the oldest American university, Harvard (founded 1636), was originally established to train clergy in a Puritan context, which inherently involved debates about religious doctrine.
The politicization of education and debate over curriculum, including controversial or “heretical” ideas, dates back to colonial and early American times. At Princeton University, founded in 1765, the American Whig-Cliosophic Society, the oldest literary and debating society in the U.S., historically hosted debates on major political issues, including constitutional matters such as the scope of presidential power in the United States.
The tradition of campus debate around such topics has influenced American political and educational discourse for centuries, showing that student organizations have long engaged with fundamental questions about governance, religion, and academic freedom.
In the second debate of the semester, Elliott Stalls '28, Ian Sykes '28, and Patrick Ryan '27 represented the affirmative, while Willard Hick '27, Ella Murray '27, and Nora Kelly '27 represented the negative. The topic was "Resolved: The Scope of the President's Power has become too great."
The Benedict Fenwick Debate Society offers a space for generations of students and community members to debate various topics, fostering an environment of intellectual growth and critical thinking. The society's revival on campus has rekindled the spirit of debate and intellectual engagement that has been a hallmark of Holy Cross for over 150 years.
Jacob Wu '27, Staff Writer and Web Editor for the news, and Kate Santini '27, News Editor, covered the debates. Their reports provide insightful analysis and offer a glimpse into the vibrant intellectual life at Holy Cross. The debates are open to the public, and students, faculty, and community members are encouraged to attend and participate in these thought-provoking discussions.
- The revived Benedict Fenwick Debate Society at Holy Cross, a historic campus organization dating back to 1846, has ignited a renewed interest in intellectual discourse, particularly in controversial topics such as heresy in Catholic education.
- The society's debates, open to students, faculty, and the community, serve as a platform for intellectual growth and critical thinking, fostering an environment reminiscent of early American colleges.
- The debates held at Holy Cross encompass a wide range of topics, including politics, education, self-development, and online education, as evidenced by discussions on the scope of the president's power and the moral duty of billionaires and artificial intelligence.
- The tradition of campus debates on contentious subjects like heresy, scope of presidential power, and academic freedom in early American colleges has left a lasting impact on American political and educational discourse for centuries.
- The news team at Holy Cross, including Staff Writer and Web Editor Jacob Wu '27 and News Editor Kate Santini '27, have been instrumental in documenting these debates, offering valuable analysis and showcasing the vibrant intellectual life at Holy Cross.
- The debates held at Holy Cross mirror the debates hosted by historical societies, such as the American Whig-Cliosophic Society at Princeton University, which focused on significant political issues and constitutional matters dating back to its founding in 1765.
- The society's recognition of "education-and-self-development" topics, like the politicization of education, policy-and-legislation, and general news, underscores the importance of academic freedom and engaging with fundamental questions about governance, religion, and education in today's campus community.
