DOMUNI:
Making Theology
accessible to all

Adresse de cette page : http://biblio.domuni.org/actualite/domuni-signis.htm

Conference for the Internet workshop, SIGNIS World Congress 2005, Lyon (France)

Keeping in mind that we want to avoid falling into the error, criticised by Jesus, of the learned of his time who had stolen the key of knowledge, the project of DOMUNI still holds firmly to the same purpose: TO MAKE THEOLOGY ACCESSIBLE. To make it accessible to people on the margins: to those who live far from the centres of formation, who lack time and money and are unused to dealing with theoretical concepts. Our concern for pedagogy and the desire to respond to the manifestly vast needs have led us to invent a formula: INITHEO. We propose to divide the work into manageable steps where each step will be introduced with an explanation of the concepts used in it. A team of volunteer readers will read the courses, evaluate them and propose whatever pedagogical changes might be needed.

MEETING A NEED

The statistics show the result of our work: more that a hundred courses are available today. The brethren have been receptive to the calls of the General Chapters and to the Master of the Order and this inter-provincial project is now a reality. 433 paid enrolments were registered between 1 January and 31 August 2005. 90% are « free » students. 10% asked for accompaniment. Very few of those who are enrolled at present want a recognised diploma. 97% say they have never studied theology till now. More than half of the students live outside French territory. We have more than 2000 internet visitors daily. There is no doubt that propaganda helps us be better known. For example, the mere mention of a course on « God and Psychoanalysis » in the Canadian bulletin « Prions en Eglise » raised our Quebec readership from 4% of the total to 25%. And these people eventually enrolled in other courses as well! An article that appeared in La Croix on 17 February 2005 helped to balance our budget for several months.

A STRUCTURAL PROPOSAL

Where are we headed? Experience so far tells us and we need not fear that we are mistaken if we suggest that in another year or two, the number of courses will have doubled. There will be some very specialised courses that those we already have on Irak or on Haitian voodoo, some thirty ecumenical courses have been edited and could be included. And above all, a large range of basic courses in patristics, theology, Bible, philosophy etc. We are guided by the spirit of the constitutions of the Order. However, we are meeting the requirements of universities in Europe: the student should be the protagonist of his own formation and have the choice of different approaches within the same subject.

Our first concern has not been to treat current topics, for example offering articles on the issue of the Islamic veil, but to give teaching at university level through solid courses on Islam and Islamic mysticism. Domuni is now offering a first and second cycle with diplomas and certificates for those who want a short but structured formation. The student proceeds at his or her own rhythm, sending by Internet the homework and doing the examinations, being physically present, when he or she feels ready.

DIPLOMAS

What do we do about the recognition of diplomas? On this point our objective has not changed: we wish to be able to offer diploma courses that would be recognised in Europe and in the Catholic Church. To concretize this project will take time not only to get the teachers and courses required but as well, we know, to convince people that it is possible to give qualified teaching through the Internet. Distance learning by postal service is no novelty. Internet allows us to have almost uninterrupted communication if so wished between the student and the teacher, and as well, networked communication between the students themselves. French universities are already offering study through Internet in diploma courses for licentiate and masters in law and mathematics. One could predict that within a few years, no one will oppose the same recognition for courses in philosophy and theology.

A COMPLETELY RENEWED PEDAGOGY

THE dissatisfaction felt by students, in all the disciplines, not only in theology, indicates that ways of teaching are undergoing rapid evolution. We might put on line some courses where the teacher could be seen and heard but we have made writing the cornerstone. Reading is the fastest and most accurate way to obtain knowledge. On the other hand, the students want the professors to be teachers, masters: teachers whose classes will help them to structure their thinking and allow them to exchange ideas. The students, especially in the rather austere modes of distance learning feel a great need of tutors, of wise older guides within the wider general culture, who can follow up and encourage their personal reflection. For Domuni, the problem will be what kind of organization to adopt for follow-up. For the general body of « free « students, the courses are like a large library where they can dip into, but for the students who want accompaniment and who want their courses validated, our present pedagogical method needs further refinement.

Domuni requires that the accompanied students present written homework. E-mail allows for almost instantaneous exchange that can be saved as a text, and the chats provide virtual seminars just as intensive as those that are not virtual. The chatterer is obliged to concentrate on his thinking while the lazy fellow has to say something unless he wants to be immediately excluded as a participant. It is true that we do not posses a panacea for fighting against ignorance and laziness. Who would not dream of having Jesus Christ himself as a teacher? But He chose to distance himself: « It is good for you that I go away! »

Conclusion

After printing was invented, teaching changed. With Internet new horizons are opening up. Just when traditional teaching in general is in crisis, especially that of theology, the Domuni project constitutes an interesting experiment.

Domuni attempts to open up a new space, where both teaching and preaching are involved. Apart from technical questions, which are mostly solved at this time, is this not an encouraging sign? If you want to learn more, don’t delay in looking up our website www.domuni.org and thank your for your cooperation!

1 November 2005,
SIGNIS World Congress, Lyon (France)

Fr.Michel Van Aerde op
Président de Domuni