Truth & Relevance

Revisiting the Charles Davis & Gregory Baum Debate

Gregory Baum 1923-2017

Summary

This essay revisits the theological debate between Charles Davis and Gregory Baum, exploring their contrasting approaches to faith, authority, and tradition. Davis, known for his intellectual rigor and departure from the Catholic Church, challenged the Church's authority and advocated for continuous critical inquiry. Baum, on the other hand, remained within the Church at the time, emphasizing the evolving nature of religious tradition and the need for reinterpretation in each new age. The essay also reflects on the lasting impacts of their debate on contemporary theological discussions and the importance of critical thinking and intellectual honesty in navigating faith in the modern world.

Introduction

The recent passing of a cherished mentor, who first introduced me to the theological works of Charles Davis and Gregory Baum, has prompted me to revisit their writings. Two captivating books have further enriched this experience: "The Faces of Reason: An Essay on Philosophy and Culture in English Canada 1850-1950" by Elizabeth Trott and Leslie Armour, recommended by Victor Bruzzone during a podcast interview I conducted with him, and Sarah Shortall's insightful "Soldiers of God in a Secular World: Catholic Theology and Twentieth-Century French Politics."

I have previously shared some of my thoughts on Davis's work in this space, but I haven't yet had the opportunity to delve into Baum's contributions. My initial fascination with Baum's work was sparked by his thought-provoking response to Charles Davis's very public departure from the Catholic Church. Davis's break with the Church was a significant event in 20th-century Catholic theology, and Baum's response to it offers a fascinating window into the theological debates of the time.

Challenging Tradition: Charles Davis’s Journey

Charles Davis (1923-1999), a theologian known for his intellect and commitment to his beliefs, was ordained in 1946. He became a leading theological voice but left the Catholic Church in 1966 due to his "intellectual rejection of the Papacy," which sparked significant debate and a "crisis of authority."

Davis believed that the Church's rigidity stifled faith and inquiry. He was also concerned about the Church's historical ties to the Nazi regime, and his desire to marry also influenced his decision.

After leaving, Davis continued his academic work, eventually becoming Chair of the Department of Religion and Principal of Lonergan University College at Concordia University. He explored critical social theory and the works of the Frankfurt School and Jürgen Habermas. Davis argued that divine revelation and faith were not about accepting dogma but a continuous, critical inquiry that leads to new perspectives.

Reimagining Faith: Gregory Baum’s Vision

In contrast to Davis, Gregory Baum remained within the Catholic Church at the time while advocating for change and reinterpretation. Baum, also a prominent theologian, sought to reconcile traditional teachings with contemporary understanding. He emphasized the communal and evolving nature of religious tradition, seeking to bridge faith with modern thought and experience.

Baum's approach was rooted in the belief that the Church's past definitions were guided by the Spirit but required reinterpretation in each new age. He argued that a literal repetition of past definitions would fail to preserve their true meaning. Instead, he advocated for a dynamic engagement with tradition, allowing for adaptations to address modern challenges.

The Crux of the Issue

The Davis-Baum debate revolved around whether the Catholic Church could be wrong about certain doctrines. Davis believed that some Catholic doctrines were false, particularly those related to Marian privileges as defined by the First Vatican Council and papal decrees. He argued that these errors should be openly acknowledged, implying that the Church was no longer a reliable authority on truth.

In contrast, Baum contended that the Church's teachings, while needing reinterpretation for contemporary relevance, were fundamentally guided by the Gospel. He emphasized that the Church's historical experience and doctrinal expressions were part of an ongoing process of understanding and interpreting the Gospel's message.

Davis's Challenge: Question of Conscience & Problem of Authority

Davis took a bold stance against the established authority of the Church, asserting that its rigid hierarchical structures and unwavering adherence to outdated doctrines stifled genuine faith and spiritual growth. He contended that certain teachings from the past were fundamentally flawed and morally reprehensible, necessitating their outright rejection rather than mere reinterpretation or contextualization.

Davis's challenge was not simply a call for reform or modernization; it was a radical demand for a reevaluation of the very foundations upon which the Church's authority rested. He argued that blind obedience to authority, even religious authority, was incompatible with true faith, which required intellectual honesty, critical thinking, and a willingness to challenge prevailing dogmas.

Baum's Response: Evolving Tradition

Baum acknowledged the need for change but maintained that traditional teachings held inherent truth that needed reinterpretation in light of contemporary understanding. He saw tradition as a dynamic and evolving process, guided by the Holy Spirit.

In his review of Baum's book, "The Credibility of the Church Today: A Reply to Charles Davis,” Davis critiqued Baum's interpretation of the Second Vatican Council and his overall approach to discerning truth. Davis argued that Baum's lack of objective method left him vulnerable to institutional ideology and a distortion of truth. He accused Baum of adapting conciliar texts to his own conceptions rather than grounding his interpretations in sound, objective criteria. Davis felt that Baum confused aspiration with fact and overestimated the changes that had been achieved.

New Perspectives & Lasting Impacts of the Debate

The Davis-Baum debate continues to resonate in contemporary theological discussions, offering new perspectives and lasting impacts on the understanding of faith and tradition. Gregory Baum's contributions, in particular, have been instrumental in shaping modern theological thought.

Baum's approach to theology was characterized by his commitment to dialogue and reinterpretation. He believed that the Church's teachings, while rooted in historical context, needed to be continually reexamined and adapted to remain relevant in a changing world. Baum's emphasis on the communal and evolving nature of religious tradition provided a counterpoint to Davis's more individualistic and critical stance.

Baum argued that the Church's doctrines were not static truths but dynamic expressions of faith that required ongoing engagement and reinterpretation. He saw tradition as a living process, guided by the Holy Spirit, that must respond to contemporary challenges and insights. This perspective allowed Baum to advocate for a more inclusive and adaptable understanding of Catholic teachings, one that could address modern social and ethical issues without abandoning core principles.

Recent critiques of Davis, such as those by Larry Chapp and Tracey Rowland, suggest that his engagement with critical theory led to a secularization of Catholic theology. These critics argue that Davis's work undermined the Church's sacred nature and contributed to a decline in faith. However, others maintain that Davis's emphasis on critical inquiry and intellectual freedom remains essential for navigating the complexities of faith in the modern world.

Following the loss of my mentor, Marc Lalonde, I've found myself revisiting the Davis-Baum debate within the framework of Canadian politics and society. Sarah Shortall's insightful book, "Soldiers of God in a Secular World: Catholic Theology and Twentieth-Century French Politics," has been instrumental in shaping my contemplations. Shortall's work not only illuminates the positive ramifications of the separation of Church and state on Catholic theological thought in France but also provides a nuanced exploration of the complex interplay between faith and politics.

In the context of World War II, Shortall's research delves into the spiritual resistance of French Catholic intellectuals and theologians against the oppressive Vichy regime and Nazi occupation. Figures like Henri de Lubac, Gaston Fessard, and Yves de Montcheuil, through their clandestine publication "Témoignage chrétien," embodied a form of spiritual defiance that challenged the prevailing political and ideological forces. Their writings and actions serve as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the unwavering commitment to human dignity even in the face of totalitarianism.

Shortall's analysis of the French Catholic Church's response to the Vichy regime and the Nazi occupation offers valuable lessons that can be applied to the Canadian context. By examining the ways in which French Catholics navigated the complexities of faith and politics during a time of crisis, we can gain a deeper understanding of the role of religion in Canadian society and the importance of upholding democratic values and human rights.

Baum's vision of an evolving tradition has had a lasting impact on contemporary theology. His insistence on the need for reinterpretation and adaptation has influenced many theologians and scholars who seek to reconcile faith with modernity. Baum's work underscores the importance of maintaining a dialogue between tradition and contemporary thought, ensuring that religious teachings remain meaningful and relevant in an ever-changing world.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Davis and Baum

The Davis-Baum debate exemplifies the ongoing negotiation between tradition and change, faith and reason, within religious institutions. While Davis prioritized individual conscience and intellectual freedom, Baum emphasized the communal and evolving nature of religious tradition. Their contrasting approaches, though debated, contributed to a richer understanding of faith and its role in the modern world. The legacies of Davis and Baum remind us of the importance of critical thinking, intellectual honesty, and the courage to grapple with complex questions of truth and relevance in an ever-changing world.