This was the assignment entry for my course about the Reverend. Possibly more to come…
Describe/Experience
Today was spent listening to our guest speaker Reverend Dr. Johnston McMaster. The first portion of the day was spent discussing the history of Northern Ireland during the 17th and 19th centuries, and how both time frames contributed to the development of modern-day identities within the region, particularly during the Troubles. We spent the afternoon elaborating on these various identities and then moved on to discuss the role of the early 1900’s. However, the most fascinating piece in Johnston’s lecture had to do particularly with the role theology has played in the politicization and development of identities within Northern Ireland. Johnston was telling us about how in the 17th century the development of Calvinist Theology took a prominent role in the justification of differences between Protestants and Catholics. The Protestants attempted to convert Catholics, but for the most part failed to do so, which in turn created the need to justify this failure. This ultimately led to the development of Calvin preaching double predestination, where some folks are going to be saved and others will not be; in this case, Protestants would be saved, while Catholics would not be. Thus, many people began to develop identities based on their connection to a particular theology, ultimately discerning that though the Troubles arose as a result of a number of causes, a certain degree of the underlying roots could be identified as belief-based.
Connect/Reflect
Interestingly, Johnston seemed to be alluding to the idea that Calvinist predestination was an example of the progression of continued separation between religious groups, which he traced back to as early as the 17th century. Reflecting upon this point, I reached a number of conclusions, but the most prominent of these is the connection I made between politicization and theology. It seems that if one can create a shift in theology (thus, belief and religiosity) to support one’s politics, then religion can maintain its major role as a decisive factor in the shifting of values and ultimately as a justification for why an individual takes particular sides in a political climate. The interpretation of such events by Johnston implies a reference to the concept of fantasy. This theory is defined as the “creative and imaginative interpretation of events” that can be shared through interactions with others and can provide justifications/assumptions within an argument. In this case, Johnston’s interpretation of the role theology has played in the development of opposing identities during the Troubles could be viewed as fantasy because another individual may focus on some other underlying (economic, social, etc.) issues to unpack the roots of this conflict. Another example of fantasy can be pulled from Johnston’s discussion when he addressed the justification for Calvinist theology. Some could recognize the development of the double predestination in a same manner as he did in his lecture, but some could see it arising as an evolution from preexisting protestant theology - a natural progression of sorts. Each interpretation is a result of the particular individual’s imaginative interpretation of the world around them or in other words, their fantasy.
Feelings:
For me, Johnston McMaster’s talk was very pivotal in this course because since our trip to Belfast, I have really been struggling with my interpretation of the role religion has played in the Troubles. After hearing his interpretation of identity development and his view on the role theology has played in Northern Ireland, my thoughts and feelings have been reaffirmed. I still feel as if the major underlying influence in the politicization of Catholics and Protestants can be attributed to many issues, but that theology/religion has still ultimately been at its heart.
