BC History Professor Offers Seniors a Lesson on Church History
Dr. James O’Toole, author of the book The Faithful, spoke to students in two classes about the papal encyclical Rerum novarum and how it impacted the Church’s secular influence in the United States during the late 19th Century.
West Roxbury, Mass.-- A published professor from Boston College visited Catholic Memorial School in late February to present a series of talks on the intersection between the Catholic Church and secular American history.
Dr. James O’Toole, a member of the BC History Department and author of the book The Faithful, spoke to students in two different classes about the papal encyclical Rerum novarum and how it impacted the Church’s secular influence in the United States during the late 19th Century.
CM Theology Department Chair Dr. Mickey Corso arranged for Dr. O'Toole to speak to seniors in his history-theology elective The Catholic Experience in the United States, which he co-teaches with CM History Department Chair Mr. Vincent Bradley. He also arranged for Dr. O'Toole to speak in the economics-theology elective How to Make a (Real) Living, taught by CM Principal Mr. Andrew O'Brien.
Six months later, Dr. Corso asked Dr. O’Toole to further his students’ understanding of how the Church addressed issues such as child labor laws, union agreements, and the conflict between capitalism and socialism throughout American history.
“When Mr. Bradley and I first created and taught this course two years ago, our coursework focused on the U.S. Catholic bishops and many of the decisions they were faced with as they shepherded a growing and increasingly influential flock of citizens who were also devoutly Catholic,” said Dr. Corso.
“While the political intrigue and maneuverings among the bishops were interesting, we decided [Dr. O’Toole’s book] was more relatable to our students.”
Dr. O’Toole teaches courses on the history of American religion and, more specifically, American Catholicism at BC, according to his faculty bio on the university website. He has also published a general history of the American Catholic laity from Colonial times to present.
At CM, Dr. O’Toole drew upon this historical expertise when explaining how Rerum novarum voiced the Church’s support of labor unions at a time when poor, immigrant Catholic populations in America sought protection from unfair working conditions.
According to Mr. Bradley, Dr. O’Toole possesses the unique, interdisciplinary background needed to encourage students to analyze the Church’s decisions on present and future issues.
"I appreciate Dr. Corso arranging for Dr. James O'Toole to speak with our class,” said Mr. Bradley.
“Through his book The Faithful, Professor O'Toole bridges the gap between history and theology, offering a relevant and accessible interpretation of our nation's Catholic history."
Dr. Corso believes Dr. O’Toole’s visit will prepare his seniors for the academic rigor they will encounter next year.
“Students get to meet in person and shake the hand of someone who has given his life to the pursuit of knowledge and learning,” he said.
“For any of our students who study history as a matter of interest, they are able to encounter how interests and passions can become professions and careers.”
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Dr. James O’Toole, a member of the BC History Department and author of the book The Faithful, spoke to students in two different classes about the papal encyclical Rerum novarum and how it impacted the Church’s secular influence in the United States during the late 19th Century.
CM Theology Department Chair Dr. Mickey Corso arranged for Dr. O'Toole to speak to seniors in his history-theology elective The Catholic Experience in the United States, which he co-teaches with CM History Department Chair Mr. Vincent Bradley. He also arranged for Dr. O'Toole to speak in the economics-theology elective How to Make a (Real) Living, taught by CM Principal Mr. Andrew O'Brien.
Dr. Corso, who designed his history-theology elective with Mr. Bradley, required his students to read O’Toole’s The Faithful in September. At the time, he wanted The Faithful to present a more “relatable” understanding of Church history.
Six months later, Dr. Corso asked Dr. O’Toole to further his students’ understanding of how the Church addressed issues such as child labor laws, union agreements, and the conflict between capitalism and socialism throughout American history.
“When Mr. Bradley and I first created and taught this course two years ago, our coursework focused on the U.S. Catholic bishops and many of the decisions they were faced with as they shepherded a growing and increasingly influential flock of citizens who were also devoutly Catholic,” said Dr. Corso.
“While the political intrigue and maneuverings among the bishops were interesting, we decided [Dr. O’Toole’s book] was more relatable to our students.”
Dr. O’Toole teaches courses on the history of American religion and, more specifically, American Catholicism at BC, according to his faculty bio on the university website. He has also published a general history of the American Catholic laity from Colonial times to present.
At CM, Dr. O’Toole drew upon this historical expertise when explaining how Rerum novarum voiced the Church’s support of labor unions at a time when poor, immigrant Catholic populations in America sought protection from unfair working conditions.
According to Mr. Bradley, Dr. O’Toole possesses the unique, interdisciplinary background needed to encourage students to analyze the Church’s decisions on present and future issues.
"I appreciate Dr. Corso arranging for Dr. James O'Toole to speak with our class,” said Mr. Bradley.
“Through his book The Faithful, Professor O'Toole bridges the gap between history and theology, offering a relevant and accessible interpretation of our nation's Catholic history."
Dr. Corso believes Dr. O’Toole’s visit will prepare his seniors for the academic rigor they will encounter next year.
“Students get to meet in person and shake the hand of someone who has given his life to the pursuit of knowledge and learning,” he said.
“For any of our students who study history as a matter of interest, they are able to encounter how interests and passions can become professions and careers.”
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Catholic Memorial, the Christian Brothers School of Boston, prepares boys for college, manhood and a world full of unknown challenges, ambiguity and complex problems and the importance of relationships.
