Can Theology Save the Academy? Exploring the Role of Theology in the Crisis of the Humanities —and the University Itself

A growing chorus of informed voices is lamenting the dire state of universities around the world, with many worrying negative symptoms. The question arises to what extent this perceived crisis could be linked to the progressive secularisation of academia in recent times, and to what extent we can identify its ‘malaise’ with the absence of religious inspiration and support. This thesis needs further analysis and could be justified after some analogy with the so-called “malaise of modernity”. The article proposes a more active role for theology in universities as a way to provide meaning, purpose and hope; as a wisdom to educate how to believe; as an instance of respect for human dignity and rights; and as a way to assist in coping, resilience and flourishing for all sectors involved in this educational project.