Downturn spurs uptake in college theology course

THE economic crisis is prompting more people to turn to God.

A theology course at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick is attracting a marked increase in numbers.

Called Nostra, the course is helping lay people take a more active role in parish work where priests’ numbers are falling.

Alan Hilliard, director of the Nostra course, said: “There is a growing interest in theology. Some people seek to answer the deeper, more meaningful, questions of life. The current economic climate has once again taught us that we cannot put our faith in institutions, so what is left for us? For others they find that the local parish structure fails to satisfy spurring them on to take responsibility for their own faith and sign up for one of our courses.

“Many others realise that the future of the local community is in the hands of the people of that community.”

This weekend, Nostra is hosting a lecture by internationally renowned theologian James Alison. His talk is titled “Is God violent, yes or no?”

Mr Hilliard said: “James Alison is a world renowned theologian.

“He will challenge us into thinking about God in new ways, refreshing ways that will give us a new energy and enthusiasm for life.”