ABSTRACT
In the nineteenth century, many of the foremost Catholic spokespersons in America were engaged in a theological assessment of the educational issue. One important Catholic spokesperson whose views on this matter have largely been misunderstood is Isaac Hecker. This chapter presents Hecker’s position on the School Question within the context of his apologetical theology. Hecker’s thought on the relation of church and state signified a point of departure for a Catholic theory of American democracy which, in turn, provided the context for his stand on the School Question. The chapter provides a brief review of Hecker’s involvement with the educative mission of the Church; also presents an outline of his political and theological interpretation of democracy; and explores a presentation of his position on the school controversy and why it represented a test question for religious liberty.
