The Way of the Cross: A Passion Pilgrimage Through Song – Our Wicked Problems

The second virtual event in the Notre Dame Folk Choir’s The Way of the Cross series contemplated the concept of wicked problems in the context of the Folk Choir’s Passion performance. This event was moderated by J.J. Wright, and he spoke with three other collaborators on the Passion project: Kim Belcher, Tristan Cooley, and Eric T. Styles. They discussed the theory behind wicked problems, as well as some social issues specifically applicable to their interactions with the Passion story. The event concluded with an opportunity for questions from viewers and answers from the panel.

Wicked problems, a term derived from design theory, are “complex, multi-valent problems that are difficult to define due to their scope and [are] inherently unsolvable,” as defined by Cooley. These problems have no clear driver of the issue or a determinant solution. Wicked problems can act as a lens through which to understand the Passion, a perspective the Folk Choir used in creating their performance. While climate change and the clergy sexual abuse crisis were not wicked problems plaguing Jesus’ world, there are striking parallels between the experiences of Christ and the Apostles and the human experience today. 

Belcher and Styles brought unique perspectives to the conversation using theological research and interactions with students at Notre Dame to better connect wicked problems and the Passion. Belcher studies how, through faith, communities can construct plans to tackle their problems. Styles interacts daily with students who came to Notre Dame because they love the Church and wanted a community tightly-knit through Catholicism;many other students, however, feel disconnected from the Church and tend to disagree with the Church’s stance on wicked problems. As rector of a men’s residence hall, he recognized the challenge for both the Church and its ministers to “speak to the contemporary moment ever new, while drawing forward the ancient story.” By recognizing wicked problems as what they truly are, and having honest conversations about them in the context of the Passion, the Church and young people can find common ground on shared values and ambition to unearth a solution, then move forward together to fix the issue.

To further explain the concept of wicked problems, the speakers provided examples relevant to the current global climate. Wright broke down the clergy sexual abuse crisis into two parts that combine to create a larger problem: the abuse itself and the lack of responsibility to follow that has been institutionalized for many leaders in the Church. This is a wicked problem because there is no clear solution, so by reflecting and looking at the issue through mercy and forgiveness, the Catholic community might be able to find a way to move forward. Belcher also provided insights on the role of women in the Church, clarifying that the real underlying issue is that the work done by laypeople — women and men included — is often invisible next to the work of parish leaders. First we must understand the wicked problem in full to then work toward a solution — in this case, making the invisible work of laypeople visible. 

Cooley said, “This Passion depicts a Community working through acute pain collectively and with conversation and listening as their main tool.” The panel emphasized how key collaboration is to understanding and overcoming wicked problems. While differences in faith, politics, and experience can divide us, examination of wicked problems through the lens of the Paschal Mystery can unveil the solution that is best for mankind. 

To close the second event in this series, Styles emphasized how the Passion can be put to use for an audience member, specifically students, grappling with wicked problems. To this, Styles stated that expanding one’s problem-solving imagination while cultivating one’s understanding of their relationship with faith and the Passion, one can “see how the ancient tradition is not only relevant but maybe even vital to making sense of life.”

Visit the event page for more.