Age discrimination?Who decided to limit the 2006 Commonweal com·mon·weal n. 1. The public good or welfare. 2. Archaic A commonwealth or republic. Noun 1. Theological Essay Prize to contestants under the age of fifty? This seems to be a subtle, sophisticated form of ageism ageism Geriatrics A bias or belief that may be held by a health care provider that depression, forgetfulness, and other disorders are a normal part of aging and that older individuals will not benefit from treatment of mental disorders. Cf elderly. . It suggests that only those under fifty are capable of creative theological engagement with today's issues or of writing in a way that is lively and accessible to the general reader. It would be better to rename Re`name´ v. t. 1. To give a new name to. Verb 1. rename - assign a new name to; "Many streets in the former East Germany were renamed in 1990" this effort. Take away what initially appears to be a general and intergenerational in·ter·gen·er·a·tion·al adj. Being or occurring between generations: "These social-insurance programs are intergenerational and all invitation and make it more specific. Perhaps, "Generation X Reflects on the Signs of the Times." Then, at least, those of us who do not meet your age requirement but who, I suspect, reflect the age of the vast majority of your subscribers and readers, might not be so disappointed in you. CAROL STANTON Stanton, city (1990 pop. 30,491), Orange co., SW Calif., SW of Anaheim; inc. 1956. The city's population grew rapidly in the late 20th century. Manufactures include electrical and electronic goods, signs, computer equipment, building materials, and plastics. Hingham, Mass. THE EDITORS REPLY: We have received several letters asking for an explanation of the rationale rationale (rash´  nal´),n the fundamental reasons used as the basis for a decision or action. behind the age limit placed on contestants for the Theological Essay Prize. The explanation is quite straightforward. As Carol Stanton notes, a majority of our readers and contributors are over the age of fifty, the pattern among similar journals of opinion. Our hope is that, in addition to inspiring a handful of brilliant essays, the contest will help introduce Commonweal to a younger generation (or two) of readers and potential contributors. We trust that each issue of Commonweal provides ample evidence that those over fifty are "capable of creative theological engagement." However, the Theological Essay Prize is designed, at least in part, both to engage and to encourage a younger generation of theological thinkers and writers who may not yet be acquainted with the magazine. Our pages remain wide open for those over fifty, fifteen, or ninety for that matter. |
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