09 April 2025
Bilbao Campus
On 9 April, the University of Deusto presented the book José Ramón Scheifler, el profesor que enseñaba a pensar (José Ramón Scheifler, the Professor Who Taught How to Think), as a tribute to this Jesuit, professor to countless generations of students. For nearly fifty years, he encouraged them to reflect deeply and to approach life—and sacred texts—with critical thinking, a constant focus of his academic work.
The academic event was attended by representatives from Bilbao’s academic, cultural, and political spheres. Among them were the Mayor of Bilbao, Juan María Aburto; the City Council’s Councillor for Culture, Gonzalo Olabarria; former Lehendakari of the Basque Government, Iñigo Urkullu; and the President of the Euskadi Buru Batzar, Aitor Esteban, along with numerous friends, former students, and university colleagues.
Additionally, speeches were given by the Rector of the University of Deusto, Juan José Etxeberria; Emeritus Professor José Manuel Barrenetxea; journalist Eugenio Ibarzabal; lawyer Javier Batarrita; and Emeritus Professor Rosa Miren Pagola, who each gave a tribute to this professor and mentor, who passed away in 2021.
It was recalled that José Ramón Scheifler was born in Bilbao in 1920, into a family of German descent on his father’s side and Bilbao roots on his mother’s side. He was exiled during the Spanish Civil War and entered the Society of Jesus in 1938, undertaking his studies in Spain, Central America, Germany, Israel, and Rome. In 1958, he was assigned to the Faculty of Theology in Oña, where he served as dean and was the main driving force behind its integration into the University of Deusto in 1967.
Until his passing in 2021, he was the living memory of the university’s growth, holding positions such as Dean of the Faculty of Theology (1967-1973) and General Secretary (1988-1994), in addition to many other responsibilities: member of the National Commission for Ecclesiastical Studies, member of the Social Works Committee of the Savings Bank, founding member of Deusto Forum, assistant at the Institute of Basque Studies, coordinator of the Institute of Faith and Christian Life, and lecturer at the Theological School of San Vicente and in adult catechesis, among others.
Those who knew him have praised his critical mindset and his ability to make the profound message of God's word accessible and credible to contemporary society. In his own words: ‘Teaching someone accurate or credible knowledge is one thing; helping them grow, find freedom, and become more fully human is quite another.’
Mentor of Jesuits
Rector Juan José Etxeberria pointed out that José Ramón Scheifler was a "Mentor" to many Jesuits, priests, religious figures, and laypeople, all of whom hold him in the highest regard, particularly for his ability to inspire reflection and critical thinking. “I had the privilege of being his student,” he remarked, "an experience that profoundly marked my own life and allowed me to discover his unwavering passion for the Bible and for the educational process. In his lectures, José Ramón transmitted a captivating energy, full of enthusiasm and vitality, making the study of sacred texts a deeply introspective journey. His figure inspires not only because of the depth of his knowledge but also due to his ability to guide others on a journey of spiritual self-discovery and a closer connection to God. For him, teaching was not just an academic role, but a true vocation of personal and community guidance.” Full speech.
The editor of the work, José Manuel Barrenetxea, explained how the book came to be and the reasons behind its title, and gave an overview of its content. It is a reissue of 16 articles on various topics, published by the author throughout his life. José Ramón's extensive body of work required a selection based on thematic and chronological criteria. The theme primarily focuses on his important exegesis research, his pastoral concerns, and his commitment to bringing the evangelical message closer to both the faith community and the academic world.
Another characteristic highlighted by Professor Barrenetxea was his unwavering commitment to questioning what was accepted uncritically, both in matters of faith and in his political positions, which he always defended passionately throughout his creative career. The themes and contents are framed within a chronological sequence that reflects the historical circumstances that challenged and marked his long career. The work is accompanied by an extensive bibliography—although not exhaustive due to his vast output—compiled by José Manuel Barrenetxea himself.
Longing for Freedom
Eugenio Ibarzabal, author of the biographical portrait, shared the process of discovery involved in writing about Father Scheifler: how his family experienced the turbulent moments of the Francoist uprising, his entry into the Society of Jesus amidst political allegiances that contradicted his own beliefs, his appointment as a professor, the founding of the Faculty of Theology in Bilbao, the controversies within the University faculty, his stance on Liberation Theology, and his eventual commitment.
For his part, Javier Batarrita described José Ramón Scheifler as a theologian who conveyed values of openness and a longing for freedom to those around him, becoming a model of integrity and the pursuit of truth. He served as an inspiration to think for themselves and approach topics and life without fear. He was a Jesuit who promoted the idea that freedom is the most precious gift God has given us, along with life, and that to serve and love God, one must serve and love people. His pedagogical approach and life dedicated to service and truth left a profound mark on those who knew him and learned from him.
Rosa Miren Pagola discussed his university career, both in terms of his managerial role and his contributions to education, the latter closely linked to pastoral work. His methodical, organised, and meticulous nature, always attentive to listening and with a strong sense of justice and solidarity, along with a keen insight into the emerging needs, led him to make decisions that, although not always well received, facilitated the necessary openness during a period of great sociopolitical upheaval.
To conclude, she highlighted his reflections and contributions to Basque culture and on the Basque Country. The wide variety of topics addressed—politics, religious life, biographies, anniversaries—published in countless media, particularly journalistic ones, brought a sense of rigour and depth to the turbulent times and episodes he had to live through.
