Assisting in teaching philosophy of religion at the University has indeed been a very special experience, so far. I've taught the same course, albeit with a different content, but more or less the same themes, earlier as well. That's in a seminary. But this experience here at the University has been very enriching.
Comparatively I can say that back in the seminary we teach a group of students who are all believers. So there is not a huge deal to convey proofs or arguments in favour of God or religion. Convincing them of arguments for theism is pretty much a cake's walk. Unfortunately even the arguments against God and religion that are used and cited are mostly like paper tigers - appearing strong but somehow easily thrashed. We do not really offer hardcore anti-theistic rational arguments for a robust philosophical study. We merely tease or tickle the mind rather than crank it up to its maximum capacity.
Perhaps we're afraid that the rational arguments may really challenge their faith. Perhaps we, the educators ourselves, have not really been challenged. Whatever it be the case, this opportunity to teach philosophy of religion has indeed been a great challenge for me. Look forward to it, from further perspectives, in the next term as well.
Comparatively I can say that back in the seminary we teach a group of students who are all believers. So there is not a huge deal to convey proofs or arguments in favour of God or religion. Convincing them of arguments for theism is pretty much a cake's walk. Unfortunately even the arguments against God and religion that are used and cited are mostly like paper tigers - appearing strong but somehow easily thrashed. We do not really offer hardcore anti-theistic rational arguments for a robust philosophical study. We merely tease or tickle the mind rather than crank it up to its maximum capacity.
Perhaps we're afraid that the rational arguments may really challenge their faith. Perhaps we, the educators ourselves, have not really been challenged. Whatever it be the case, this opportunity to teach philosophy of religion has indeed been a great challenge for me. Look forward to it, from further perspectives, in the next term as well.
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