Not political or religious school: Keep theology from Hillsdale core
Gennady Stolyarov II
Issue date: 4/16/09 Section: Opinion
I am a proud atheist. I am also one of the best students at Hillsdale College, with a GPA of 3.993 and numerous awards both within and outside this institution. I like to think that I have been an asset to this college and that this college has numerous excellent elements and even greater potential. However, if there had been a mandatory theology requirement in Hillsdale's core curriculum in 2005, I would never have chosen to attend. Fortunately, if such a requirement is instituted, I will not personally suffer under it. However, I think it would so greatly diminish the condition of this school as to offset its numerous positive attributes.
I say this with all due respect to Dr. John Reist and all the other gentlemen in Hillsdale's department of religion. In my personal interactions with them, I have found them to be individuals of the highest integrity and of considerable intellect and learning. Moreover, despite my atheism, I am not opposed to Hillsdale having a department of religion - even one that focuses primarily on Christianity.
Even though I believe it to be false overall, I also think that Christian theology is interesting, has numerous elements which are useful and relevant to non-Christians, and was developed by thousands of refined, intelligent thinkers who deserve universal respect. I would never object to students at Hillsdale having the option to learn Christian theology from professors who know it outstandingly well, and even for students having the option to include a religion course in their core, as is currently the case.
However, compelling students to take a course in theology - which shall certainly, at least in its majority, be a course in Christian theology - is a clear case of religious compulsion that has no place on this campus. I was thrilled at President Arnn's remark during last fall's convocation that Hillsdale is not a political school. I wish he could say with similar determination and clarity that Hillsdale is also not a religious school. In full accord with its non-denominational status, Hillsdale ought to welcome on equal terms all intellectually qualified students, irrespective of their religious beliefs or interests. Moreover, Hillsdale ought to create an environment where atheists, agnostics, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, deists and others do not have Christianity shoved down their throats if they do not wish it.
I say this with all due respect to Dr. John Reist and all the other gentlemen in Hillsdale's department of religion. In my personal interactions with them, I have found them to be individuals of the highest integrity and of considerable intellect and learning. Moreover, despite my atheism, I am not opposed to Hillsdale having a department of religion - even one that focuses primarily on Christianity.
Even though I believe it to be false overall, I also think that Christian theology is interesting, has numerous elements which are useful and relevant to non-Christians, and was developed by thousands of refined, intelligent thinkers who deserve universal respect. I would never object to students at Hillsdale having the option to learn Christian theology from professors who know it outstandingly well, and even for students having the option to include a religion course in their core, as is currently the case.
However, compelling students to take a course in theology - which shall certainly, at least in its majority, be a course in Christian theology - is a clear case of religious compulsion that has no place on this campus. I was thrilled at President Arnn's remark during last fall's convocation that Hillsdale is not a political school. I wish he could say with similar determination and clarity that Hillsdale is also not a religious school. In full accord with its non-denominational status, Hillsdale ought to welcome on equal terms all intellectually qualified students, irrespective of their religious beliefs or interests. Moreover, Hillsdale ought to create an environment where atheists, agnostics, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, deists and others do not have Christianity shoved down their throats if they do not wish it.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Phil Davignon
posted 4/17/09 @ 11:17 PM EST
The fourth paragraph in this article is deeply flawed. If Hillsdale is not a political school, as Dr. Arnn and Gennady imply, then "Hillsdale ought to welcome on equal terms all intellectually qualified students, irrespective of their political beliefs or interests. (Continued…)
Jeff
posted 4/18/09 @ 2:54 PM EST
The fact that more and more people are atheists is all the reason to require a religion class. Christianity in particular is part of our culture, history, and value system (and by our, I mean us here in the US). (Continued…)
Alumnus
posted 4/21/09 @ 3:49 PM EST
I share Mr. Stolyarov's skepticism about a theology core requirement, though perhaps not his passion, and my reasons differ considerably (I myself studied theology after graduating from Hillsdale). (Continued…)
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