Should We Mix Politics and Religion ?

They're Already Mixed: Let's Face That Directly

Oct 15, 2023

Should we mix politics and religion ? I've gotten this objection before from students, faculty, listeners.

I have a blunt response: They're already mixed, and we should face that reality directly.

Having said that, my approach is conversational. (Unlike much "learning" in college).

So, I take any objection as an opportunity for conversation where both participants can learn.

But I'm not impressed, at all, with the objection as stated. I'm about as impressed with it as I am the "diversity" statements on faculty applications for employment. What could an applicant possibly say that would be relevant to the true mission of the university, or, are we not facing the reality, directly, of what the university's true mission is ?

Imagine Daniel-san asking Mr. Miyagi for a "diversity" statement before seeking to learn Karate . Or Rocky asking Micky for one. Rocky, recall, took Creed's trainer because Micky died and Creed was killed (spoiler alert for Rocky IV), not because Rocky insisted on a diversity statement.

The analogy is a good one with college teaching.

There are all sorts of ways we try to avoid reality for whatever reason. My approach is to bring us into contact with reality, and this requires honesty and awareness, two things often missing on college campuses.

The Republican Professor

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