University of Virginia Library

Humanistic Perspective

Mr. Childress offers this
explanation: "Our courses provide
a broad humanistic perspective.
They focus on religious concerns in
relation to other aspects of life."
And, true enough, the religion and
man, religion and society, religion
and non-violence themes are the
most popular because they give
students a chance to critically
explore current questions.

Mr. Childress emphasized that
this relevance for students is
indirect though. Obviously any
course on war and revolution or
conscientious objection has an aura
of relevance about it. But, in Mr.
Childress' words, "These courses
start with, cases like civil
disobedience and press toward
theological, philosophical and
moral issues involved. They start
with theoretical questions and ask
the students to reflect. Hence,
relevance is that of critical
reflection — the hope that whatever
you decide to do, you will be
critical."