Issue date: 6/29/04 Section: Aggielife

Graphic By Tony Piedra

It's standing room only in Professor Richard Stadelmann's philosophy of religion class. One student raises his hand and asks about existentialism's role in religion; another wants to know the difference between a "cosmic Jesus" and Jesus of Nazareth. Stadelmann isn't stumped. He's been answering tough religious questions from students for more than 30 years.

"Often students don't know their religion, so when I go over the foundation of it they're really surprised," Stadelmann said. "I've seen many students who are here seeking belief and meaning."

Stadelmann's students aren't alone. During the spring of 2003, a national study conducted by the Higher Education Research Institute surveyed 3,680 students from 46 colleges and universities on religious issues. The study found that 76 percent of students are "searching for meaning and purpose in life," and 39 percent say their religious or spiritual beliefs have been strengthened by "new ideas encountered in class."

Stadelmann said his religious studies classes have been filled to capacity since Sept. 11, when students' curiosity about different religions soared. Now, Stadelmann said, many students are taking what they learn in the classroom and applying it to their own belief system. One former student, he said, made a remarkable career choice after learning about different religions.

"Several years ago, I had a student who was president of an atheist organization at A&M," Stadelmann said. "He took every single religious class we offered and argued with professors the entire time about why God could not exist. I got a call from him a few weeks ago, and he told me that he'd decided to become a minister. I wasn't completely surprised, because he put so much time and energy into proving that a creator couldn't exist that I knew he had a real interest in religion."

Stadelmann's current students have a genuine interest in religious studies, as well. John Wilson, a junior philosophy major, said taking Stadelmann's class forced him to think more critically about his Christian beliefs.

"It's humbling because you can go into class and think that you know everything, but what you learn can turn everything on its head," he said.

"(The class) has challenged me to look at what I believe and how to respond to people who have certain arguments against Christianity."

Wilson said some majors, such as philosophy and science, are more likely to stir up religious debates and questioning. But for Mandi Vest, a graduate student in plant pathology, an evolution-based class strengthened her belief in creationism.

Continued...

Page 1 of 4 next >

Article Tools