I have a professor. He is really a goof professor, but he has something against Christians, particularly Catholics. I've had teachers like this before. I usually just let them spill their hearts out and avoid confrontation; however, this teacher actually will ask students specifically, for instance he’ll ask: "Johnny, are you a Christian." Then he will define what a Christian is, and if Johnny disagrees then he says: "You are not really a Christian you just have never questioned what you were told to believe.” Now I really don't mind if a professor doesn’t like a political party, religion, and so on, but I do have a problem when one gets personal. He told one student that he really doesn't worship God, but only the God of himself. Whether one believes it is true or not is irrelevant. I would not mind if he had said: “people in general only….” It bothers me that he gets personal. The other day I think he noticed my cross, and I’m afraid he might have it out for me. I’m pretty soft spoken, and I’ve only gotten A’s from him. I don’t want to rock the boat. I just want to know the proper way to deal with this without making a big deal of it.
2007-05-25 13:07:09 · 7 answers · asked by pinacoladasundae 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
One friend told me to just deny being Christian, but I don't want to lie or think I should have to. Any advice?
2007-05-25 13:08:44 · update #1
I don't want him fired . I just want to finnish this one class because I'm transfering from junior college to a UC school this fall. I don't want to rock the boat because a lot of students like him.
2007-05-25 13:16:30 · update #2
You're correct Patty C. This is a British Lit. class.
2007-05-25 13:17:25 · update #3
A gentle quiet statement like, "I mean no disrespect, but I do not discuss my views on religion." A statement like this one gives no clues if go to church, or not. And very little to find to pick an argument with.
I found on my first day at college that professors have personal agendas. Some that I saw were intolerant of people with certain political views, intolerance of people with disabilities, or obesity, or race, and one even made it clear he did not like people with junior college educations, even though he taught at a junior college himself. That one!.
Another had us sign permission so he could use our class essays in the book he was writing. It was supposed to be a class about public speaking, but all we did was read some of our essays out loud. I guess he screened what he wanted to publish that way, he did not have to take the time to read them himself.
My advice is to continue not to rock the boat. If you have A's, I would keep quiet, and let him do what he will do. Use your statement only if he comes after you. If it were me, I would continue to wear my cross, but I would make sure it was covered. But that is me. You do what you think is right.
2007-05-25 15:22:50 · answer #1 · answered by riversconfluence 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What college do you attend? This professor can get his job axed quickly. Just report him and off he goes. He can't ask questions like that. Is this a class in politics? What class are you taking? You should not have to deny your religion to anyone but I have a hard time believing that a professor would ask questions about a student's religion.
Well then I still feel that this professor is way out of line to be overly opinionated with his students. You should never feel awkward towards any of your professors. I would ask myself a question, If this professor actions bother me so much that he gets so personal with a lot of his students, would I feel better to get this matter off of my chest and talk to him about it or never say anything and leave it alone.
2007-05-25 20:13:20 · answer #2 · answered by millineumlaura 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Never deny being a Christian.
Your professor is being very inappropriate. If he asks you, tell him that you do not care to discuss religion. I know you want to keep a low profile. I am proud of being a Christian and I would share my beliefs with anyone but I would not care to be "grilled" about it in a class full of students.
Am I correct in assuming that this is not a class on religion?
2007-05-25 20:15:04 · answer #3 · answered by Patti C 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depending on your relationship with him, you could talk to him about how you feel. Use "I" statements like "I do not feel comfortable in your class when you get personal about religion. I would like you to stop." If he asks why then you say "It's personal and I do not wish to discuss it." If he does not respect that then you have to report him. He cannot discriminate on the basis of religion and I am sure your school's administration would agree.
Good Luck!
2007-05-25 20:18:02 · answer #4 · answered by ohenamama 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just tell him it bothers you. If it keeps up or if you sense retaliation, talk to the department chair about discrimination. Did telling him "I don't see how his religion matters in this case" ever come to mind, or did you just sit there?
You can either sit back and let it happen or you can rock the boat. You decide.
2007-05-25 22:34:16 · answer #5 · answered by Danagasta 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your spiritual beliefs are none of his business and he is out-of-line questioning yours or anyone's beliefs.
You could simply say "I do not wish to discuss this with you, I consider my beliefs to be private".
Should he retaliate (nose may get out of joint) you may have to go over his head - quietly.
His behaviour is not acceptable for an educator. I am sure the school head would not tolerate this if he/she knew.
2007-05-25 20:28:56 · answer #6 · answered by Pacifica 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Tell him your faith is a private matter, and that you don't care to discuss it. If he pushes you about wearing a cross when you don't care to discuss it, tell him the cross is what it is - a cross, not an invitation to discuss religion.
And report him to the department chair. He is soooo out of line.
2007-05-25 20:38:12 · answer #7 · answered by Catspaw 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋