Is it okay for me to take a college philosophy subject on a non-Christian philosophy like Taoism?

[harinanga101]

Hello and God’s blessing on you all!

I’m new here so please pardon me if I type like a newbie.

Anyway, I’d already posted this question in the Apologetics forum, but I thought it wouldn’t hurt if I also posted it here. I don’t really know though if this is the right forum for my question but since “education” was part of the description I guess this would be an appropriate place. So the question is, is it okay for me to take a Philosopy subject this summer on Taoism, considering that I’m a Catholic and all? Would I be violating any commands from the Church or, indeed, sinning? Of course, I don’t think I’d really consider believing in the things that go against Catholic Religion if ever any would be taught. Anyway, the school that I go to is a Catholic University, though also liberal, and since it is a Philosophy subject, I figured that the the aspect of Taoism that’d be thought would be the general, secular aspects, rather than the more religous side, but I don’t know honestly. I guess I’m just making sure that I don’t put my Faith in danger or the like. Thanks! I’d greatly appreciate any comments, and hopefully soon, since i have to make the decision to enroll or not by wednesday. Again, thanks amd God bless!

 

[sanctamaria17]

If it’s a sin, I’m sinning by taking a class on Islam (I’m an IR major and it counts as a course for my non-Western area requirement)! And I’m a Catholic at a liberal, Protestant-affiliated university!

Seriously, I think you’re fine if you’re strong in your faith. Also, you might be able to use that knowledge to reach to more people. If I had to reach to a Muslim considering Christ, it helps if I know more about Islam!

In general though, going to the school I go to and taking the classes I’ve taken has made me a stronger Catholic, since I have to know and defend what I believe while speaking the Truth in love. I’ve also become aware of a lot of human rights issues and decided to educate myself on Catholic social teaching. I know all of this has helped my faith! But that’s just my experience.

 

[whatevergirl]

It’s not sinful to educate one’s self on other religions or philosophies. That’s what you are doing. I would be cautious, because some religions can seem alluring at first, but if you are taking such courses for educational purposes only, there is nothing wrong with that. It is also beneficial to learn about other faiths, so you can better evangelize to various groups. When we only know the particulars of our own faith, we might not be able to defend our faith or offer proper rebuttals to people who are of other faiths, if we’re unsure of what they believe. I studied Islam, and read the Qu’ran a few years ago, and I feel I’m better ‘equipped’ to understand what the religion is about. I also read parts of the Torah, and I’m also educated on Buddhism. I think it helps me better understand friends of mine who follow Islam, and Judaism. My husband also has a sister who follows Buddhism. Just my two cents. Good luck in school!

PS–That being said, be wary of professors who knock Christianty/Catholicism. I remember my professor back in Humanities class did this, (this was many moons ago) and I dropped the class. I’m a cradle Catholic, and won’t tolerate someone knocking my faith. (especially when my family was paying the tuition!) So, just know that can sometimes happen, even in philosophy type courses.

 

[Island_Oak]

…So the question is, is it okay for me to take a Philosopy subject this summer on Taoism, considering that I’m a Catholic and all? Would I be violating any commands from the Church or, indeed, sinning?..

Being a faithful Catholic does NOT require one to be ignorant. The more education the better…and one who learns about the rich variety of the world’s religions and chooses to be Catholic is indeed an informed consumer. Study and absorb as much knowledge as you can…being well-educated has never been a threat to the Catholic faith!

p.s. WELCOME to CAF.

 

[Dirk_Skene]

I’d say take it for the knowledge of what it has to say about itself just so you understand it. Just don’t get caught up in it.

 

[DebChris]

In one of his talks, Bishop Fulton Sheen talks about the importance of knowing what others believe. How can we engage in discussion about our own beliefs if we are ignorant of what others believe?
The best debaters, and apologists, know the other side of the argument.

 

[harinanga101]

Thank you all for the (name removed by moderator)ut and well wishes!

I am probably just being scrupulous about it. Lol. Anyway, thanks again!

 

[stringbeanduck]

I think taoism is very interesting religion to study. So long as you don’t get caught in worshiping a foregin god or doing something that contridicts our faith you’re fine. The Tao Te Ching has a lot of interesting stuff in it. It seems to be more about peace and how to make peace with the world, than anything else.