Prof. Making inappropriate comments

[CSUNGerrie]

Hello everyone,
I have a prof. who I am TA’ing for this quarter. During lecture, he has made several comments that really bothered me. He told a story about a friend was asking about what areas of the brain are activated during a spiritual experience. But as he was telling the story, he mentioned how he thinks Saint Paul was insane and the whole vision he had of Jesus was a hallucination. Now keep in mind, this is a class on the science of Empathy. His comment really had nothing to do with the subject material. He was just telling an irrelevant story and tried to be funny by making fun of Saint Paul.

Anyway, it really bothered me. Should I bring this up to him? If so, how should I bring it up? I am sure it must have bothered other Christian students.
I bet he would have never made such comments about Mohamed. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[jmcrae]

Hello everyone,
I have a prof. who I am TA’ing for this quarter. During lecture, he has made several comments that really bothered me. He told a story about a friend was asking about what areas of the brain are activated during a spiritual experience. But as he was telling the story, he mentioned how he thinks Saint Paul was insane and the whole vision he had of Jesus was a hallucination. Now keep in mind, this is a class on the science of Empathy. His comment really had nothing to do with the subject material. He was just telling an irrelevant story and tried to be funny by making fun of Saint Paul.

Anyway, it really bothered me. Should I bring this up to him? If so, how should I bring it up? I am sure it must have bothered other Christian students.
I bet he would have never made such comments about Mohamed. Any advice would be appreciated.

I would just turn it around on him and say something like, “You seem very interested in religion; you seem to keep bringing up the subject in your lectures. Would you like to have some literature that I can give you that explains a bit more about the Bible?” Then if he says “Yes,” give him something like Scott Hahn’s A Pocket Guide to the Bible. It’s more likely that he’ll just dial it back, though.

 

[flyingfish]

I would just turn it around on him and say something like, “You seem very interested in religion; you seem to keep bringing up the subject in your lectures. Would you like to have some literature that I can give you that explains a bit more about the Bible?” Then if he says “Yes,” give him something like Scott Hahn’s A Pocket Guide to the Bible. It’s more likely that he’ll just dial it back, though.

I disagree with this advice as it is impractical. If this particular professor is anti-Christian, the OP will do herself no good by challenging him.

This is a guy she may someday have to ask a recommendation from to continue her academic career, this may be a guy who at some point may influence the direction of her future (such as if he is on some committee or friends with professors on the committee that accepts to PhD program if OP is not in one already, or influences who gets academic positions).

No, it’s not a good idea to try to convert an academic who appears hostile to religion. It won’t make a good impression, and good luck getting references from him after that.

I would leave this issue alone altogether.

(By the way, his view about St. Paul may not be so out there, I’ve seen quite a few documentaries/read articles suggesting he may have suffered from temporal lobe epilepsy and that was the cause of his visions.

If she is going to confront the prof about it, she should at least research the issue so she doesn’t come across as uninformed.)

 

[Lutheranteach]

Tell him you are a person of faith and that you found his remarks insensitive and that you would be more than willing to listen to his opinions and thoughts on such matters, if he’s equally prepared to listen to yours. But, that you don’t think they have a place in the classroom where they aren’t connected to the topic matter.

 

[Pascalis_RCL]

I believe that for now you need not make known your objection.

But if this guy keeps on belittling the Christian Religion, then it is time to act.:knight1: We must not allow ourselves to be humiliated.

You can tell this person that although he does not believe in Christianity, he has no good reason to say things that hurt Christians.:banghead:

 

[cmscms]

My heart bleeds for the OP because I know what it is like to be subjected to offensive comments by someone who is in a power position above me. In my case it was bosses at work.

First, I would research the school’s policy about making comments about religion. Perhaps, since this is a class on science of empathy, he could potentially have done nothing wrong.

Then, I would pray to God. Is this something you only have to do for one quarter? Or will you have to work with this prof again?

If you feel in your heart that you must say something, I would try and make it non-trheatening such as ‘I realize we all have different opinions and I just wanted to let you know my views about christianity’ By making it clear to him you have no desire to change him, perhaps he will be more willing to let you be who you are.

One word of caution. This could back fire, now that he knows it bugs you, that could be the fuel to make him do it more.

I pray for you

CM

 

[JRKH]

Tell him you are a person of faith and that you found his remarks insensitive and that you would be more than willing to listen to his opinions and thoughts on such matters, if he’s equally prepared to listen to yours. But, that you don’t think they have a place in the classroom where they aren’t connected to the topic matter.

This is the best advice.
Don’t “Challange” him. But make sure he knows that there are people in his class who do not appreicate his interjecting “his opinion” on matters of faith - unless he is willing to give equal time to those with opposing views. Let him know that your faith does not permit you to sit idly by while he belittles your Lord and God or His servants, so if he chooses to voice such opinions openly in class again, you will be obliged to object publically for the sake of your fellow students.

You may wish to do this by means of a charitably and carefuly worded letter to him. A letter has the advantage of allowing you to carefully choose your wording and before giving it to him and also to retain a copy to make sure there is no misunderstanding as to exactly what you said.

As another poster stated, he may take you up on your “challenge” but most likely he will simply refrain from such comments in the future.

Peace
James

 

[purplesunshine]

It’s not an “inapropriate” comment. It’s his belief and you’re entitled to yours, too. Now, some of the best profs remain neutral, but he hasn’t.

Empathy and being “pc” are two different things.

Saying “I bet that he’d of never made it about Mohammed” is just sour grapes. People do still make fun of the moslems, the mormons and jews.

If you do approach him and he laughs in your face or rolls his eyes don’t be surprised.

In a secular environment it’s best to let the idiots believe what they believe. Atleast you know where they stand.

 

[Rightlydivide]

Having spent many years in this type of environment, my advice, only offered because I saw the thread link next to the non-Catholic religions forum I frequent, is similiar to others. Say something super polite. I would suggest in person under the auspices of clarification as to why that is relevant. Or you could send a very nice email to them. Say something but write it, wait a day, then look at it and see if it is what you wanted. You will not win an argument but you are sticking up for what you believe albeit it may seem like nothing…I think it matters. If it does not turn out well, you will have been obedient to your beliefs in my view…and that is always the right thing to do.

 

[kage_ar]

Transferr to an Orthodox Catholic school.

Prof’s are little dictators, they can pretty much say anything in the classroom. They do not have to abide by the FEDERAL LAWS against creating a hostile work enviornment (which is what he is doing).

 

[dulcissima]

Are you at CSU Northridge?

Your professor’s comments are not acceptable and you should let him know that. If you are worried about retaliation, I would contact the Office of Equity and Diversity. Religion is a protected category and it is not acceptable for the professor to create a hostile environment in his or her classroom. Everyone who works in a supervisory role within the CSU must receive training regarding the handling of such complaints. Your complaint will be taken seriously.

www-admn.csun.edu/eqtydiv/

 

[jmcrae]

It’s not an “inapropriate” comment. It’s his belief and you’re entitled to yours, too. Now, some of the best profs remain neutral, but he hasn’t.

The point is, it isn’t a Religious Studies class. The subject should not even have come up, in the first place.

 

[Irish_Girl_68]

The professor is insensitive and out of line. But, that said, I don’t think you want to “confront” him as such because it could come back to haunt you later. The way I would handle it? As an academic by asking questions. I’d ask him why he thinks St. Paul was hallucinating and what information he’s read/reviewed/researched, etc. that brought him to this belief. I would be respectful of his response so long as he treated the subject matter seriously and as an academic versus some crank on an anti-religion rant. If he gets really derogatory about it, I would keep my composure and say, “I respectfully disagree, Professor, and here is why…” Have your ducks in a row and be prepared to handle/defend your beliefs. I realize this is a tough position to be in, but perhaps God is calling you to this specific place to help enlighten your professor. Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[Rascalking]

I love banging it out with professors who make stupid comments like this. I draw my guns and challenge them to a duel. Afterwords, and it has happened several times, I’ve had people say to me, “I don’t agree with your views, but I’m glad you had the guts to stand for them. Maybe I’ll look into this.”

Kage was partially right, and partially wrong. Yes, professors are little dictators, but no, do NOT transfer to an orthodox catholic school. Take em on from THEIR home base. Study up, learn it, remember it, and engage.

Battle fair, be decent, and realize that you have a vital weapon on your side-the truth is ours.

Never, ever retreat to a place where you agree with everyone. Never, ever, ever.

 

[flyingfish]

Are you at CSU Northridge?

Your professor’s comments are not acceptable and you should let him know that. If you are worried about retaliation, I would contact the Office of Equity and Diversity. Religion is a protected category and it is not acceptable for the professor to create a hostile environment in his or her classroom. Everyone who works in a supervisory role within the CSU must receive training regarding the handling of such complaints. Your complaint will be taken seriously.

www-admn.csun.edu/eqtydiv/

She might be protected form the professor giving her an F in the course, but remember she is a TA and a professor you TA for is someone you may need a reference from later when you’re applying to PhD program or academic position or whatever.

He is not obligated to give her a reference, and if she starts debating religion with him (especially if she comes in misinformed and either tries to convert him or tell him how inappropriate he was) and he is hostile to religion, he may form a poor opinion of her and may choose not to give her a reference.

No one can protect her from that.

 

[flyingfish]

… not to mention that, telling him that he might have hurt Christian students would be absolutely pointless. He knows perfectly well that what he said may have offended Christians, it doesn’t take a rocket scientists to figure that out. He may have said it intentionally. And what he said is within what he is allowed to say. If it is his opinion that St. Paul had a hallucination, no one can stop him from lecturing that way.

It is misleading to think that you can tell a professor that he may have offended Christian students (something he already knows), and that will cause him to never say that again.

Confronting him about it is entirely pointless and will only lose the OP a possible reference from him.

 

[JRKH]

She might be protected form the professor giving her an F in the course, but remember she is a TA and a professor you TA for is someone you may need a reference from later when you’re applying to PhD program or academic position or whatever.

He is not obligated to give her a reference, and if she starts debating religion with him (especially if she comes in misinformed and either tries to convert him or tell him how inappropriate he was) and he is hostile to religion, he may form a poor opinion of her and may choose not to give her a reference.

No one can protect her from that.

It profits a man nothing to gain the whole world if He lose His soul… but for a “recommendation”?

I agree that in any discussion she needs to be prepared, informed, cordial, and appropriate, but God tell us not to shy away from such encounters and to rejoice when others revile us for our beliefs.

Of course none of us can make the decision for her, all we can do is offer advice from the safety and anonimoty of our our computers.

Peace
James

 

[HouseArrest]

I disagree with this advice as it is impractical. If this particular professor is anti-Christian, the OP will do herself no good by challenging him.

This is a guy she may someday have to ask a recommendation from to continue her academic career, this may be a guy who at some point may influence the direction of her future (such as if he is on some committee or friends with professors on the committee that accepts to PhD program if OP is not in one already, or influences who gets academic positions).

No, it’s not a good idea to try to convert an academic who appears hostile to religion. It won’t make a good impression, and good luck getting references from him after that.

I would leave this issue alone altogether.

(By the way, his view about St. Paul may not be so out there, I’ve seen quite a few documentaries/read articles suggesting he may have suffered from temporal lobe epilepsy and that was the cause of his visions.

If she is going to confront the prof about it, she should at least research the issue so she doesn’t come across as uninformed.)

Really? Should she make sure her mind mimics her prof’s mind so that she can get a recommendation? Because that’s the only thing that a prof would respect, someone agreeing with everything he said?

I vote for going to him, armed with information, and saying that she disagrees with his position and here’s why… and lay it all out. There’s nothing wrong with healthy debate, and the prof might actually respect her for it.

What if he stated he thought Homer lived in 1200 BC, and she thought he lived in 800 BC. Should she shut up and let him go on? No, she’d gather her thoughts and proof and debate him about it. What if he said 2+2 = 5? Bow down to that, too? Nope - she should do what she needs to do to argue her case, with respect, of course.

I bet she’d wind up with a much better recommendation, too.

 

[PaulinVA]

Jesus does not need us to defend Him everywhere we go. He can take care of Himself.

Telling someone that they can not have an opinion that St Paul was hallucinating is petty and small. Our religion can survive people not believing it.

Professors can be little dictators, some are self-important little depots that have no connection to the real world. So what? Filter what they say, and glean from them what you can.

We are not Muslims who demand death for anyone who disparages their “holy man”. We are Christians, who meet hate with love.

 

[JRKH]

Jesus does not need us to defend Him everywhere we go. He can take care of Himself.

True - But then why did He tell us to go and spread the good news?

Telling someone that they can not have an opinion that St Paul was hallucinating is petty and small. Our religion can survive people not believing it.

Ah - but this is not about someone having a personal opinion. It is about this person expressing that opinion in an inapropriate environment. Whether or not Paul was nuts has nothing to do with the subject matter of the class, and in fact is counterintuitive to a class on empathy - don’t you think? the Professor is certainly not “feeling the pain” of the OP who is insulted by His accusations.

Professors can be little dictators, some are self-important little depots that have no connection to the real world. So what? Filter what they say, and glean from them what you can.

And let others do the same - and possibly lose their faith because you didn’t say anything?

We are not Muslims who demand death for anyone who disparages their “holy man”. We are Christians, who meet hate with love.

No one is demanding blood here. Only respect.

Peace
James