Michael Sandel invites his students to examine what they already know through a new lens. He notes that there is personal risk in doing so. Much like the loss of innocence, thinking a thought cannot be undone. He talks about philosophy as being unsettling . . .
It was fascinating to hear an audience invest in the conversation of moral reasoning and ethics without once alluding to religious or spiritual convictions. I wonder if we engaged in these types of conversations within the framework of our religion or spiritual beliefs, if we might then truly affect spiritual growth, one of the key elements of our mission. While in Kenya last summer, I stayed at a rest house for the Maryknoll Brothers. They talked about going into the villages to talk about the bible and its message for the people of Kenya. They used situations and events that had occurred within the context of daily life in the village and then addressed them through the lens of what the bible teaches. This seems to me to be the kind of "unsettling" experience that would create a greater growth than simply reading and studying the bible or any other religious text.
Michael Sandel's approach is very powerful and would be unsettling - and I think would be very threatening to an audience/parents who believe that unquestioning or blind faith is all that is required, that children are simply to be told with authority what is right or wrong.
Throughly enjoyed this presenter and find much value in his approach and topic.
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