In our university [of Virginia] you know there is no Professorship of Divinity. A handle has been made of this, to disseminate an idea that this is an institution, not merely of no religion, but against all religion. Occasion was taken at the last meeting of the Visitors, to bring forward an idea that might silence this calumny, which weighed on the minds of some honest friends to the institution.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The lack of a divinity professorship at the university is causing suspicion of anti-religion bias.
- In plain terms
- No theology class at university hurts trust.
- What can you take from it?
- Clarify institutional positions to prevent religious misunderstandings.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do schools handle religion?
Another view
Neutrality is sometimes interpreted as opposition.
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