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Re: PhD in History at LSU, your opinion is requested
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crgo-@bellsouth.net
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Sep 26, 2007 09:01 PDT
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Another interesting idea might be something wrapped around the writings and speeches of Robert Ingersoll and, indeed, that whole "age of reason" or "enlightenment" with its emphasis on rationality that seems to have made the mid- to late-19th century a whole lot less religious (at least in America) than it is now.
-------------- Original message from Farrar Hudkins <fhud-@uno.edu>: --------------
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Unfortunately it's already been done by Jeremy Morris, but I always
thought the history of atheism would be a good subject.
Religious syncretism is also an interesting subject; I think you could
find enough material on that to put together an interesting paper or two.
Regards,
Farrar Hudkins
Robert Carver wrote:
| | Greetings Fellow Freethinkers:
I drove down to LSU yesterday to visit with some members of the faculty
in the Department of History. I want to return to graduate school to
work on my PhD so I met with three professors in the area of Modern
European History since my MA was in that subject. I went to eat some
lunch and out in the open area in front of the student center I ran into
a group of local fundamentalists preachers who were shouting at the kids
about god's wrath for their sinful ways. So naturally I had to join in
the ruckus and soon had the head pastor cornered with my constant
inquiries regarding the history of his myth & the sources & evolution of
modern protestant faith. I gladly announced to the large group of
students that I was an avowed Atheist & that the pastor had the burden
of proof to his claims since he said that his deity was supernatural. I
annoyed this poor pastor to the point he finally started moving away
from me to try to get to students out of the range of my voice. For
those of you who know me, that is a very long distance outside. I
received a lot of positive feedback from a plethora of the assembled
students who enjoyed having me stand up for Reason & Freethought. I had
a great time and I felt like i was doing something very valuable with my
effort.
Why this vignette? I realize now that I should pursue my PhD on some
aspect of Atheism and Reason as it has impacted our culture. I would
appreciate your feedback on ideas and subjects I should investigate if I
want to make this the subject of my dissertation. I value your opinion
& experience.
Thanks to all,
Robert
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