Notes on Kwame Anthony Appiah

Mistaken Identities

The Oxford dictionary defines religion as: ‘Belief in or acknowledgement of some superhuman power or powers (esp. a god or gods) which is typically manifested in obedience, reverence, and worship; such a belief as part of a system defining a code of living, esp. as a means of achieving spiritual or material improvement.’

Professor Kwame Anthony Appiah argues that religion is part of life not just practiced on Sunday and that identity might proceed doctrine. So as such, doctrine drives practice. Practice changes over time, changed practice can lead to changed beliefs. If that is the case then changed beliefs would lead to change identity? I believe that we are the sum of our beliefs whether those beliefs are tied to a religion or not.

He also argues that religion being a matter of belief is misleading and that religion has three dimensions: what you do: practice, who you do it with: community and the practice itself.

You can belong to a community without believing in God. There are people who live by said ‘Christian’ principles and good praxis without calling themselves Christians or even believing in God. Which confirms the orthopraxy argument.

If the things we do together are of a religious nature, then religion exist since the beginning of time because human beings thrive in groups and in communities.

Being born in Congo (Africa), a country that was colonized by Belgium, I cannot help but wonder what our ‘religion’ was before colonization and the introduction of Christianity by Missionaries. I was raised a Christian as a product of colonialism. What if colonialism did not happen? I would not be a Christian and hold a completely different set of beliefs. Would my identity change as a result?

Notes on ‘Religion in Britain: Challenges for Higher Education.’

Heading one: Multiculturalism

One thing that I learned from reading Religion in Britain: Challenges for Higher Education’ is the concept of multiculturalism. Although an unpopular concept because of the negativities linked to some minorities, is essential to encourage acceptance of others and their differences in terms of culture, without the minority having to conform to  norms of the majority. Differences are to be celebrated and embraced and equality and respect can exist despite our differences.

Heading two: Changes in religious demography and Minority identities

I was also surprised to learn that church attendance has been going down across the 20^th century but there has been growing change is religious demography driven by immigration in the 21^st century. People nowadays do not particularly want to be assimilated to a religion but rather prefer the term ‘spiritual’. Spirit is preferred over a belief in a personal god. Yet, most university students admit to being religious, especially young people from minority background. Religion is deeply anchored in their identities as minorities however, the practice of religion my be for some young people disconnected from their personal beliefs. One may wonder then if the practice of religion by some young people from a minority background is done to preserve a sense of belonging?

Heading three: Religion and knowledge of religion in UK universities

In this section, I would like to discuss the presence of chaplains in UK universities and particularly at UAL. I was totally unaware of the fact that some universities appointed chaplains. Although a secular practice, the support system we provide to students is called, pastoral care, which has a religious connotation. In the list of support contact we give to our students on my course, there is no mention of a Chaplain they could talk to because indeed, as mentioned in the article academics do not talk about students religion and we now offer less support than we used to. I did some research and found out that there are two Anglican chaplains at UAL who also work with advisors from other specific faith. This resource is invaluable and I will ask for it to be included in the list of resources we give to our students. As much as we care for our student’s mental health, I think we should also seek to find out when the opportunity presents itself, their faith and if this type of support would be of any help as and when they need it.

Notes on the terms of reference from SoN around Faith

Notes on interview with Mark Dean

Mark Dean is a Chaplain and interfaith advisor for Camberwell, CSM and Chelsea and Wimbledon. In my teaching practice, religion is not a subject that is talked about much or relevant. The only time students would mention religion is when they do market segmentation and have to mention their customer’s religion or lack thereof. However, as mentioned before, I will make sure that my students are aware the Chaplains as a resource they have access to.

It is surprising to see that 50% of students at UAL identify as religious regardless of the religion.  As a Christian woman, I would agree with Mark and say that my creativity is highly impacted by my faith and vice versa.

Bibliography

Kenneth Copland Ministries (2023). Three Facts about your measure of faith. Available at: https://www.kcm.org/real-help/spiritual-growth/learn/3-facts-about-your-measure-faith?language_content_entity=en-US. Accessed on 15/07/2023

Oxford English Dictionary. Available at: https://www.oed.com/viewdictionaryentry/Entry/161944#:~:text=5.-,a.,achieving%20spiritual%20or%20material%20improvement. Accessed on 15/7/2023