The Ateneo de Davao University School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) organized a multidisciplinary conversation on religious belief and non-belief titled “Naniniwala Pa Ba Ako?” in the afternoon of this past Monday, 14 January 2019 at the Finster Auditorium, Jacinto campus. This conversation was organized through the Theology and Philosophy Departments of the School of Arts and Sciences.
First-year college students, who are enrolled in Philosophy 1000 and Theology 1000 courses, participated in the conversation, which aimed to address the question and dynamics of faith or a lack thereof in a particular faith-tradition or religion, amidst the challenges and demands of a secular society.
Sharing their thoughts on the subject was a panel of resource persons from different fields of expertise. Included in this panel were Mr. Edgar Rene Nartatez of the Philosophy Department; Ms. Marlina T. Dayrit of the Theology Department; Dr. Doris Montecastro of the Environmental Science Department; Mr. Dennis Coronel of the Sociology Department; Fr. Ulysses Cabayao, S.J. of the Anthropology Department; and finally, Mr. Amar Baraguir of the Islamic Studies Department.
Students responded to the presentations of the resource persons with a series of questions and comments, as well as a round of sharing of personal reflections concerning their life as either believers or non-believers.
Following this successful conversation, the School of Arts and Sciences plans to conduct another discussion which will address more specific concerns regarding the issues of belief and non-belief.
Written by Ms. Marlina T. Dayrit, AdDU Theology
