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Christianity discussed, debated and questioned
OSU Socratic Club event brings out varying ideals on Christian faith

By AARON HOUGIIAM
The Daily Barometer
Oregon State University
Oct. 28, 2003

A nearly full house turned out Monday evening to take part in a debate called ‘Why I am a Chris­tian — and why I am not.  The event featured author and lecturer Bob Siegel and Oregon State University Philosophy Instructor Steven Brence, and was co-sponsored by the Oregon State University and Campus Ambassadors.  The Socratic Club is a student led group to facilitate discussion between Christians and non­-Christians, especially as it relates to Christianity’s validity” said Joel Klein, 20, a chemistry major and also the vice-president of the club. “The Socratic club is largely made up of Chris­tians, but you do not have to be a Christian to be a part of it,” Klein said. “We’d like to keep expand­ing and getting more people to come.”  The first Socratic Club was started in December 1941 at Oxford University and was presided over by famous author and theologian C.S. Lewis.  The chapter at Oregon State University started three years ago, and plans on holding a similar open-to-the-public debate once a month.  “This topic seems appropriate, related to our purpose as a club to discuss the reasons why one would become a Christian,” Klein added.  Presenters were given half an hour to dis­cuss their understanding of Christianity and its significance to each of them personally.  Both mentioned that they grew up in secu­lar, Jewish families, but that was where their common ground ended.

Siegel explained his belief in Christianity using what he described as a “three-pronged argument” to prove that Christianity made sense for him.  Siegel argued that Christianity “is based on historical evidence, makes sense rationally and can be personally experienced.” 

Brence, who is not a Christian, presented his discussion in a different light. He made it clear he did not with to convince those in attendance not to be Christian, but rather presented himself as someone who has never seen Christianity as a viable option.  “I don’t feel like my ability to make sense of things is nearly sufficient to impose (a Christian) understanding on something of a scale so different than ordinary beings,” Brence said.

After each debater finished their segment, the two Sat down with one another to ask questions back and forth.  Siegel took charge immediately, asking every question, and soon after Brence was visibly frustrated.  “It’s insane to claim that I understand the nature of the universe,” Brence quipped in an attempt to keep the conversation amicable. “I don’t even understand my girlfriend all the time.”  The event concluded with audience ques­tions, engaging both speakers and giving those in attendance a chance to participate.”