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‘Opinionated’ teacher challenges perceptions of freedom
by Nathan Byrne
Steven Rogers’ freedom of religion class at Conception Seminary College begins with an acknowledgment of the one clear choice that everyone in the classroom has already made.
Steven Rogers, an attorney and alumnus of Conception Seminary College, challenges his students’ understanding of religious freedom in the class he
teaches at his alma mater.
“In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” seminarian Bryan Amthor leads the class in prayer, beginning with the Sign of the Cross.
That time-honored homage to the Holy Trinity makes up one-third of the introduction that kicks off each meeting of the class.
After prayer, Rogers asks a student to volunteer a joke. On this particular day, Amthor steps up and plays the role of part-preacher, part-comedian.
“John says he’s a Baptist,” Amthor nearly moans in a probably-unintentional Steven Wright-like delivery. “But he definitely didn’t dress like one.”
The third part, presentation of a news article is clipped today, due to the absence of the student responsible.
Rogers’ class starts virtually the same way every time it meets. From there, predictability pulls a vanishing act.
A focus on freedom’s flaws leads the lesson of the day, as Rogers opens eyes to recognize that religious views often motivate hateful speech.
Lorenzo Hatch, right, a seminarian of the Diocese of San Angelo, converses with his bishop, Bishop Michael Pfeifer, during a conference call in the Freedom of Religion class at Conception Seminary College. Bishop Pfeifer told the class of his experience witnessing the execution of Luis Ramirez and shared his views against the government’s use of capital punishment. The conference was part of instructor Steven Rogers’ challenge for students to teach the class on an issue of their choice. Hatch chose capital punishment.
“Here’s a famous ideological radio host,” says the Conception alumnus-turned-attorney, now trying his hand at teaching. “They have them in every country, believe me.”
In this lesson, Rogers presents his students with quotes that were published or broadcast in the media. At this point, that’s all they know. The real learning is set to begin.
“He made the comment that ‘the ongoing secular war is a spiritual battle,’ which can be benign,” Rogers says of one of his test quotes. “But you’ll see where we’re going with it.”
Taking that direction, the students listen further. Rogers’ pupils ultimately agree that what they’re seeing should be classified as hateful speech.
“‘Murder is their religion,’” Rogers references another quote, “Is that kind of tough?”
When quizzed about the source of the speech, students immediately indict the usual suspects.
“China,” answers one seminarian without hesitation.
“Hamas,” another chimes in.
“Palestinians,” comes the third and final failed attempt at an answer.
Remember, Rogers told his students that these quotes were published or broadcast in the media. But up until this point, he had not revealed that he meant the American media.
That which was thought to have been spouted from the pulpit of terrorists Osama bin Laden was actually perpetuated by political pundits like Ann Coulter.
The revelation of this reality stuns students.
“Even though it’s protected speech under the Constitution,” says seminarian Lorenzo Hatch. “It’s very troublesome that we have forgotten exactly why this country was founded.”
Amthor recognizes different levels of hateful speech.
“In the United States, we’re so lucky to live in harmony with other religions,” he says. “One bad comment here or there is a lot different than a religion suppressing completely another religion.”
Still, Rogers hopes to clearly communicate his own message about messages of hate.
“Hateful speech is hateful speech whether you’re being prejudiced against a Jewish person, or an Islam follower, or a Catholic or a Sikh or an atheist for goodness sakes,” he says.
Students say they get the message; even when they may not initially agree with the messenger.
“He’s really opinionated,” Amthor says of the instructor he claims offers an outside-the-textbook lesson like no other. “He’s also very open to discussion, showing us different angles that we’ve never seen before.”
The presentation of those angles reflects certain situations in a different light for some seminarians.
“It is so easy in the United States to speak your mind,” Hatch says. “By doing so, sometimes we get complacent with listening to people, and what they’re saying is hateful to other religions or other people.”
No advocate of complacency, Rogers loves hearing that his students have learned to listen.
We welcome your comments:
communications@conception.edu
www.conceptionabbey.org
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