"Enlightenment is man's emergence from his self-imposed nonage. Nonage is the inability to use one's own understanding without another's guidance."
As I read this passage written by Kant I could not help but be reminded of my own experience in shaking off this "nonage." College for me has been just that, slowly drifting away from depending on another's guidance, opinion, philosophy, theology, understanding, and beginning to rely on my own mind.
This is a scary business. Especially in the area of religion or theology. In the past I had often shied away from the difficult questions of the faith. Too afraid to think on my own. Yet reading this passage Kant makes it very clear that true enlightenment is "man's emergence from his self-imposed nonage--primarily in religious matters..." This is true- yet why then does it seem that religion is (to me) the most common area in which people depend upon pastors, priests, and parents? So many simply accept what has been passed down to them without truly believing and thinking through these things themselves. (It is because religion ultimately leads to eternity, so the most is at stake, so the safest option is to accept what has been given to you...but that's another blog.)
So here are my thoughts prompted by the reading. So thanks, Kant, for reminding me to think through things myself!
P.S. I commented on Jeremy's blog.
Yes, the university, I think, is designed to develop people to do just what Kant is advocating. One can not automatically thing autonomously. He must be spurred, prompted by others. Good word!
ReplyDeleteI agree I have found it hard to think for myself as well not wanting to be the one who thought differently. I really do like Kant's view on how to think for myself and to do my part in imparting knowledge.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Kant really has made me think about my answers to the hard question society will or already is asking the Christian community and how I will respond.
ReplyDeleteI think you are definitely right about the body of Christ sometimes depending too much and too often on religious leaders. Many Christians think that leaders' views are somehow more correct or superior than their own opinions.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I like your take on this!
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