Teaching and Learning > DOCUMENTS
The exoteric-esoteric distinction and the changing interests of the state: handling 'diversity' in the teaching of Theology and Ethics
Carys Moseley (Edinburgh University)
The ideology of diversity in the teaching of TRS is part of a culture of surveillance that needs to be understood in relation to the exoteric-esoteric distinction. Historically, theological discourse was considered useful for defending state interests because theology was perceived as the 'queen of sciences', due to having incorporated forms of esotericism (Neoplatonism, Hermeticism, alchemy). The exegesis of sacred texts contributed to the development of cryptography. As cryptography was mathematised it was emancipated from theological esotericism, and the latter was gradually divorced from exoteric theology and Biblical exegesis. The same period saw the rise of both the modern state and terrorism against it. Hence was born the idea of using religion to defend or attack the state. Turning to the handling of diversity in the TRS classroom and supervision, I argue in favour of a teaching practice focused on communal reading of Biblical texts, including both 'exoteric' and 'esoteric' readings before the modern period and during it. This is to counter the problem of the 'disappearing primary texts' that has paralleled the culture of 'disappearing bodies' in the culture of electronic surveillance enabled by modern cryptography. Such communal reading will of itself allow students to discover a diversity of readings of Biblical texts and their afterlives, thus doing justice to the diversity within Christianity in past and present.
This page was originally on the website of The Subject Centre for Philosophical and Religious Studies. It was transfered here following the closure of the Subject Centre at the end of 2011.
