Southwestern College Collegian

Issue date: 10/4/07 Section: Campus Life

Thompson

Harper

Despite what one might think, they did not dream of becoming philosophy and religion teachers when they grew up.

"I told people I was going to be a professional football player," said Mike Harper, assistant professor of philosophy. Like Harper, Matt Thompson, visiting professor of religious studies, also did not originally consider himself a teacher.

Harper was hired over the summer. "I applied and was interviewed in about two weeks," said Harper.

Harper earned his M.A. from Biola University, and is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Arkansas. The dissertation is titled "The Reality of Moral Realization: Is Realization Enough for Naturalistic Moral Properties?" Harper has three children and has been married for 15 years.

Thompson started his third year of teaching undergraduates in August. He taught adjunct for two years at North Central University in Minneapolis, Minn. He is teaching here on a one year appointment.

"In college I had a double major in English and theatre," said Thompson. A major in theatre is an understatement. He was accepted into a renowned conservatory.

Since he felt that God was calling him to go a different direction, he declined the offer. Thompson's faith is the foundation of his life. "I spent a lot of time in prayer after I turned down that scholarship to the Broadway conservator," said Thompson. He is married and has one child and another on the way.

"One of the things that attracted me to do philosophy was to help Christians flourish in their intellectual life," said Harper, "I feel like I have a unique place to work in that niche." Of course, the philosophy and religion department he works for is open for people of all beliefs.

That is not to say the department doesn't have a particular emphasis.

Steve Rankin, professor of religious studies, said the department is geared towards two types of students.

"The students who were thinking they were going on to grad school in philosophy and religion, and people who are not going into ministry but want to know more about their own faith."

Harper and Thompson have helped to bolster the philosophy and religion program.

Harper isn't a professional football player and Thompson decided not to hit Broadway. They came to Southwestern College instead.

Aaron Duell is a freshman with an undeclared major. You may e-mail him at aaron.duell@sckans.edu.

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