Diary Oct. 16 University of New Brunswick

In Fredericton, at the University of New Brunswick:

Discussion at UNB: Many in the audience seemed particularly interested in the history of religion in the West. I had the sense that, as is the case with our own students, this history is not familiar stuff to the Muslims in attendance. In particular, in the long conversation after the presentation, it became clear to me that they were not familiar with the fact that Christianity has been repressed in the West - since about the 14th Century, I argued. They seemed interested in the fact that our society is consciously secular: that we consciously chose the separation of Church and State, a judiciary free from religious influence, education free of religious involvement, science free from any religious constraints. I think it made a difference for them that we are deliberately secular and are not so just by indifference or moral laziness.

It seems to me that this history has great significance for new arrivals in Canada and even for those whose home communities, though Canadian, do not understand the painful birth and the painful development of secular society and hence may not fully understand how Canada came to be the way she is.

What I'm hearing is that Canada presents herself as a 'Godless' society to many and that by giving a history of Canadian secular society we can dispel some of the negative perceptions triggered by this impression.

The history shows new and prospective citizens that we struggled to achieve a secular form of life and that we do have values consistent with this choice. Because without the knowledge and understanding of our secularism, Canada does tend to present herself as motivated only by base values - greed, unrestrained sexuality, materialism. Understanding secular values such as collective responsibility for the weak, peace and good order, rule of law, etc. one begins to address the terrible sense which many Muslims have of Canada as a moral wasteland.

I see this as offering an important opportunity to build a bridge between (Canadian) secularism and Islamic philosophy and theology.

Business: Expenses were: under fifty for the room, fifty dollars of gas and 45 for the printing and distribution of posters. We tried 'voluntary contributions' and made 45 from an audience of thirty to forty. Ah, also must include the insurance which was not asked for in this case, 150! So, costs are still coming down. Room in residence was 48 dollars.

The session at UNB passed as quietly as did all the previous but with a much higher attendance of Muslims - perhaps eight or ten were present, despite Ramadan. They encouraged me to come back and I will in two weeks time. I asked if they would take me to their mosque and to try to arrange for me to make a presentation there.

At the University of New brunswick I made a presentation similar to that given in Newfoundland but encountered none of the requests for security costs from the Administration. The auditorium charge was under fifty dollars and there seems to be no further charges for security.

The Philosophy department was most welcoming and took me to dinner. I have to thank Dr. Robert Larmer (Chair) for his kind support.

Peter