Some current issues in religious philosophy

A scientific seminar on the topic "Some Issues Regarding Contemporary Religious Philosophy" was organized by the Center for Contemporary Religious Studies of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities on December 29, 2010.Attending the seminar were Dr. Pham Huy Thong (Vice Chairman of the Hanoi Catholic Solidarity Committee), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Kim (Vice Rector of the University), along with representatives from various departments, and scientists from research institutes and universities. In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Kim – Vice Rector of the University – emphasized that this seminar focused on the relationship between philosophy and religion, a topic that has existed for centuries in human thought. Philosophy of religion is a major and profound academic issue. Based on the results of the seminar, scientists and educators can consider the possibility of applying some of the new research findings and achievements to the teaching and research of religious philosophy, as well as the development of religious studies in general. The introductory report by Professor Dr. Do Quang Hung clearly outlined four main issues discussed at the seminar: - The relationship between religion and philosophy - Philosophy in religion - Specific issues in religious philosophy - Predictions. More than 20 reports presented at the seminar focused primarily on these four issues: “Some philosophical and theological concepts of Joseph Ratzinger” by Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Quang Hung (Vietnam National University, Hanoi), “Philosophy and Religion” by Associate Professor Dr. Pham Thai Viet (Faculty of Communication and Foreign Culture, Diplomatic Academy), “The object and role of religious philosophy in the development of society” by Associate Professor Dr. Duong Van Thinh (Faculty of Philosophy – University of Social Sciences and Humanities)… The specific manifestations of Philosophy and Religion were also discussed in detail by the authors. One of the issues that scientists have discussed most extensively is the teaching and learning of religious philosophy in Vietnam today. A prime example is the paper "A Look at the Teaching of Religious Philosophy in Vietnamese High Schools and Universities" by journalist Vuong Dinh Chu (Catholic and National Journal, Ho Chi Minh City), which clearly outlines both the advantages and limitations of current religious philosophy teaching and learning. In particular, journalist Vuong Dinh Chu also offers important suggestions and proposals. Several other reports also focus on the teaching and learning of religious philosophy today: "Some Thoughts on Research and Teaching of Buddhist Philosophy in Vietnam Today" by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Thi Tho (Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences) and "Buddhist Worldview on the Issue of Individual Education" by Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen (University of Social Sciences and Humanities)… The scientific seminar “Some Current Issues in Religious Philosophy” was one of the last scientific activities of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in 2010 before entering the new year 2011.