John W. Loftus

While we were both in seminary, my Christian friend Dr. James F. Sennett majored in the Old Testament and minored in philosophy. He did this so that he would have a better chance of teaching in a Bible College with an OT degree. Then he went on to major in philosophy and earned his Ph.D. Eventually became known as a philosopher of religion. But if that hadn't worked out, he could still teach OT. You might want to think about this. Make sure you have something to fall back on, even if I know it probably wouldn't be the Old Testament.

Most places you'll find to teach at will fall into one of three categories. 1) There will be small colleges across the US that will want you to be able to teach in more than one discipline. I have been turned down from teaching full-time at two colleges because I can only teach in the area of Philosophy, myself. As such I have always been just an adjunct. In one university they hired a man who could teach in philosophy and economics, and in the other one the man they chose could teach philosophy and anthropology. I was teaching for both these colleges and applied to them both, but was denied the professorship of both because I was not cross-disciplinary.

2) The only other way to get a professorship in the philosophy of religion is to have published a major book or series of major articles in that area. Then you can be considered for a teaching position at a larger university where you can teach in your area of specialization. If you are controversial and argue against Christianity in general, like I do, then they won't think you can be level headed enough to teach classes for students of a wide variety of beliefs, although where I teach the students love me and I teach what most of them consider the hardest subject of all...philosophy (go figure, I'm sure the hardest subjects involve math!).

3) The best way is to hook up with a professor during your college days and impress him (or her). Become his assistant. Plan for his speaking engagements, like Paul Copan did with Bill Craig. Go to his conferences. Go with him if possible. Strike up a friendship with him (or her). If your professor is considered important, then if he or she recommends you for a teaching post, they will listen. As it stands with me, all of my former professors were Christians, and they look dimly upon me for rejecting Christianity and for my book.

Dr. Craig had some advice for aspiring apologists. He went to liberal schools but didn't stir up any trouble (this would be like you going to Christian schools as a skeptic). His dissertations for his Ph.D's were summaries of the historical arguments concerning the resurrection of Jesus, and the arguments for the existence of God. But once he got his Ph.D.'s he published his arguments on behalf of the resurrection and on behalf of God.

I wish you well, but if I had it to do all over again, I would major in an area that would make me a lot of money. Of course, at this stage in your life the religious questions interest you, and you must follow your passion, just like I did.

The Bishop

My advice would be to get out of America and come to Europe. And I'm quite sure you could collect your writings on the subject in such as way as to demonstrate your suitability to go for Ph.D. status straight away, whatever your first degree is in.

John Loftus, I think you were being over-literal. Surely as long as Peter is in the academic career path he will be fulfilling his ambition whether he eventually attains a full Professorship or not. However, I'm sure your advice was good and valuable.

neilgodfrey

I particularly like those rare ones like Copenhagen Dr Troels Engberg-Pedersen who attain a doctorate in one field (classical philosophy) and then a second in religion/biblical studies, thus merging their expertise and insights from other disciplines with some authority. (But I also do like making extra work for myself when it comes to thoroughly checking out stuff.)

Neil Godfrey

http://vridar.wordpress.com