«I was born during the communist regime. God and Ceaușescu used to occupy the same place in people’s minds and on the walls, a phenomenon that led to contamination on both sides, resulting in the deification of the political act and the misrepresentation of religious belief. Upon joining the PhilTeR program, this corruption was an integral part of my worldview, something I was vaguely aware of. Throughout the program, the diverse and insightful knowledge I was exposed to reshaped my understanding of truth in terms of degrees of complexity. The knowledge I acquired during this program granted me the foundation for new categories of thought, which refined or, indeed, redefined my convictions. 

I can now argue that a polarized world is a world dealing with complex truths in which religious belief plays a profound role. In my view, this program transcends polarization, allowing for an open pluralistic discussion which is not only invaluable, but constitutes a moral necessity.

Some weeks ago, while contemplating the ending of the program, one of my colleagues affirmed his loss of innocence in the process. My experience is just the opposite: as a direct result of participating in this program, I had the chance to reclaim some of the innocence my initial life context denied me. Therefore I believe one of the undeniable strengths of the PhilTeR program constitutes the reestablishment of an objective foundation for vibrant and fruitful dialogue.»

«The three words that sum up my experience in the Unilu PhilTeR program so far are Divine, Enlightening, and Enriching. These express the facts about the program that cannot escape anyone who joins and engages in its activities. It centers on discussion about God and the divine, with discussions and exposition to concepts from around the world and different perspectives that enlighten the understanding of ancient and modern texts. Most importantly meeting with great minds and curious ones too from around the globe and with different areas of focus and backgrounds enriches the experience many folds. The experience so far has been life changing  and expanded my worldview; something I will be always indebted to in my future pursuits in  my career and personal life.»

«Lucerne’s PhilTheR programme has afforded me ample opportunity to hone my academic skills in theology and philosophy. I’m so grateful to get to learn from world-renowned, hospitable, professors and their caring, intelligent tutors.»

«What’s great about this programme is that it comforted me to learn that people far smarter, and much better read than I am, have been grappling with the questions that caused me great anxiety and dread, for centuries. It’s comforting to learn that I’m not the first to struggle with these questions, and that they are not “wrong” or “strange” questions. Studying philosophy gives me the confidence I need not to be shaken by discomfort, but rather to lean into it with curiosity and openness.»