PROFESSORS of Silliman University received the “Best Oral Presentation” award for their individual presentations during the Societas Ethica Philosophica, Inc. International Conference on Christian philosophy, sustainability and development.

They are College of Arts and Sciences Associate Dean Dr. Alana Leilani Narciso and LJ Zaphan Lamboloto of the Philosophy Department.

Narciso was recognized for her research paper “In Search for Lessons: What Students Look for in Stories.”

Narciso surveyed 148 undergraduate students taking Literature classes, mostly aged 17 to 22, on what they look for in stories and found that they search for lessons.

“Interestingly, lessons for the students mean something that has a positive impact. In addition, a considerable number manifested their intention to ‘apply’ the lessons and insights they learned as ‘guide’ to live their lives,” she wrote in her paper’s abstract.

Meanwhile, Lamboloto presented his research “Modern Christianity and Theological Syncretism: A Critique of Ecumenism.”

Lamboloto’s paper presents key arguments against ecumenism, which he described as a movement that “attempts to capture the universality of Christianity, despite its diverse traditional practices and beliefs across Christendom.”

“Though the ecumenical movement intends to genuinely unify the body of Christ and reconcile differences in methods of worship, sacraments and practices, and more importantly, the theological claims behind each church denomination, I argue that there are doctrinal differences that are distinct and exclusive in nature that makes the prospect of ecumenism unachievable,” he wrote.