Western Kentucky University / V / Ronald Veenker

Mr. Veenker is probably the funniest teachers you will have. I had no idea what to expect coming into this class since I am not very religious. He studies the Bible very detailed and often gives his opinion on why things are the way they are, but you shouldn't get offended if his views are a bit extreme because that is what he gets paid for. He is a very knowledgable and intellegent man and know many foreign languages. You may get lost during his lectures but just try and keep up and try and take notes.

Dr. Veenker is one of the most biased people I've ever met. While in his class I felt as if I were in the presence of Satan. I have never heard the Bible spoke of in such a disrespectful manner - it's disgusting. I can't understand why he chose this field of work when it's obvious he hates the Bible.

Dr. Veenker is a nasty old perverted man. He tries to take Biblical truth and turn it into his own teachings. I hated going to this class because I never knew how he was going to make fun of his students next. If you are a Christian and you want REAL knowledge of the old testament, DO NOT take this class. Veenker just tried to tear the old testament apart and ridicule the Christians in the class and see how much he can get away with. I wouldn't reccommend this class to anyone.

He knows the information.

This is a tough class, but Veenker makes it fun. He often goes off on tangents, but he tells some hillarious stories. He's a good teacher, period.

Dr. Veenker was a fun professor and his class quickly became my favorite. The class is easy if you just show up and pay attention. He makes a lot of jokes and strongly believes many of the stories in the Old Testament are made up. Many people don't like him because his class is not like Sunday School. He teaches from a truly academic and historical perspective. Those who don't like him because he does not believe the Bible is infallible are too close-minded to be taking a college-level religion class. If you aren't like that, then take him!

I must say I agree with the past two recent evaluations, you can't judge a teacher for being too critical. Dr. Veenker was a wonderful professor and he spoke from what he knew and not all opinion. It's true, people love to beautify the bible and doom everyone to hell if they're not a certain way. I'm glad that Dr. Veenker wasn't that way, and I'm a true Christian in every way. The classes were very interesting, I yet had a hard time following the bible as it is, because it took me awhile to catch on to his meaning. I don't expect too wonderful of a grade at all, but I don't regret taking the class. He knew my father back in 1971 and he was very welcoming to me and I'm glad I took him. If you want to learn the bible without feeling religious, this is your man. All in all, you couldn't go wrong unless you are easily offended and stick to your guns/ can't be persuaded. He helps you open up and does put you on the spot a lot. But hey, I needed it! Thanks for the great semester. Enjoy if you decide to take his class.

Dr. Veenker is easily the best teacher I've had at Western. More to the point, he is the best religious studies professor I've had there. He is a scholar of ancient religions and languages as well as Judaic traditions.

The only problem with his classes is that he is a scholar at a University and 1/2 to 2/3 of his students are uncritical Christians who expect a Sunday school lesson (try Trafton if this is what you're looking for). These students are often rude, leaving in the middle of class, ignoring Dr. Veenker, and sighing and laying their heads on their desks, and sometimes exclaiming "Thank God!" when he dismisses class.

The point is that, when looking over these evaluations, keep in mind who wrote them. Take them with a grain of salt. I'm willing to bet that Dr. Veenker is far more knowledgable about the Bible than any preacher you've ever met and definitely more intellectually honest (if you don't know what that last phrase means, do yourself and the serious students a favor and take Trafton instead).

Dr. Veenker is intelligent, educated, interesting, friendly, and funny. He will hold your attention if you have a sense of humor and truly want to learn about the subject matter. It helps to have some knowledge of Monty Python, Mel Brooks, and various other "high brow" comedic icons, but this is not a pre-requisite.

Oh, and don't be surprised if he knows you, your parents, or your high school English teacher. He's been everywhere in the U.S. and knows everybody from the guys who translated the NIV Bible to Rachel Harriman's parents (my apologies for butchering your name, if indeed I did, Rachel).

Dr. Veenker is not for the timid or easily offendable. He teaches the academic viewpoint on the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), not a theological one. If hearing that the Bible is not infallible and that it is not the absolute word of the living God offends you stay out of this class and out of the other Religion Classes. If, however you can approach this class with an open mind and allow for other ideas about the Hebrew Scriptures than you may have grown up with then you will thoroughly enjoy Dr. Veenker! PS: The final is simply the last test of the year.

Dr. Veenker is on optional retirement, so he may not be around much longer. The classes are lighthearted, but unorganized. He has a different view of Jewish history and the Old Testament so take that for what it's worth. The tests are ok. The final exam is only over the last part of the course.

Veenker is an excellent teacher who really knows his stuff. Some people are put off by his seemingly irreverant manner and are shocked by the way he teaches scholarly religious study and not Sunday Bible school (how dare he?). Although he does not have an attendance policy, his tests are heavily based on notes, so attendance is important. I felt that he is very clear, as in the instance with his section on the book of Judges, that what he teaches are scholarly theories to explain seeming inconsistancies of the Bible. Veenker is an entertaining and knowledgeble speaker. I recomend him to anyone looking for an easy and interesting class.

Veenker was once briefly Bob Dylan's frat brother at the University of Minnesota. That fact, combined with the obvious need most people at this school have for a little religious shock therapy, means that Veenker is Grade A all the way. Newsflash ... you think Veenker spices class with his opinions?

Hey, what you've learned previously was just

somebody else's opinion.

And they probably never even

saw Dylan at the Ten O'Clock Scholar. Edge: Veenker.

I really hate to hack on the guy. Dr. Veenker is very entertaining and knowledgable. But, he does serve his on views about the Bible. If you are are Christian, his very liberal views might offend you. However, you should take what you want from the class and leave the rest behind you. Very pleasant character though.

Funny. His test are based on his beliefs not yours or the Bible. He curves but will not give you one lousy point if you lack it to get a higher grade. Take good notes and study and forget what you believe and what the Bible says then you'll pass the test.