Muslim/Christian Relations

Muslim/Christian Relations
Sundays, March 9 – 30, 10:15 am in Rm 210
Teachers: Bishop Josiah Idowu-Fearon; The Rev. Trent Pettit

This class focuses on what it means to develop relationships between Christians and Muslims. Our bishop-in-residence, Bp. Josiah, along with the Rev. Trent Pettit, will lead this class, drawing on their experiences at home and abroad.

March 9: What is Islam? Who are Muslims?
Before we can begin discussing what it looks like to have a relationship between Muslims and Christians, we must get to know our Muslim neighbors. Who are they and what do they believe? Like Christianity, the answer can vary depending on who you ask; like Christians, there are established beliefs that form the center of their faith. This session sketches out the broad contours of the faith of Islam to give us a context for our conversation.

March 16: What is the Muslim Understanding of Sin and Salvation?
While Muslims and Christians share some beliefs, there are also differences, with the most significant centering on questions of sin and salvation. This session looks at these places of tension between Islam and Christianity, especially as it relates to the experience of teaching the faith.

March 23: Relations Over Dialogue
Many of us are familiar with the phrase "Muslim/Christian Dialogue". This class is intentionally named "Muslim/Christian Relations." Why? Bp. Josiah will speak about his experience growing up with Muslim neighbors, developing relationships first and foremost.

March 30: Relationships of Witness
This session seeks to equip our church members for faithful, non-combative witness, developing an invitational rather than confrontational stance. As in all evangelistic efforts, our efforts to share the faith begin and end with the love of neighbor and the love of God.