Still Learning to Listen (2)

Before you come to class, watch the video: Inside Islam: What a Billion Muslims Really Think.  You can watch the video at the following link for free:  Inside Islam: What a Billion Muslims Really Think.  Turn in your film handout prior to the beginning of class through Canvas.

Most Americans don't even know the basic tenets of Islam or even the basic facts about the distribution of Muslim people around the world.  Please read this brief overview by John Esposito: "Want to Understand Islam? Start here."

Please read the following short article about some of the central convictions and practices that Jews, Muslims and Christians hold in common:  Truths Jews, Christians and Muslims Hold in Common

And since we often don't hear many stories about cooperation between Jews and Muslims, here's one that was published recently (April 21, 2015) that points toward the need for--and possibility of--understanding and cooperation: "In the Middle East, Muslims and Jews Work in Unison to Care for the Environment."  And here's a beautiful short video about a group of Muslims in India who have been caretakers of a Jewish synagogue for generations.

For your journal, reflect on some of these deep commonalities you have with your Muslim (and Jewish) neighbors.  While there are certainly differences we have with these neighbors, how might focusing on these commonalities help "make room" for respecting them, being in conversation with them, and serving the world alongside of them?   You are also encouraged to reflect on your own personal relationships you have (or have had over the years) with your Muslim neighbors.  How have those relationships (or lack of them) likely affected your views?

Come prepared for large group discussion where we will focus on how Christians might learn to be more hospitable to our Muslim neighbors.