GOALS AND PURPOSES
The course is designed to acquaint students with the various kinds of theological encounter that have characterized Christian-Muslim relations since the early days of Islam. It will cover scripture and interpretation, theological writings from the 8 th to the 20 th centuries, ways in which political engagement has colored theological interpretation, recent discussions of religious pluralism, and forms of theological dialogue.
READINGS
The following texts are available in the Hartford Seminary bookstore:
- Required:
- Hugh Goddard, A History of Christian-Muslim Relations
- Khalid Abu El Fadl, et. al, The Place of Tolerance in Islam
- Recommended:
- Kate Zebiri, Muslims and Christians Face to Face.
[Note: other readings will be available on reserve in the Seminary library]
COURSE SCHEDULE
February 1 Introduction
February 8 Scriptural Bases for Viewing the Other
February 15 Early Christians and Islam
- Christological Controversies
- Arguing with Muslims
February 22 Early Muslims and Christianity
- Theology and Law
- Arguing with Christians
March 1 ONLINE DISCUSSION [details to be explained]
March 8 Medieval/Reformation Period
- Crusades/ Jerusalem; Spain
- Protestant Reformers; travelers to Muslim lands
March 15 Recent Christian Writings on Islam (Pluralism)
- Protestant Missionaries
- Islamists and Theologians
[note: student presentations]
March 22 Recent Muslim Writings on Christianity (Pluralism)
[note: student presentations]
March 29 ONLINE DISCUSSION [details to be explained]
April 5 Christian-Muslim Dialogue
[note: student presentations]
April 19 Does Theology Matter on the Ground? Part I
- Southeast Asia
- South Asia
April 26 Does Theology Matter on the Ground? Part II
Middle East Conclusion
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1. Read all of Hugh Goddard and selected readings (to be assigned) from Khalid Abu El Fadl. Reading Kate Zebiri is strongly recommended.
2. Read one article assigned to you (available in the library) and give a brief oral summary in class at the time designated.
3. Research either: (a) Recent Christian theological writing on Islam and/or pluralism, (b) recent Muslim writing on Christianity and/or pluralism, (c) Christian-Muslim theological dialogue in the international or national ( US) arena. You will make a brief class presentation at the appropriate time, accompanied by a written essay of about 10 pages.
4. At the end of the course submit a 5-page reflection paper on the relationship between theology and historical circumstance, with specific reference to any of the materials considered in class.
Jane I. Smith