Podcast: A Christian’s Surprising Insights on Islam
Listen in as I join Ali HK Hindi (University of Manchester) on his new Podcast Thoughtful Minds to talk about the value of engaging those of different religious beliefs, and some basic misconceptions about Islam.
What does “Christian Scholar of Islam” mean? (2:00-3:45)
I discuss how I came to study Islam and Arabic. I discuss the principle that all life is sacred and valuable, and that we all bring something to the table, regardless of our faith commitments. So how do scholars and everyday people understand others?
What are your research topics? (4:15-7:20)
My research topics: my work on the Jewish and Christian “meme” in Islamic literature. I discuss how we imagine people in perceptual worlds and from literary study of them instead of as they exist in person, in reality.
What are some key misconceptions about Islam? (8:30-13:25)
(1) I address how we need to build knowledge of others, and how to teach others how to understand a topic through relationship.
(2) Shariah is severely misunderstood. It is not a codified law and it is not one thing. It it not law as we know it in the West, as crime and punishment. Shariah includes this aspect, but also considers worship practices and other “non-legal” material. Shariah informs an ethical order for Muslims who seek to live according to God’s will. A multi-faith effort on how Shariah works in a democracy is greatly needed in public education. Shariah has been resistant to Islamic regimes for its entire history, something most Christians do not understand about its role in political thought. We must see others from a humanitarian perspective, where all life is valued.
What is most effective way to educate others and overcome negativities and misconceptions about Islam? (14:10-16:55)
There aren’t many I have found useful to educate individuals outside of academia. What has been effective is my work as part of The Study of Religions Across Civilizations that provides opportunities to build relationships between scholars and their students with those of deeply different tradition.
The major problem outside of academia is dogmatic views holding Christians back from advancing the Gospel through compassionate mercy. To make matters more difficult, governments have intervened into civil affairs of citizens of many countries, creating policies that coerce cooperation. But that doesn’t work because cooperation follows in the tailwind of trust. Trusting relationships are crucial for multi-faith engagement, because that is what gets us beyond difficult times.
17:15-18:45: How does strengthening ties between scholars help?
We get a clear idea of a moral order that we form and shape together. We bring our faith commitments to our publications, scholarship, students, and learning communities.
21:00-23:00: What is my personal experience?
During my 2019 trip to Morocco, I learned move beyond textual study to real-life experience, and books I read became flesh, and I recognized the charity and generosity of the Muslims I met. I moved beyond my perceptual world to human relationship.
How do we move beyond coexistence and living parallel lives? (26:13-30:00)
We cannot remove religion from our public lives. Religion shapes and is shaped by society, for goodness or evil. Political narratives hijack my fidelity to God, seeking to get me on one side over another.
How does training scholars help? (31:00-34:25)
Many scholars struggle to connect their study to real life. Scholars have deep knowledge but not enough experiential knowledge to engage in the public sphere. Or they don’t want to engage.
How has studying Islam influenced my personal faith? (35:00-38:00)
It’s made my faith walk very difficult. It’s enhanced my understanding of humanity but made me an outsider. Studying Islam from texts has given me a deep appreciation of charity and generosity in Islam. I’ve noticed that Christians don’t always want to help Muslims unless it’s part of a larger organization. I believe Muslims can live an ethical life just as Christians, and this informs how I live and work, helping see God as loving to all and caring for all humankind.
What is the response to you being a Christian scholar of Islam? (38:25-41:10)
It might sound strange that someone like me studies Islam, but I want to be someone who stands with others. My aims are clear but others might want to know if I am proselytizing or what my ultimate goals are.
What is some practical wisdom you can offer from the ? (41:45-46:50)
For those with faith commitments, reach out to your religious leaders to understand how God covenants with his people. It’s useful to know where your faith stands. Build coalitions with other faith communities and seek coalitions with higher education institutions. Society is becoming religious, and the secular dream has not come true. We all have overlapping identities, not just one religious identity. Many Christians and Muslims are not by default following their religious customs or prayers, and we cannot assume so.
What’s my advice to others?
Build trusting relationships with Muslims. Have courage and invite others to your home — if you feel safe to do so — and engage them wherever you meet them, either in your community, in industry, in school, and elsewhere. Goodness requires us to do it. We contribute to a moral order together, and we cannot rely on government institutions to save us. Study abroad. Learn culture.
