Explores the relationship between Eastern Christianity and Islam from historical, theological, philosophical, and anthropological perspectives, examining Islam’s reception of Christian culture, the response of Eastern Christians to Islam, and their mutual impact, ranging from apologetics and polemics to pilgrimage and popular piety. Includes examination of Qur’anic and Muslim views of Christianity, overview of key historical events, figures, and movements, such as the extensive Christological debates in Late Antiquity, the Muslim capture of Christian lands, John of Damascus and Theodore Abu Qurrah, the Syriac Christian translation movement and the Baghdad school of philosophy, the fall of the Byzantine Empire and the incorporation of the Rum Orthodox into the Ottoman Empire. We will also delve into comparative analysis of their respective theological positions, such as doctrines regarding the unity of God, the distinction between God and creation, the role of scripture (Bible, Qur’an), tradition (paradosis, hadith/sunnah), reason and the Word of God (Logos, Kalām), as well as their historical religious practices (prayer, worship, pilgrimage, veneration of saints).
Unscheduled. Let us know your scheduling preferences.
We offer three levels of participation: (1) Non-credit ($300). Non-credit students (auditors) are given access to course materials, including lectures, but are not expected to submit written assignments and will receive no credit; (2) Certificate ($450). Students at this level who successfully fulfill all class requirements will receive credit towards an ISRME certificate; (3) Graduate Credit ($900). We offer Master’s level credit through Trinity International University.
Times and days of zoom class sessions will be determined by the instructor in consultation with registered students. For further details consult our Academic Program Guide.
