A conceptual and historical survey of the Islamic tradition, centered on a two week in-person residency in Beirut. Offered in partnership with the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary.
The future of Christianity in the Middle East and North Africa depends to a large extent on how Islam develops in the coming years and how Christians are able to relate to Muslims and Islam. In this context what can Christians learn from the past and present to help them to live alongside Muslims and engage with them in the future? In order to understand the many issues involved in Christian-Muslim relations in this region at the present time, it is essential to have a clear grasp of the history of Islam. In the module we will seek to understand Islam at its best and in all its variety, studying the faith and practice of Islam as far as possible as Muslims understand it, while at the same time asking all the appropriate critical questions. Such an approach, which is both sympathetic and critical at the same time, should help Christians to reflect on the most appropriate Christian responses and approaches to Muslims in our contexts at the present time.
MENA Islam is a core module of the Master of Religion in Middle Eastern and North African Studies (MRel in MENA Studies) offered through the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Beirut. The course is administered by ABTS, and students who wish to participate should submit an application for admission directly to the MRel program. Admission to this course is entirely at the discretion of ABTS, and requirements and tuition are set by the ABTS. Students who successfully complete this course are eligible for ISRME certificate credit.
| MENA Islam 2022 Schedule |
| 17 October – 23 December 2022 (Pre-Residency – online) **Christmas Break 24 December – 8 January** 9 January- 20 January 2023 (Residency in Beirut) 23 January- 31 March (Post-Residency – online) |
