We observe “religious experience” in others when they pray or worship; we have profound spiritual experiences ourselves. But how often do Christians or Muslims talk with one another, or think together, about our deepest experiences? Theologians and mystics, both Christian and Muslim, as well as modern scholars of religion can help us to think about this important but seldom explored topic that so deeply impacts our lives of faith and our interactions with other people. This course will survey key overlapping touchpoints in the experience of Christians and Muslims. Topics include:
- prayer
- worship & salat
- scripture: reading, recitation and meditation
- dreams & visions
- angels, demons, & jinn
- ecstatic, “charismatic” & mystical experiences
- the Beatific vision
Throughout the course we will explore the different ways that Christians and Muslims have talked about the meaning behind these experiences, and key questions they have asked: How can I evaluate the genuineness of spiritual experience, whether my own or another’s? How can I judge the validity of truth claims based on experience? Is God involved, and how do I know?
Daniel Brown. January 10 – March 13, 2024. Submit an Application.
We offer three levels of participation: (1) Non-credit. 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. Students at this level who successfully fulfill all class requirements will receive credit towards an ISRME certificate; (3) Graduate Credit. We offer Master’s level credit through Trinity International University.
8 Weeks. January 10 – March 13, 2024. Zoom class sessions are scheduled for Wednesdays at 5pm Istanbul time, beginning with a first zoom session on January 17. The course will be divided into two 4-week segments, separated by a one week break February 10 – 16.
