Religious Experience in Christianity and Islam

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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:

    • conversion
    • worship & salat
    • prayer
    • scripture: reading, recitation and meditation
    • dreams & visions
    • the unseen world of angels, demons, & jinn
    • ecstatic, charismatic & mystical experiences

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? 

The course is divided into two 4-week segments. Part I of the course will open on January 10; Zoom meetings will be on January 17, 24, 31, February 7 at 5pm Istanbul time. Following a one-week break, Part II will begin on February 14 with Zoom meetings on February 21, 28, March 6, and March 13 at 5pm Istanbul time.

Our courses are free for non-credit students, but to benefit from them requires active participation. Registrants who do not participate in the week 1 discussion forum or zoom meeting will be dropped from the course. Similarly, active participation in Part I of the course is required to continue with Part II; only students who have demonstrated engagement with the readings and participation in discussion will be invited to continue.

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.  If you wish to receive a Certificate or Graduate Credit, please indicate this in your registration.