MR561: The Qur’an and Christian Doctrine (4 units)

Joseph Cumming, Instructor in Islamic Studies
Summer 2004 Pasadena

DESCRIPTION:

When Christians talk with Muslims about Jesus, we are frequently asked about texts from the Qur’an which appear to reject the Trinity, the divine sonship of Christ, the crucifixion of Christ, and the integrity of the Bible. Do these texts really mean what they are usually assumed to mean? Are our answers informed by sound exegesis of the Qur’an and by sound Christian theology and biblical exegesis? This course will equip students to answer those questions with integrity, and it may contain surprises for some!

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Grasp of the key qur’anic texts, with understanding of their original context and of the history of Islamic interpretation
• Grasp of the Christian theological issues at stake in these texts
• Ability to respond to Muslim questions in a way which demonstrates integrity and faithfulness to Christian orthodoxy

COURSE FORMAT: One-week intensive. Lectures, with ample time for questions, discussion and reflection on the readings. Optional Arabic reading group if enough students are interested (see below, under Assignments).

ASSIGNMENTS: Students should choose one of the following four options as a final course project:

• Produce a detailed, annotated chart of all qur’anic verses which directly address Christian doctrine. Design as a reference tool for your ministry. Further guidelines will be given in class.
• Memorize in your (non-European) field language an agreed-upon number of relevant texts from the Qur’an and the Bible. Write out these texts from memory. Language must be written in Arabic, Roman or Cyrillic script, and student must supply instructor in advance with a printed copy of the correct texts.
• Participate in a special study group, in addition to lecture-hours, to examine key texts in Arabic. This requires interest by at least three students. If you can read Arabic a little, but feel weak, don’t hesitate to choose this opportunity to strengthen your Arabic vocabulary on key concepts.
• Write a 15 pp. research paper on a topic of your choice, related to the theme of the course.

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.

FINAL EXAM: Short essays. Student will be asked questions which Muslims and Muslim-background believers typically ask. Replies should demonstrate understanding of orthodox Christian doctrine and of the theological, historical and exegetical issues studied in the course. The exam should be seen as a practical “rehearsal” for field ministry among Muslims.

Last Date Edited: March 25, 2004