MR569/669: The Gospels as Muslims Have Read Them (4 units)

Martin Accad, Visiting Assistant Professor of Islamic Studies
Summer 2006 Pasadena

DESCRIPTION:

This course sees in the Islamic exegesis of the Bible through history the emergence of a veritable “hermeneutical context” for those wishing to do ministry in the Muslim world today. The course will examine the way that Muslims have read the Christian Gospels especially from the 9th to the 14th centuries, extracting the principal theological themes of the Muslim exegetical endeavor that was seeking to enter into dialogue with Christianity. Strategies and skills will be developed to approach these interpretations through objective - non-aggressive and non-apologetic – glasses. Students will be asked to look at the implications of this framework for their particular ministry interest, and to interact with it in a creative and context-relevant manner.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Overcome emotional and psychological obstacles and fears associated with prospective dialogue and interaction with Muslims for the purpose of witness.
• Acquire a thoroughly informed and constructive style and approach to the discussion of biblical and doctrinal issues with Muslims, characterized by an intentional avoidance of apologetics and polemics.
• Arrive to a comprehensive grasp of Gospel-related Muslim doctrinal an exegetical thinking, through a thorough familiarization with a wealth of texts written by Muslims in their history of interaction with Christians.

COURSE FORMAT: The class will meet daily (M-F) for a total of 9 sessions, over the period of a 2-week intensive.

REQUIRED READING: Available in class syllabus.

ASSIGNMENTS:

Early Assignment (250 words): Read my article “The Interpretation of the Gospels in Islam and Christianity” immediately, and submit on July 5th a 250-word reflective assignment concerning your expectations about the relevance of the present course for your ministry. This should include a brief description of your past and present cross-cultural ministry, followed by reflection based on the article about how you feel this course will help your ministry grown in context-relevance.
Exegetical Reports (8 x 250 words): For each of the 2nd to 9th sessions, prepare a 250-word (1 page) summary of your readings of about 30-50 pages in standard Gospel commentaries (specific verses will have been identified and assigned in advance on the first session).
Final Assignment (3,750 words): Choose one of the theological issues that emerged from the Islamic “hermeneutical context” and develop around it a tool that will be useful for your ministry. For example, if you are involved in formal Christian-Muslim dialogue, you may choose to develop a lecture dealing with one of these issues from a historical and theological perspective.
For ThM Students: As your final written assignment (3, above), develop a publishable 3,750-word theological/missional treatise on a major Christian doctrine, chosen in agreement with the course professor.

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.

FINAL EXAM: None.

Last Date Edited: March 22, 2006