MR591: Middle East Conference V Course (4 units)
Martin Accad, Associate Professor of Islamic Studies
Summer 2008, Beirut, Lebanon

DESCRIPTION:

This independent study is based on attending the conference held at the Institute of Middle East Studies’ annual Middle East Conference at the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary (www.abtslebanon.org). IMES’ stated Vision is “to bring about positive transformation in thinking and practice between Christians and Muslims in the middle east and the west”. The conference serves the Institute’s mission “to increase general awareness about Middle East realities and to resource Evangelicals to serve specific needs in the Arab World and among Arab communities worldwide”. As such, it will bring together people from the Middle East and the West to learn and interact in an atmosphere of mutual respect and openness. This year, MEC-V will deal with the theme: “Islam, Its Message and Law, and the Future of Our Societies”. With the rise of Muslim fundamentalist groups globally and their strong focus on radical agendas of Islamization, the whole question of the interface of Islam’s message and Law in the framework of Islam’s non-separation of “church and state” will become more and more important in the next decade or two. How can the Church prepare itself more effectively for this new era? What will the Church, both in the East and the West – the Global Church – need to learn? What kind of people will need to take leadership in the Church, and how will they need to prepare themselves? What questions need to be asked and what scenarios should we anticipate? Such are the issues that will be dealt with at the conference and the challenges that we will seek to address together.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Overcome the stereotypes and misperceptions about the Middle East and Islam that produce fear and contribute to misunderstanding and conflict
2. Understand some of the key sociological, religious and political issues facing cross-cultural workers in our world today
3. Develop the mind of a “Global Christian”, who thinks more strategically and reflectively on some of the conflict issues facing our world

COURSE FORMAT:

The Middle East Conference V is held over 5 days (16-20 June, 2008), and is made up of 3 principle parts: (1) two plenary session series in the mornings; (2) afternoon seminars and discussion groups; (3) an evening panel, the Forum towards Better Understanding (more details on www.abtslebanon.org/imes). Special afternoon seminars will be held after the conference specifically for students receiving Fuller credit for the course, where material from the conference and additional readings will be processed and paper topics discussed.

REQUIRED READING: (1500 pages total) If you have previously read any of the required texts, please select an alternative text from the recommended reading list or a book approved by the instructor.

1. Accad, Fouad. Building Bridges: Christianity and Islam. NavPress, 1997.
2. Kateregga, Badru D, & D.W. Shenk. A Muslim and a Christian in Dialogue. Scottdale: Herald Press, 1980, 1997.
3. Chapman, Colin. Cross and Crescent: Responding to the Challenge of Islam. 2nd Revised Edition. IVP, 2003.
4. Muller, Roland. Honor and Shame: Unlocking the Door. XLibris, 2001.
5. Musk, Bill A. Touching the Soul of Islam: Sharing the Gospel in Muslim Cultures. Crowborough: MARC, 1995.

RECOMMENDED READING:

1. Accad, Martin. "Corruption and/or Misinterpretation of the Bible: The Story of the Islamic Usage of Tahrîf." The Near East School of Theology Theological Review (Beirut) 24, 2 (2003): 67-97.
2. Chapman, Colin. Whose Promised Land. Baker Books, 2002.
3. McCurry, Don M., ed. The Gospel and Islam: A 1978 Compendium. Monrovia, CA: MARC, 1979.
4. Lapidus, Ira M. A History of Islamic Societies. Second Edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1988, 2002; CUP, 2002.
5. Mallouhi, Christine. Waging Peace on Islam. IVP, 2002.
6. Nazir Ali, Michael. Frontiers in Muslim-Christian Encounter. Oxford: Regnum Books, 1987.

ASSIGNMENTS:

1. Students are expected to attend all conference sessions, take active participation in seminars and discussion groups, and proactively to engage with others across cultures and religions throughout the time of the conference.
2. A 750-word evaluation and report on the conference
3. 1,500 pages of reading from required and recommended reading or other approved reading related to the topic
4. One major paper (3000-3750 words) on a significant topic related to inter-faith and/or inter-cultural issues, reflecting a missiological analysis inspired by the conference’s theme and sessions.

PREREQUISITES: At least one Fuller Islamic Studies course.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective

FINAL EXAM: None

Catalog Description.

This course should not be listed in the catalog. It is an independent study that is wrapped around attending a specific conference.

Note: This ECD is a reliable guide to the course design, but is subject to modification. Last Date Edited: 19 March 2008