seabury next

Encounter Islam

Sponsored by Seabury-Western Theological Seminary and

The Evanston Deanery of the Diocese of Chicago

Sample Schedule

• Dinner is provided on Friday.  A light breakfast and lunch are provided on Saturday.
• All programming is a blend of didactic, small group exercises, discussions and reflection.
• Please plan to participate in the entire program.

Friday, October 22

6:30 – 7:10 pm            Dinner – Middle Eastern Fare

7:10 – 7:45 pm            Welcome and Introductions:  Establishing a safe place for open and respectful dialogue.

7:45 – 9:00 pm            Module #1 – What is Islam?

This module will include the basics of Islam: The five pillars of Islam, basic terms, origin and development of Islam, how Islam has changed in different cultures, demographics, the Qu’ran, leadership structure in Islam, and the faith structure of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Discussion:  Misconceptions of Islam. How misconceptions have arisen, and how they have impacted us.

Saturday, October 23

9:00 – 9:15 am            Light breakfast

9:15 – 9:30 am            Welcome and time for questions from previous session

9:30 – 10:45 am          Module #2 – Who are Muslims?

This module will include the following: How Muslims practice their faith here and abroad and how Muslims live their faith here and abroad. Trends among Muslims, detail on Muslim worship, and the varieties of Islam such as Sunni, Shia and Sufi.  Data shared on extremist contingent. Discussion: What segments of Islam are growing more rapidly, moderates or radicals?

10:45 – 11:00  am        Break

11:00 am – 12:15 pm  Module #3 – Confronting Difficult Realities

This module will include the following:  Acknowledging fear, anger, misunderstanding between West and Islam; building an understanding of misconceptions on both sides; creating a safe space for discussion and reflection on these feelings.  Discussion:  Many charge that moderate and liberal Muslims "have a lot to answer for." Are they outraged and if so, are they capable of mobilizing/controlling the extremists?  Is this even possible in this culture?

12:15 – 12:45 pm           Lunch

12:45 am – 1:30 pm       Module #3 – Confronting Difficult Realities (continued)

1:30 – 2:00 pm                Reflective Exercise

2:00 – 3:15 pm                Module #4 – Working and Living with Muslims

This module will include the following: Building interfaith connections in a legal sense and a faith sense; equipping people with tools of cooperation.

Discussion:  What is your responsibility?

3:15 – 4 pm                     Closing Discussion and Summary: Dealing with differences broadly (not only with Muslims)

Evaluation