As a contrast to the Al-Queda reader and the discussion in class about lack of understanding of Islam, I thought I would share my notes from a lecture I attended last semester by Fr. Michel. His lecture was entitled "Reading the Quran Through Christian Eyes". I hope this can be helpful to other members of the class in providing a different perspective on the Quran, a perspective that is not often portrayed in the media today. I know it's a super long post, but I hope you find it useful!
Fr. Michel began by first asking the audience, “Why would a Christian read the Quran?” He gave two reasons why a Christian would be interested in reading the Quran. The first reason he gave is that God uses the scriptures of other religions to deepen their followers’ relationship with God. The second reason is that scriptures of other religions have elements of grace and goodness. Therefore we, as Christians, can read the Quran and have a pleasant spiritual and learning experience. Fr. Michel quoted Pope John Paul II who in 1998 said “Every quest of the human spirit for truth and goodness, and in the last analysis for God, is inspired by the Holy Spirit.” The most characteristic expression of our quest for God is prayer.
Fr. Michel laid out some important guidelines for speaking about other religions that are not our own. The first guideline is that a statement must be recognizable to those who follow that religion. Secondly, it must agree with our own experience and observations of the other, meaning those who are members of the religion must have experienced and observed the statement as well. Finally, it must hold up to scientific scrutiny. All of these criteria must be met in order to make a statement about the religion of another individual.
Fr. Michel gave some background and history of the Quran. The Quran was revealed to Muhammad by God around 610-632 CE. This is considered to be a final, complete, and perfect revelation. Many Muslims strive to memorize the Quran because it is believed to be God’s own word. The meaning of the word Quran is “recitation of God’s revealed word.” The Quran is God’s book: by, about, and leading to God. God is, rules, creates, sends, guides, ordains, has mercy and judges. According to Muslims, God does all those things and so much more. It is difficult to compare the Bible to the Quran because the Bible deals with how God is involved in our everyday life.
There are two aspects to the central teachings of the Quran, theological and ethical. The theological message of the Quran is that there is one God alone, there are no rivals to God, no Arab deities, and no “perennial” rivals, like wealth, power, beauty, etc. The ethical teaching of the Quran is that there is a moral will for all of humankind.
The Quran is a book of praise, praise for God in His many names and praise for all of His creation. God is described as merciful and compassionate. There are three key characteristics of God as explained in the Quran. The first key characteristic is that God is the creator and we need to glorify His creation. The second characteristic is God as a teacher and we need to learn His lessons. The final characteristic is God as a commander and we need to obey His commands.
Fr. Michel addressed the questions “What kind of Muslim does the Quran try to form? And what is true righteousness for Muslims?” Muslims are identified by their ritual obligations of prayer. Some other qualities that are key to being a Muslim are believing in God’s teachings, assisting those in need, undertaking the obligation to worship God, and finally, being trustworthy, patient and God-fearing.
Fr. Michel closed by giving examples of the Quran as a teacher and also as a reminder. The Quran has many stories about God’s creation and these are full of signs of God’s glory, but most people do not notice these signs. The stories in the Quran about the glory of God’s creation are to teach us to notice the glory of creation. The Quran as a reminder suggest that sin arises from thoughtlessness or forgetfulness rather than willful obstinacy. This connects with the Muslim requirement to pray five times a day. This requirement to pray serves as a reminder of commitment to God.
Thank you for posting on this.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laura. This will replace your missed quiz grade from week 2, and also gives us something of a counterbalance to al-Qaeda's version of Islam.
ReplyDeleteI just read this post and it completely opened my eyes. I’m kind of upset that I didn’t go to this lecture, it sounds amazing just by your notes. Because I’ve always lacked understanding of Islam, I’ve always only been open to what I see in the media and all of the negative aspects. I never even knew there were guidelines to speaking about other religions, but I’m just amazed. To me, it seems like much of the history is the same, just the way the Quran and the Bible are written, make the way we live our lives different. Also, many of the qualities of a Muslim are the same for a Christian. This is one of the things that make the understanding of religion so difficult for me. They have so many things in common, the same God, but yet, they’re so different.
ReplyDelete