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Meeting in Peace: Bases for MuslimChristian Cooperation
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What can we learn from their experiences? III. MEDA in an Islamic Context. MEDA's Mission ... in business and the professions, committed to applying biblical ... – PowerPoint PPT presentation
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Title: Meeting in Peace: Bases for MuslimChristian Cooperation
1
Meeting in Peace Bases for Muslim-Christian
Cooperation
- Mennonite Economic Development Associates
- Trust in a World of Change
- November 2, 2007
- Toronto, Ontario
- Muslim-Christian Encounter Resonance,
Dissonance, and Hope for Peace - Film Clip The Imam and the Pastor
- MEDA in an Islamic Context
2
Muslim-Christian Encounter Resonance,
Dissonance,and Hope for Peace
- When you think about Muslim-Christian relations,
what kinds of stories come to mind?
3
Three Types of Stories
- Confrontation
- Commonality
- Mutuality
- Why does the first type of story get so much
play?
4
The Danger
- Unmitigated antagonism between Christians and
Muslims threatens the integrity of both faith
traditions - Runaway antagonism typically involves
- Letting our differences define the entire
relationship - Defining ourselves in opposition to the other
even more than on the basis of our own values
5
The Challenge
- Working to build trust between Christians and
Muslims - How do we do it?
- Need to accept that there will always be areas of
resonance and areas of difference (or
dissonance) - We can build on the resonance, and find ways to
manage the dissonance
6
Resonance
- Monotheism (The God of Abraham)
- Biblical figures prophets
- Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, Jacob,
Joseph, Jonah, Moses, Solomon, David, Elijah,
Job, John the Baptist, Mary - Shared esteem for Jesus (in different ways)
- Language of faith
- Peace language
- Shalom and salam have common Semitic roots
- Both mean more than just absence of war
7
Muslims are expected to believe in
- God Allah (literally, the God)
- Prophets Messengers (singular Nabi, Rasul)
- Revealed Books (Torah, Psalms, Gospels)
- Angels
- Day of Judgment
The Merciful, the Compassionate
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Foundational Prayers The Lords Prayer and the
Opening Surah (Al-Fatiha)
- 1 - Our Father who art in Heaven,
- 2 - Hallowed be Thy Name.
- 3 - Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done on Earth
as it is in Heaven. - 4 - Give us this day our daily bread,
- 5 - And forgive us our debts as we forgive our
debtors, - 6 - And lead us not into temptation, but deliver
us from evil - 7 - For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and
the Glory, forever. - Amen
- 1 - In the name of God, the Merciful, the
Compassionate, - 2 All praise be to God, Lord of all worlds,
- 3- The Merciful, the Compassionate, King of the
Day of Judgment. - 4 - You alone do we worship, and to You alone we
turn for help. - 5 - Guide us (O Lord) to the path that is
straight, - 6 - The path of those You have blessed,
- 7 - Not of those who have earned Your anger, nor
of those who have gone astray. - Amin
9
Differences
- Theology Christology
- Christianity Trinity/Incarnation
- Islam Unity of God (tawhid)
- Ethics
- Relative priority of love and justice
- Differing views about resist not evil, turn
the other cheek, etc. - Human condition
10
Utilize resonance, manage dissonance, recognize
abuses
11
II. Film Clip The Imam and the Pastor
- Setting Nigeria
- Theme Religious Peacebuilding
- How were the pastor and the imam able to make
peace with each other? - What can we learn from their experiences?
12
III. MEDA in an Islamic Context
13
MEDAs Mission
Shalom (???????) Peace
- MEDA Mission As an association of Christians,
in business and the professions, committed to
applying biblical teachings in the marketplace,
MEDA members share their faith, abilities and
resources to address human needs through economic
development. - MEDA Vision ...that all people may experience
Christ's love and utilize their abilities to earn
a livelihood, provide for families and enrich
their communities.
14
Five Muslim Practices (Pillars)
- 1) Testifying (shahadah)
- No god but God (La ilaha illa Allah).
- Muhammad is Messenger (rasul) of God.
- 2) Observing regular daily prayer (salat)
- 3) Charity (zakat)
- 4) Fasting (sawm)
- 5) Pilgrimage (hajj)
15
Challenges
- The War on Terrorism context means increased
potential for Muslim-Christian polarization. - Because MEDA is a Christian organization based in
North America, some Muslims may suspect a hidden
agenda. - There is much disagreement among contemporary
Muslims (and Christians) about how best to
manifest the ideals of their faith.
16
Opportunities
- There is a strong basis for coexistence with the
People of the Book in Islam. - Reputation, relationships, and trust are very
important and MEDA has assets in these areas. - Within a context of respectfulness and
transparency, MEDA has the potential to make
deeply meaningful contributions to
Christian-Muslim goodwill and understanding.
17
Advising One Another
- Form small groups
- Try to identify several Do/Dont
prescriptions for MEDAs projects in
Muslim-majority countries - What are some guiding principles for cooperation?
- How can Christians and Muslims meet in peace?
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