M. Youssef Blindsided: The Radical Islamic Conquest (Kobri Books, 2012) ISBN:
9780984810826. (175pp) ... Understanding Islam – Dr Michael Youssef. 2.
(4ST540) Christian Encounter with Islam 2013 2 hours Syllabus I NSTRUCTOR Dr Bruce Lowe received his first doctorate in Analytical Chemistry and taught, consulted and researched in a university setting over several years in both Chemistry and Chemical Engineering departments. He then completed his MDiv at RTS Orlando, becoming an ordained Presbyterian minister and working in college ministry, as a youth pastor, and in church revitalization. His second doctorate is in Ancient History/New Testament Studies, where his thesis has focused on the purpose of Romans through attention to its cultural setting (Romans and its Social Relations). Bruce has had numerous opportunities to serve amongst Muslim people over the years: 10 week mission to Turkey; supervising Special Indonesian Group in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering; Mission to Mosque in Lakemba (Sydney); interacting with Chemistry research members from Gaza, Bangladesh, Jordan. Bruce has had a special interest in ministry to Muslim people over the years. NORMAL SEMESTER OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Tuesday 4-6pm. CONTACT DETAILS:
[email protected]; 678 447 3526 (cell). C OURSE D ESCRIPTION An introduction to the history, culture, traditions, beliefs, and practices of Islam. Students will reflect on the ways in which Islamic faith and life have been shaped by historical and cultural circumstances, study the diversity of Islam both in history and in contemporary expression, and develop a deeper understanding of Islam in order to love Muslims as their neighbors and witness more effectively to them. L EARNING O BJECTIVES 1. Demonstrate knowledge of Islamic history. 2. Improve knowledge of present-day Islamic faith and practice. 3. Formulate apologetic and evangelism strategies for ministry to Muslims.
Required Texts: D. W. Brown, A New Introduction to Islam, 2nd ed. (Chichester, UK: Wiley- Blackwell, 2009). ISBN: 9781405158077. (300pp)
M. A. S. Abdel Haleem, trans., The Qur’an, Oxford World’s Classics (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004). ISBN: 9780199535958. (470pp) Nawawi, Al-Maqasid: Nawawi’s Manual of Islam, trans. Nuh Ha Mim Keller, 2nd ed. (Beltsville, MD: Amana, 2002). ISBN: 9781590080115. (200pp) A. Zaka and B. A. McDowell, Muslims and Christians at the Table: Promoting Biblical Understanding Among North American Muslims (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R, 1999). ISBN: 9780875524733. (326pp) M. Youssef Blindsided: The Radical Islamic Conquest (Kobri Books, 2012) ISBN: 9780984810826. (175pp) A SSESSMENT 30%
Book Review of all assigned books (excluding the Quran) (8 pages) - due March 19th.1
20%
Report on visit to Mosque due one week after last class (i.e. April 2nd).2
50%
Research Papers – “A Dialogue with a Muslim” due two weeks after last class (i.e. April 9th).3
W HEN IS THE C OURSE BEING R UN ? Tuesday February 5 th to Tuesday March 26 th 1pm – 4pm (except the 5th, where it will be 6pm-9pm)
1
This review should be up to eight pages (single spaced). The goal is to persuade me that you have read and thought through the books read in a thoughtful way. Best to start with a short summary of his main views… then things you liked, things you didn’t like and a short conclusion. Include specifics, which will show me that you have really thought it through. 2 This will be approx. 3-5 pages single spaced. It should report: 1) Your first impressions coming to the Mosque; 2) A brief summary of what was said in dialogue with the Imam; and 3) Closing reflections on this discussion. 3 This will be approx 10-25 pages single spaced. It will be a critical paper, combining all that you have learnt in this course into a dialogue between yourself and a Muslim person from a defined culture (of your choice). IT IS A CRITICAL PAPER IN THAT YOU WILL NEED TO HAVE FOOTNOTES AND A BIBLIOGRAPHY AT THE END BACKING UP WHY YOU WOULD SAY WHAT YOU SAY, WHY YOU WOULD EXPECT THE RESPONSE YOU RECEIVE ETC.
General Outline Week/Date F5 (Special time) 6-9pm F12
Hour 1 2 3 4 5 6
F19
7 8 9
F26
10 11 12
M5
M12
M19 (Review due) 30% M26
TBA
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Subject Understanding Islam – Dr Michael Youssef Understanding Islam – Dr Michael Youssef Understanding Islam – Dr Michael Youssef History of Islam (Part I) History of Islam (Part II) History of Islam (Part III) Special Skype Guest: Mr Maged Atalla Islam Today (Part I) - Similarities Islam Today (Part II) - Differences Islam Today (Part III) – Overall Special Skype Guest: Mr Maged Atalla Understanding Militant Islam (Part I) Understanding Militant Islam (Part II) Understanding Militant Islam (Part III) Special Skype Guest: Dr Michael Youssef. Understanding the Quran & Sunna (Part I) Understanding the Quran & Sunna (Part II) Understanding the Quran & Sunna (Part III) The Insider Movement? (Part I) The Insider Movement? (Part II) Witnessing to a Muslim (Part I) – Authenticity of Bible Witnessing to a Muslim (Part II) - Trinity Witnessing to a Muslim (Part III) – Jesus Son of God Witnessing to a Muslim (Part IV) –Crucifixion & Resurrection. Witnessing to Muslim (Part V) Missions to Muslim Nations (Part II) Missions to Muslim Nations (Part III) Mosque Visit Mosque Visit
A2
Review of Mosque Due. (20%)
A9
Essay/Dialogue Due. (50%)
Course Objectives Related to MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes
MDiv* Student Learning Outcomes In order to measure the success of the MDiv curriculum, RTS has defined the following as the intended outcomes of the student learning process. Each course contributes to these overall outcomes. This rubric shows the contribution of this course to the MDiv outcomes.
Rubric
Mini-‐Justification
Strong Moderate Minimal None
*As the MDiv is the core degree at RTS, the MDiv rubric will be used in this syllabus.
Articulation (oral & written)
Broadly understands and articulates knowledge, both oral and written, of essential biblical, theological, historical, and cultural/global information, including details, concepts, and frameworks.
Strong
Scripture
Significant knowledge of the original meaning of Scripture. Also, the concepts for and skill to research further into the original meaning of Scripture and to apply Scripture to a variety of modern circumstances. (Includes appropriate use of original languages and hermeneutics; and integrates theological, historical, and cultural/global perspectives.) Significant knowledge of Reformed theology and practice, with emphasis on the Westminster Standards.
Moderate
Minimal
1. Reformed apologetic approaches.
Demonstrates a love for the Triune God that aids the student’s sanctification.
Minimal
Desire for Worldview
Burning desire to conform all of life to the Word of God.
Strong
Winsomely Reformed
Embraces a winsomely Reformed ethos. (Includes an appropriate ecumenical spirit with other Christians, especially Evangelicals; a concern to present the Gospel in a God-‐honoring manner to non-‐ Christians; and a truth-‐in-‐love attitude in disagreements.) Ability to preach and teach the meaning of Scripture to both heart and mind with clarity and enthusiasm.
Strong
1. This course is not so much about the student, as it is growing in understanding for Islam. 1. Islam is so much about an alternative world-‐view. So in studying this world-‐view we will be forced to reconsider our own. 1. This is a course about learning to winsomely bear witness for Christ before Muslims.
Reformed Theology Sanctification
Preach
Moderate
1. Book reviews 2. Verbal dialogue at Mosque. 3. “Verbal”/written dialogue assignment. 1. Comparison between Koran and Bible. 2. Biblical apologetics.
1. In terms of preaching the gospel, this course fits well.
Worship Shepherd
Church/World
Knowledgeable of historic and modern Christian-‐worship forms; and ability to construct and skill to lead a worship service. Ability to shepherd the local congregation: aiding in spiritual maturity; promoting use of gifts and callings; and encouraging a concern for non-‐Christians, both in America and worldwide. Ability to interact within a denominational context, within the broader worldwide church, and with significant public issues.
Minimal
1. Some worship songs of ancient origin.
Strong
1. There is an “encouraging of concern for non-‐Christians, both in America and worldwide.”
Strong
1. We are dealing here with one of the major world religions and how we should interact with it.
