Previous Lectures
Previous Events
The Role of Anatolia in the History of Christianity
Speaker: Namik Ilksoy
Monday, November 21
Namik Ilksoy discussed the journeys of Saint Paul, the letters of Disciple John and Saint Ignatius and the early Christian Councils.
As a professional tour guide in Turkey leading tours internationally, Namik has been helping Dr. Adil Ozdemir's J-term class, "Islam in Turkey," for the last four years. He brings to Muslim Christian Dialogue twenty-four years of experience as a professional tour guide, who has led at least ten Church groups a year to religious sites. He discussed the beginnings of Christianity on the soils of Anatolia (Turkey), and shared how he came to realize how little we as Muslims and Christians know about each other.
Namik often gets invited by the churches to share his views.
Pilgrimage: What might Jews, Christians, and Muslims learn from and with each other? Panel with Rabbi Norman Cohen, Sheikh Odeh Muhawesh, and Susan Stabile, J.D.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
What do Jewish, Christian, and Muslim pilgrimages teach us about Judaism, Christianity, and Islam? When examining pilgrimages in these three traditions, what might Jews, Christians, and Muslims learn from each other about religious commitment and devotion? These are among the questions discussed in this program by the panelists who also considered whether interfaith pilgrimages might be appropriate or should even be encouraged.
Rabbi Norman Cohen is senior rabbi of Bet Shalom Congregation in Minnetonka. A graduate of Holy Cross College before entering rabbinical school at Hebrew Union College where he wrote a rabbinic thesis later published as Jewish Bible Personages in the New Testament (University Press of America, 1989), he is currently writing a book on stereotypes and misconceptions Jews and Christians have about each other and what to do about them
Susan Stabile, J.D., holds the Robert and Marion Short Distinguished Chair in Law at the University of St. Thomas School of Law and is among the leading scholars in the United States on the intersection of Catholic social thought and the law. A spiritual director who often leads retreats and other programs of spiritual formation, she recently finished writing a book that adapts Tibetan Buddhist analytical meditations for Christians, which will be published by Oxford University Press in 2012
Sheikh Odeh Muhawesh is both a highly successful business leader and an accomplished scholar. He has founded several businesses and he is currently the CEO of Scorant LLC in Minneapolis. A specialist in Islamic theology and modern Middle East history, he teaches courses on these subjects as an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas, where he also serves as an associate of the Muslim-Christian Dialogue Center and a member of its board.
Sponsored by the Jay Phillips Center for Interfaith Learning and the Muslim-Christian Dialogue Center at the University of St. Thomas
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Should Catholics be Engaged in Interreligious Dialogue?
In place of Bishop Piché, presentation by Fr. Erich Rutten
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Due to illness, Bishop Piché, the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis, was unable to be present as scheduled. In his place, Fr. Erich Rutten, chaplain and director of campus ministry at the University of St. Thomas, shared his own reflections on the significance of interreligious dialogue for Catholics and the anniversary of the World Day of Prayer in Assisi, Italy. Terry Nichols, UST professor of theology and co-director of UST’s Muslim-Christian Dialogue Center, and Hans Gustafson, assistant director of the Jay Phillips Center for Interfaith Learning, also shared reflections on the significance of interfaith dialogue.
Sponsored by the Center for Catholic Studies, Campus Ministry, Jay Phillips Center for Interfaith Learning, and the Muslim-Christian Dialogue Center
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Professor Abdulwahid Qalinle, “Islamic Sharia: Threat to Democracy?”
Wednesday, October 11, 2011
Professor Qalinle spoke on the nature of Sharia law in Islam, and how it relates to American democracy.
Abdulwahid Qalinle has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota Law School since 2004. He is an expert in the areas of comparative constitutional law, Islamic law, International law and the rule of law.
Qalinle received advanced degrees in law from the International Islamic University in Islamabad, Pakistan and from the University of Minnesota Law School. Most recently he was appointed director of the Islamic Law and Human Rights Program (IHRP) at the Law School, which opened on February 4, 2011.
Sponsored by the Muslim-Christian Dialogue Center
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Art in Islam and Christianity
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
As a part of the Interfaith art pARTners festival, Dr. Adil Ozdemir and Dr. Terry Nichols, Co-directors of the Muslim-Christian Dialogue Center, discussed the role of art in Islam and Christianity. Both Islam and Christianity use various forms of art to communicate the glory and presence of God. But the understanding of art, and the way it is used, differs somewhat in each tradition. This discussion explored both the similarities and the differences in the use of art in Islam and Christianity.
Interfaith art pARTners is a collaborative festival of Twin Cities institutions who come together to promote the arts as a catalyst for conversation within the context of faith and spirituality. The goal of this collaboration is to advance an understanding of the diverse communities, cultures, faith traditions, and spiritual beliefs in the broader community.
A variety of museums, places of worship, historical societies, performing art organizations, and colleges each participated through individual exhibitions and programming as they expressed their unique stories through various art forms. The festival ran throughout late winter and spring of 2011.
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The Role of Religion in U.S. Foreign Policy
Main Speakers: Congressman Keith Ellison;
Major General Richard Nash, Adjutant General, State of Minnesota
Friday, April 8, 2011
Congressman Ellison and General Nash discussed the role of religion in U.S. Foreign Policy. From designing foreign policy to implementing it on the ground, religion is a critical factor for consideration. The U.S. has struggled with how to address the role of religion in the implementation of its foreign policy. From the Dali Lama to Ayatollah Sistani to the Muslim Brotherhood of Egypt the U.S. must engage powerful religious leaders.
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Muslims and America: Beyond Fear of the Other
Main Speaker: Dr. Muqtedar Khan, University of Deleware
Respondent: Dr. Gerald Schlabach, University of St. Thomas
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
There has been a great deal of concern about Islamophobia in America. The speaker and respondent addressed this issue.
Featured speaker, Dr. Muqtedar Khan, is Associate Professor in the Department of Political 
Science and International Relations at the University of Delaware. He earned his Ph.D. in International Relations, Political Philosophy, and Islamic Political Thought, from Georgetown University in May 2000.
Dr. Kahn is the author of American Muslims: Bridging Faith and Freedom (Amana, 2002), Jihad for Jerusalem: Identity and Strategy in International Relations (Praeger, 2004), Islamic Democratic Discourse (Lexington Books, 2006) and Debating Moderate Islam: The Geopolitics of Islam and the West (University of Utah Press, 2007).
Dr. Khan frequently comments on BBC, CNN International, FOX and VOA TV, Bridges TV, NPR and other radio and TV networks. His political commentaries appear regularly in newspapers in over 20 countries. He has lectured in North America, East Asia, Middle East and Europe . Dr. Khan is from Hyderabad in India. He is married to Reshma and has a son Rumi, and a daughter Ruhi.
His articles on Islam and American Muslims can be read at www.ijtihad.org and his commentaries on global politics can be read at www.Glocaleye.org.
Free and open to the public. For more information, please contact the Muslim-Christian Dialogue Center at mcdc@stthomas.edu or 651-962-5650.
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Panel Discussion: Doing Virtuous Business:
An Interreligious Dialogue on Faith and Work
An Interreligious Dialogue on Faith and Work
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Description: Our panel discussed the Jewish, Christian and Muslim perspectives on the interrelation between faith and work. Drawing upon their respective religious traditions, the panelists discussed what it means to be faithful leaders in business today.
Panelists:
• Ted Malloch is Chairman and CEO of the Roosevelt Group, a leading strategy thought leadership company. His most recent book is Doing Virtuous Business, which is also the subject of a PBS documentary to be aired in spring 2011.
• Odeh Muhawesh is a Minneapolis based entrepreneur who is presently CEO of Scroant Inc. (Minneapolis). He also teaches courses in the history of the Middle East and in Islamic theology at the University of St. Thomas.
• Brian Shapiro is an associate professor at the University of St. Thomas in the accounting department at the Opus College of Business. He is also an active member of Bet Shalom Congregation in Minnetonka, MN.
Sponsors:
• Muslim-Christian Dialogue Center
• John A. Ryan Institute for Catholic Social Thought, the Center for Catholic Studies
• Jay Phillips Center for Interfaith Learning
• SAIP Institute at the Opus College of Business
Click here to view a streaming video of the lecture.
A Panel Discussion
Women in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
October 7, 2010
PANELISTS:
Rabbi Amy Eilberg
is the first woman ordained as a Conservative rabbi by the Jewish Theological Seminary of America. After many years of work in pastoral care, hospice and spiritual direction, Rabbi Eilberg now directs the Interfaith Conversations Project at the Jay Phillips Center for Interfaith Learning. Deeply engaged in peace and reconciliation efforts in connection with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, she now serves as chair of J Street Minnesota. She is at work on a book on Judaism and Peacebuilding.
Ms. Gail Anderson
is the Director of Unity and Relationships, Minnesota Council of Churches, where she directs Interfaith and Ecumenical programming. With the Muslim American Society she organizes Taking Heart, a program designed to bring Muslim and Christian neighbors together. She was a 2009 recipient of a Building Bridges award from the Islamic Resource Group in Minnesota. Her newest program is called Taking Root, a program to create interfaith understanding as well as welcome refugees to Minnesota who arrive without any connection to the community. Gail earned a Masters Degree in Theology from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. She also has been an award winning television producer, and president of a corporate communications company.
Dr. Elaine MacMillan
received her PhD in ecclesiology from the University of Toronto, and is now teaching courses in the University of St. Thomas theology department. She has done research and has spoken widely on the role of women in the Christian church. For many years she represented the U.S. Catholic Bishops at the national Faith and Order Conference (a branch of the National Council of Churches of Christ).
Dr. Fatma Reda, M.D., Ph.D.,
is a consulting physician who has spoken widely on Islam and the role of women in Islam. She studied medicine at Oxford University and the University of Minnesota medical school (psychiatry, psychopharmacology), and also has a Ph.D. in Comparative Religious Studies from the University of Canterbury (Kent, U.K.). She has been extremely active in interfaith dialogue in the Twin Cities area with both Jewish and Christian organizations for decades. She is also a third level Mureedah (female seeker) in the Naqshabandi Sufi order.
Ms. Honaida Al-Mottahar
is an American of Yemeni descent. Ms. Al-Mottahar is a prolific speaker and expert on matters of faith and cultural matters. She is an active member of the Minnesota faith communities and a strong advocate of inter-religious dialogue. Ms. Almottahar is completing her post graduate studies majoring in education. She is married with three lovely sons.
The event was introduced and moderated by Dr. Marisa Kelly, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
This event was co-sponsored by the Jay Phillips Center for Interfaith Learning and the Luann Dummer Center for Women at the University of St. Thomas, and the Minnesota Council of Churches. click here for a streaming video of the panel discussion...
A Panel Discussion
A Common Word: Love in Christianity and Islam
April 15, 2010
A Common Word click here is a Muslim declaration, signed by hundreds of
Muslim scholars, clerics, and intellectuals worldwide, which emphasizes the commonality of love in Islam and Christianity. This declaration has received very positive responses from many Christian organizations.
PANELISTS:
Dr. Jamal Badawi
Dr. Jamal Badawi is Professor Emeritus at St. Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, where he served as Professor of both Management and Religious Studies. Dr. Badawi is the author of several works on Islam, including books, chapters in books and articles. Some of his works are available also on the internet including Gender Equity in Islam available on http://www.soundvision.com/ and a 352-segment television series on Islam, now available [in audio format] under "Reading Islam” then click on “Islam in 176 hours" at http://www.islamonline.net/ and other sites. In addition to his participation in lectures, seminars and interfaith dialogues in North America, Dr. Badawi has been frequently invited as guest speaker on Islam in nearly 38 other countries. He is a member of the Islamic Juridical [Fiqh] Council of North America, The European Council of Fatwa and Research and the International Union of Muslim Scholars. He has been serving as a volunteer Imam of the local Muslim community in Halifax since 1970.
Dr. Badawi is father of 5 children and grandfather of 17 [so far!]
Zafar Siddiqui
Zafar Siddiqui is co-founder and President of the Islamic Resource Group, and serves as chairman of the board of Al-Amal school in Fridley. He is a member of the Advisory Board of the Muslim Christian Dialogue Center at the University of St. Thomas. He blogs on interfaith topics in the Star Tribune's "Your Voices" section. He has a Masters degree in Computer Science and is a software engineer by profession. He is married, with four children, and resides in Blaine, MN.
Dr. Terence Nichols
Dr. Nichols is a professor in the theology department at St. Thomas, and is co-director of the Muslim Christian Dialogue Center. His book, Death and Afterlife: A Theological Introduction, has just been published by Brazos Press.
Gail Anderson
Gail Anderson is the Director of Unity and Relationships for the Minnesota Council of Churches. With the Muslim American Society, she organizes Taking Heart, a program designed to bring Muslim and Christian neighbors together. She also organizes a new program, Taking Root, which builds interfaith sponsorship teams to help resettle refugees who are moving to Minnesota. She hosts the Twin Cities Interfaith Network, and heads the Minnesota Interreligious Initiative, designed to strengthen the state’s interfaith infrastructure.
This event is co-sponsored by the Islamic Resource Group of Minnesota and by the Minnesota Council of Churches.
click here to view streaming video of panel discussion
Dr. Yahya Michot
Muslims and Christians Today: The Challenges of Mystical Praxis
Muslims and Christians Today: The Challenges of Mystical Praxis
November 5, 2009
Dr. Yahya Michot, Professor of Islamic Studies and Christian-Muslim Relations at Hartford
Seminary, teaches courses in Islamic theology and philosophy, Muslim societies and Arabic language. Professor Michot is editor of The Muslim World.
From 1982 – 1997 Dr. Michot (Ph.D., Catholic University of Louvain) was director of the Centre for Arabic Philosophy at the University of Louvain, Belgium; from October 1998 – September 2009 Professor Michot was a KFAS fellow in Islamic Studies at the Oxford Center for Islamic Studies and Islamic Centre Lecturer in the Faculty of Theology, Oxford University.
click here to view streaming video of lecture
A Panel Discussion
Muslim-Christian Dialogue: Journeying Together
May 5, 2009
PANELISTS:
Dr. Terence Nichols, Professor in the theology department of St. Thomas, and Co-Director of the Muslim-Christian Dialogue Center. He is the author of two books as well as a number of articles and book chapters in the area of systematic theology. He has been involved in Muslim-Christian dialogue for fourteen years.
Dr. Adil Ozdemir, Assistant Professor of theology, and Co-Director of the Muslim-Christian Dialogue Center. Dr. Ozdemir has taught courses on Islam at St. Thomas for five years, and is the author of Visible Islam in Turkey. Before coming to St. Thomas, he taught for twenty-five years at Dokuz Eylul University in Izmir, Turkey.
Sheikh Odeh Muhawesh, an Associate of the Muslim-Christian Dialogue Center, recently retired as President of Stratika, a Minnesota company. He currently teaches courses in the history of the Middle East and Islamic theology at the University of St. Thomas.
Dr. Pamela Nice, teaches courses on Arab writers and films at St. Thomas, and has made several documentary films concerning cross-cultural understanding between Americans and Arabs.
Mr. Owais Bayunus, President of the Islamic Center of Minnesota, recently retired from the engineering and management division of Marathon Oil Co. He has been involved in Muslim-Christian dialogue for over eighteen years.
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Dalia Mogahed
Who Speaks for Muslims? What A Billion Muslims Really Think
November 5, 2008
Dalia Mogahed is a Senior Analyst and Executive Director of the Gallup Center for Muslim Studies, a non-partisan research center dedicated to providing data-driven analysis on the views of Muslim populations around the world. With John L. Esposito, Ph.D., she is coauthor of the book Who Speaks for Islam?: What a Billion Muslims Really Think. Her analyses have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Foreign Policy magazine, the Harvard Review, the Middle East Policy journal, and many other academic and popular journals. Mogahed is a member of Women in International Security, serves on the leadership group of the Project on U.S. Engagement with the Global Muslim Community, and is a member of the Crisis in the Middle East Task Force of the Brookings Institution.
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Dr. Abdullah al-Ahsan
The Clash of Civilizations? A Viable Alternative
October 23, 2008
Abdullah al-Ahsan, Ph.D., is Vice President of the International Movement for a Just World (JUST) and Professor, Department of History and Civilization at the International Islamic University, Malaysia. He teaches courses including: Introduction to Western Civilization, Rise and Fall of Civilizations, Modern History of Europe, and Colonialism in the Muslim World and Muslim Nations in Contemporary History at the undergraduate level; and Rise and Fall of Civilizations, Islam in the Modern World, and Orientalism at the graduate level. Click here to view streaming video of lecture
Dr. Liyakat Takim
Islam in America Post 9/11
Islam in America Post 9/11
April 23, 2008
A native of Zanzibar, Tanzania, Dr. Liyakat Takim has authored sixty scholarly works on diverse topics such as Islam in America, dialogue in post-9/11 America, war and peace in the Islamic tradition, the treatment of women in Islamic juridical literature, Islamic law, reformation in the Islamic world, jihad in Shi‘i law, and Islamic mystical traditions. He teaches a wide range of courses on Islam and offers a course on comparative religions.
Professor Takim’s book titled, The Heirs of the Prophet: Charisma and Religious Authority in Shi‘ite Islam was recently published by SUNY press. He is currently working on his second book, The Shi‘i Experience in America. He is also translating volume four of ‘Allama Tabatabai’s voluminous exegesis of the Qur’an. Professor Takim has taught at American and Canadian universities and is actively engaged in dialogue with different faith communities. He has lectured at many institutions in different parts of the world.
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Distinguished Visitor Dr. Anouar Majid
Being Muslim in America
February 26, 2008
Anouar Majid is professor and founding chair of the Department of English at the University of New England in Maine. He is the author of the critically acclaimed Unveiling Traditions: Postcolonial Islam in a Polycentric World (Duke University Press, 2000), Freedom and Orthodoxy: Islam and Difference in the Post-Andalusian Age (Stanford University Press, 2004), and A Call for Heresy: Why Dissent is Vital to Islam and America (University of Minnesota Press, 2007). He also edits Tingis, a Moroccan-American magazine he co-founded in 2003. Majid has lectured and given keynote addresses at major universities. His work has been profiled on PBS and Al Jazeera.Click here to view streaming video of lecture
Dr. Jamal Badawi
Is Coexistence Feasible? An Islamic Response
February 20, 2008
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Dr. Aref Abu-Rabia, Visiting Fulbright Scholar
Working Toward Coexistence: Arabs and Jews in Israel
November 13, 2007
Dr. Abu-Rabia is a Palestinian citizen of Israel, with a Ph.D. in Anthropology and Sociology. He visited from the Department of Middle East Studies at Ben Gurion University in the Negev, Israel. He is a world authority on Arab medicine, education, and religions practices. When he was chair of the Middle East Studies Department (2004-2006), he facilitated Jewish-Arab student visits to Jewish and Bedouin towns, and worked in other ways to foster mutual understanding and coexistence between Jews and Arabs.Click here to view streaming video of lecture
Dr. Omid Safi
Religious Voices: Beyond the Clash of Civilizations
Monday, October 15, 2007
Dr. Omid Safi is an associate professor of Islamic Studies at the University of North Carolina, and is the Chair for the Study of Islam Section at the American Academy of Religion. He is the author of The Politics of Knowledge in Premodern Islam (2006), and the editor of Voices of Diversity and Change (2006), and Progressive Muslims (2003).Click here to view streaming video of lecture.
