Download (4ST540) Christian Encounter with Islam 2013 2 hours Syllabus

(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 
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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.