2008 Woodie Awards
Interfaith activist lectures
Monica Southworth
Issue date: 10/3/08 Section: News
Speaking on the relationship between Christians and Muslims, Paul-Gordon Chandler, a U.S. Episcopal priest, who lives in Cairo, Egypt, spoke about his most recent book, "Pilgrims of Christ on the Muslim Road," on Tuesday, Sept. 30. The event was co-sponsored by the religion and Middle Eastern studies departments.
Chandler grew up in Senegal and has spent only 13 of his 44 years in non-Muslim countries. Chandler's experience going to a Protestant church in a country where anyone who converted to Christianity was exiled influenced his decision to advocate for interfaith interactions.
Chandler's talk focused on the content of his book and how he came to write it. The book is about Mazhar Mallouhi, a Muslim follower of Christ. Through his book, Chandler tries to connect Muslims and Christians by "building on the redeeming values of the other."
"The most important thing Christians can do is to live like Christ. As St. Francis said, 'Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words,'" Chandler said.
The book follows the story of Mallouhi as he found religion. Growing up as a Sufi Muslim in Syria, Mallouhi began to explore religion and became a Christian.
After being ostracized by his family and almost murdered by his uncle, he was sent into exile where a Christian community "tried to brainwash" Mallouhi. After meeting a western publisher living in the Middle East who had a love for Arab culture, Mallouhi began to be re-introduced to his own culture, and became a Muslim follower of Christ.
While telling the story of Mallouhi and his quest for religion, Chandler discussed the five pillars of Islam adding Jihad as a sixth pillar. "Jihad is primarily a personal and spiritual struggle," Chandler said. The traditional five pillars of Islam are Shahada (creed), Salah (prayer), Zakah (charity), Swam (fasting) and Hajj (pilgrimage).
Chandler emphasized that traditional Christianity practices were very similar to today's Islam. He used the example of praying five times every day.
Chandler grew up in Senegal and has spent only 13 of his 44 years in non-Muslim countries. Chandler's experience going to a Protestant church in a country where anyone who converted to Christianity was exiled influenced his decision to advocate for interfaith interactions.
Chandler's talk focused on the content of his book and how he came to write it. The book is about Mazhar Mallouhi, a Muslim follower of Christ. Through his book, Chandler tries to connect Muslims and Christians by "building on the redeeming values of the other."
"The most important thing Christians can do is to live like Christ. As St. Francis said, 'Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words,'" Chandler said.
The book follows the story of Mallouhi as he found religion. Growing up as a Sufi Muslim in Syria, Mallouhi began to explore religion and became a Christian.
After being ostracized by his family and almost murdered by his uncle, he was sent into exile where a Christian community "tried to brainwash" Mallouhi. After meeting a western publisher living in the Middle East who had a love for Arab culture, Mallouhi began to be re-introduced to his own culture, and became a Muslim follower of Christ.
While telling the story of Mallouhi and his quest for religion, Chandler discussed the five pillars of Islam adding Jihad as a sixth pillar. "Jihad is primarily a personal and spiritual struggle," Chandler said. The traditional five pillars of Islam are Shahada (creed), Salah (prayer), Zakah (charity), Swam (fasting) and Hajj (pilgrimage).
Chandler emphasized that traditional Christianity practices were very similar to today's Islam. He used the example of praying five times every day.
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