Author to discuss future of Islam
Ben Snowden
Issue date: 3/26/07 Section: News
After the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, Islam was thrust to the media's forefront. Negative stereotypes grew from al-Qaeda's actions, even though the terrorist group did not represent the beliefs of the entire Muslim community.
Author, scholar and media analyst Reza Aslan will help Western Illinois University students separate the facts from the fictions and the truths from the lies. He will present "No god but God: The Origins, Evolution and Future of Islam" at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 27 in Western Hall.
The talk, a part of the University Theme Speaker Series titled "Global Challenges and Personal Responsibility-Cultural Diversity," is free to the public.
In the presentation, which is based on his book of the same name, Aslan approaches Islam from historical, cultural and political perspectives. He describes the religion's origins and traces its evolution over the centuries.
Aslan, who is the Middle East Analyst for CBS News and a contributor to National Public Radio's Marketplace, discusses several topics within his presentation. He touches upon interpretations of the prophet Mohammed's messages, the idealistic differences between Islam's Sunni and Shiite sects and the "Islamic Reformation," a struggle to combine the religion's traditional values with contemporary political and societal influences.
According to Ann Comerford, co-chair of the University Theme Committee and the Interim Director of Student Activities, Aslan is an exciting new author and an expert in his field. She said he could provide insight to those who have little contact with the Muslim's culture.
"Aslan's contribution will allow the campus to learn more about another culture and hopefully encourage students, faculty and staff to talk to each other about their understanding of Islam and how their understanding is now broadened by another's insight," Comerford said.
Members of Western's faculty also note the timeliness of Aslan's speech. John Simmons, Chair of Religious Studies, said Aslan compares Islam's current transition to Christianity's Protestant Reformation.
Author, scholar and media analyst Reza Aslan will help Western Illinois University students separate the facts from the fictions and the truths from the lies. He will present "No god but God: The Origins, Evolution and Future of Islam" at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 27 in Western Hall.
The talk, a part of the University Theme Speaker Series titled "Global Challenges and Personal Responsibility-Cultural Diversity," is free to the public.
In the presentation, which is based on his book of the same name, Aslan approaches Islam from historical, cultural and political perspectives. He describes the religion's origins and traces its evolution over the centuries.
Aslan, who is the Middle East Analyst for CBS News and a contributor to National Public Radio's Marketplace, discusses several topics within his presentation. He touches upon interpretations of the prophet Mohammed's messages, the idealistic differences between Islam's Sunni and Shiite sects and the "Islamic Reformation," a struggle to combine the religion's traditional values with contemporary political and societal influences.
According to Ann Comerford, co-chair of the University Theme Committee and the Interim Director of Student Activities, Aslan is an exciting new author and an expert in his field. She said he could provide insight to those who have little contact with the Muslim's culture.
"Aslan's contribution will allow the campus to learn more about another culture and hopefully encourage students, faculty and staff to talk to each other about their understanding of Islam and how their understanding is now broadened by another's insight," Comerford said.
Members of Western's faculty also note the timeliness of Aslan's speech. John Simmons, Chair of Religious Studies, said Aslan compares Islam's current transition to Christianity's Protestant Reformation.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
ConstantineXI
posted 3/26/07 @ 9:34 AM CST
Its true that not all muslims are terrorists, but all terrorists have been muslim. And look how popular the suicide bombers among the muslim masses. They do not mourn nor outrage when they see one of their own blow themself up in London or Madrid but of course, as part of being a muslim means never having to say "I'm sorry" and why should they when the recieve so many apologies for islam from western leaders. (Continued…)
Roter Bush
posted 3/27/07 @ 12:11 AM CST
The use of suicide and terror as tactics of warfare
is not comimg from only Muslims. In the early 20th century, Russian
anarchists engaged in bombing campaigns
against the Czarist regime, often losing life or
limb due to the instability of the explosives. (Continued…)
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