Islam: A Worldwide Religion

Presented by Daniel Spector, Ph.D., U.S. Army Chemical Corps Historian, retired; and independent scholar

This is a discussion of Islam, a religion of over a billion people on all continents of the world. The objective is to present the basic tenets of Islam, emphasizing the many things Muslims have in common with Christians and Jews. The goal is to present the second largest religion in the world as one that is not dominated by fanatics bent on destroying America or Western Civilization. Diversity is the theme, just as it is a theme in discussion of Judeo-Christian religions. The commonalities among all three include a belief in God, a revelation revealed by the divinity for direction of human activities, and a central personality crucial to that revelation--Moses, Jesus or Muhammad. The Five Pillars of Islam are similar to the key doctrines of Judaism and Christianity. These include a profession of the faith, prayer, charity, fasting and pilgrimage. Contrasts are also important to understanding, such as the strict monotheism of Islam and Judaism, which do not ascribe divinity beyond a unitarian concept. The lecture will also present the concept of jihad beyond the common belief that it only means Holy War, but concentrates on the personal struggle to live the best possible life possible, which does not emphasize violence. There will also be discussion of the great variety of Muslim beliefs within both Sunni and Shi'a Islam, as well as Muslim beliefs that do not fit neatly into either.

Contact Daniel Spector to book this presentation
drspector@cableone.net
(256) 435-4798
kt@wordforwordforword.com