By WENDY ISOM
wisom@jacksonsun.com
January 5, 2003
Some people have only been introduced to Islam through a barrage of TV news alerts from the war on terrorism. In an effort to broaden the community's knowledge of the faith, Union University will host a month-long "Town and Gown" lecture series on Islam. Last year, when the Southern Baptist university hosted the series, it was well received by the community, organizers said. Now, with potential talks of a war looming in Iraq, West Tennessee residents may have an even greater interest this year in understanding the predominant culture and beliefs in the Middle East. Islam as it relates to architecture, math, science, economics, literature, politics and religion will be discussed. "The most important part is understanding Islam as a religion," said Greg Thornbury, assistant professor of Christian studies and director of the Carl F.H. Henry Center for Christian Leadership at Union University. On Thursday, Thornbury will lead the first evening lecture on "Islam as a Religion." Thornbury will discuss the history of the religion which covers the writing of the Koran. He will give a biographical look at some of the Islamic dynasties. Thornbury will also discuss the different types of Islam and debunk myths and misconceptions about the Muslims who practice Islam. No two Muslims are alike just like no two Christians are alike, Thornbury said. Some people have mistakenly put Muslims all under one umbrella, without understanding the diversity of their beliefs and practices of Islam, he said. "It would be like saying the pope speaks for every Baptist pastor," Thornbury said. The design of the lecture series is a question and answer format.
Ann Livingstone is the associate professor of political science at Union. Livingstone, who was involved in the series last year, remembers seeing students and community members engaged in lively dialogue long after the lecture ended. There were also members of the Muslim community who turned out to share their point of view. Barbara McMillin, dean of the college of arts and sciences at Union, said the series had a lesson for everyone in attendance. Of the lecture series, McMillin said: "This educational experience has extended beyond just a classroom." The concept of the "Town and Gown" series originates from an old British phrase that refers to the academic institution as the gown and the community as the town. The university or the gown can't function without the town and it is hoped that the gown is vital to the town, Livingstone said. "A university and a community are tied together and we learn from each other," Livingstone said.
Wendy Isom, (731) 425-9782
IF YOU GO
- This month, Islamic life will be the focus of 'The Town and Gown series' at Union University.
- The evening classes will run on consecutive Thursdays and will cover a variety of perspectives on Islamic life.
- Lectures will be given by Union University professors and held in D-3 in the Penick Academic Complex on campus.
- The classes are free and open to the public. The 4-hour classes will run from 6 to 10 p.m.
THE TOPICS
Following are the dates, topics and faculty speakers.
- On Jan. 9, Greg Thornbury will speak on the topic of 'Islam as a Religion'
- On Jan. 16, Gene Fant will talk about 'Islam and Literature' and Don Van will talk about 'Islam and Architecture'
- On Jan. 23, Matt Lunsford will talk about 'Islam and Math and Science' and Walton Padelford will talk about 'Islam and Economics'
- On Jan. 30, Cindy Jayne will talk about 'Islam and Culture' and Ann Livingstone will talk about 'Islam and Politics'
For Information
For more information, about the classes that are open to the public, call Union University at 668-1818, call Ann Livingstone at 731-661-5342 or email Livingstone at alivings@uu.edu.
Get the book
To get a better understanding of Islamic life, Union University's assistant professor of Christian studies recommends the book, "What everyone needs to know about Islam" by John Esposito. The book, Greg Thornbury said, is in a question and answer format. Thornbury, who is also the director of the Carl F.H. Henry Center for Christian Leadership, will lead the first evening lecture series on "Islam and Religion" on Thursday at Union.