Muslims and Islam in America: Manchester offers in-depth look at March programs
Scott Alexander to speak about 'Moving Beyond the Sound Bites'
Manchester University is offering programs in March that examine myths and facts about Islam and Muslims – going beyond the sound bites and rhetoric we so often hear.
All of the programs are free and open to the public, although seating is limited by the space available.
The first is “Muslims in America,” which includes a screening of the 11-minute documentary American Muslims: Fact vs. Fiction followed by a Q&A session with panelists from the Center for Interfaith Cooperation in Indianapolis and the Islamic Society of North America based in Plainfield, Ind.
This is 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 8, in Cordier Auditorium on the North Manchester, Ind., campus.
“In a country and world where anti-Muslim rhetoric is heard far too often, it is important to educate our campus community about the facts and correct the misunderstandings about Islam,” said University Pastor Rebekah Houff.
Two programs focusing on "Islam and Muslims in the Contemporary Media Imagination: Moving beyond the Sound Bites" will be presented the following week by Scott Alexander, an associate professor of Islamic studies and director of the Catholic-Muslim Studies Program at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
The first will be 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 13, at the MU Fort Wayne campus, 10627 Diebold Road. The second will be 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 14 in the Jo Young Switzer Center on East Street on the North Manchester campus.
Alexander has written a number of articles on Christian-Muslim relations and Islamic history and religion, and his work has been published in scholarly journals, edited collections and encyclopedias. He has also written many online blog posts and op-ed essays addressing issues of Islamophobia.
“Dr. Alexander's insightful commentary about Islam, especially as a devout Catholic, are of vital importance as we navigate the current climate of rising Islamophobia and the often exaggerated, duly unfounded fear of Muslims,” said Ahmed Abdelmageed, Pharm.D., assistant dean of experiential education and community engagement MU.
Contemporary commentary surrounding Islam and Muslims is often framed in the context of terrorism and terrorist activity, he said.
“Dr. Alexander provides an often missing conversation about the tenets of Islamic faith that celebrates mercy and peace. A religion that is far more common than is foreign.”
About Manchester University
Manchester University, with campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers more than 60 areas of academic study to 1,600 students in undergraduate programs, a Master of Athletic Training, a Master of Pharmacogenomics and a four-year professional Doctor of Pharmacy. Learn more about the private, northern Indiana school at www.manchester.edu.
February 2017