3 Recommendations

5th May, 2013

Akintayo Olayinka

OCMS, Oxford; Nigerian Baptist Convention

@ Mohammad Firoz, in response to Seth

I think Seth was responding to your post based on what he probably knew, has seen or heard; some people have come out in the name of 'religion' to inflict physical assaults on those who do not belong to their group, or even killing innocent people in a 'non-war situation.' The victims cannot deny it even if we do. But we should be professionals, as this is RESEARCH-GATE. RESEARCH! RESEARCH!

Everybody: Please be very articulate in your responses. The question was generated from the title of Matthew Ojo and F. T. Lateju's publication "CHRISTIAN–MUSLIM CONFLICTS AND INTERFAITH BRIDGE‐BUILDING EFFORTS IN NIGERIA.

THE PROBLEM was the attacks on Christian residents in Northern Nigeria

THE GOAL of this post is to generate 'scriptural basis or verses' from Islam and Christianity to educate people, with the possibility of non- violence... educative approach for peaceful relationship between people of different faith/religious affiliations.

THE METHOD I prefer is textual scriptural analysis in context. It will be nice to stay within the scope of the question. Date, place and purpose of writing each quoted text in context will be of a great value to this discourse.

ANSWERS should be brief, clear, within a specific context, focusing PEACE and/or LOVE as much as possible.

2 Recommendations

5th May, 2013

Akintayo Olayinka

OCMS, Oxford; Nigerian Baptist Convention

Reference to leaders' roles in peace making in post modern society is also welcome.

5th May, 2013

Marcin Hintz

Chrześcijańska Akademia Teologiczna w Warszawie

For the European, Christian especially Protestant consideration about relationship between Islam and Christian tradition the basic is so called Abrahamic Religion and the Old Testament description about. Modern Christianity recognizes that Islam is peace for all. But we also ask a question why so many people in the world do not recognize this statement and confession. Many political leaders do not want to see the peaceful perspective of Islam. That is the same process as it was in medieval Christianity.

My answer for the main question: The scriptural foundations for peaceful relations between Islam and Christianity are the common reading and discussion about Abrahamic tradition. For us Protestant Abraham is the Father of Faith.

5th May, 2013

Mohammad Firoz Khan

Jamia Millia Islamia

@Akintayo Olayinka,

I am very sorry for innocent Nigerian Christians who suffered in the name of 'religion'. To inflict physical assaults on those who do not belong to one's group, or even killing innocent people in a 'non-war' or during war situation is heinous crime and highly deplorable and should be condemned from all quarters. I despite and condemn all such acts of violence and victimization on the religious or any ground on the part of Muslims anywhere in the world. However, may I ask you a questions? What about targeted killing of innocent Indian individuals as students or in petty jobs as taxi drivers or simply labourers through out Christiandom be it America, Australia, New Zealand or a country in Europe as a proud citizen of our Great Indian Nation ? As a Muslim may I ask where were or are Christians of all hues who preach and believe in love, empathy and peace to others as part of their faith when ethnic war and cleansing was going on an intervened when half of ethnic Muslims were eliminated by brute force and starvation. Such delay was not witnessed in the case of Russian invasion in Christian Georgia, though every effort from diplomatic to moving NATO forces all were made but Russian might and aggressive approach let not them succeeded. Where were such people when hardline christian senior Bush intervening in a regional conflict carpet bombed Baghdad by cluster bombs? Do bombs were programmed to distinguish among, Sunnis and Shiites forgone, adults and children, men and women who have nothing to do with war or politics. Have Americans delivered the promised peace or restored it in Iraq? Innocent lives are still being lost. What about behaviour of NATO forces and drone strikes in Afghanistan or what about permanent concentration camp of Gaza strips? Do all these actions of non-Muslims have any religious ground forgone even humanitarian ground, war or mo war?

Again I condemn, disapprove and highly deplore any kind of force or violence against any innocent individual, group of individuals or community as killing an in innocent is one of the greatest sins unforgivable as killing of an innocent is as though killing of the entire humanity and to save life of an innocent life is as though to save the entire humanity. After all, black, brown yellow, white all are offspring of Adam and Eve (Hawwa) our brothers and sisters. Therefore, it is better not to cite such a casein the context of our discussion as others may have several cases to quote.

5th May, 2013

Akintayo Olayinka

OCMS, Oxford; Nigerian Baptist Convention

@ Ahed: That is quit true to some extent. Selfishness in leadership plays negative roles in crisis management.

@ Marcin: Your reference to Abraham is a very good point for consideration on this question. It will be nice if you could provide authentic texts for analysis in relation to peace and/love.

5th May, 2013

Akintayo Olayinka

OCMS, Oxford; Nigerian Baptist Convention

@ Mohammad Firoz: You raised some examples of passiveness on the part of some world political power(s) in intervening in some local and national inter-religious crises/general crises. Non has responded to the ongoing crises in Northern Nigeria which has been going on for more than two decades, but quite on the rise in the last ten years. I however, doubt if you are really right to have classified 'world powers' of any kind as Christians. But that is not the focus of this research.

Could somebody engage us with textual references to peace in these religions, in context?

5th May, 2013

Akintayo Olayinka

OCMS, Oxford; Nigerian Baptist Convention

@ Mohammad Firoz:

Thanks for your sympathy on the affected persons in Nigerian crises. As you are already aware, this is a study with a goal geared towards peace and love. Could you help us expatiate more on 2:216 and any PEACE passages. You may further enlarge your earlier conversation on Christians and Jews living in Medina peacefully at the inception of Islam. Textual references and relevant contexts will be appreciated, focusing peace and love.

Seth:

I have checked your reference on the possible reasons why some persons do take up arms against their neighbours in the name of religion citing Quran 2:216. However, a closer look into that reference shows that it is a Medinah Surah in a war situation with 'Makkan Idolaters,' and as explained by Mohammad Firoz. Could you help us with relevant references and the reasons why the Bible teaches love for God and neighbours?

1 Recommendation

5th May, 2013

Mohammad Firoz Khan

Jamia Millia Islamia

Dear Akintayo Olayinka,

It refers to your comment, "You raised some examples of passiveness on the part of some world political power(s) in intervening in some local and national inter-religious crises/general crises". I even could cite example of Kenyan Arab Origin Muslims I avoided. However, in this respect I agree with Ahed Alkhatib and you. In India for reasons unknown Muslims have become victim of vote bank politics. Sometimes they are victims of politically sponsored riots to polarise majority votes and sometimes to intimidate them so that they vote in favour of so-called secular parties. However, except a numbered youngsters who are alleged to take extreme step, all Muslims seek solution of their problems within the national constitution and have a strong faith not in law enforcing agencies but in our Great Judiciary.. Kasmir is a unique case that boils now and then without permanent solution due to unwanted inference of a neighbour.

On the other hand, some small states in north-east where either Christians are in majority or in large number, they have taken to arms to liberate themselves perhaps on behest of some Western countries. They cannot be compared with Ultra Reds in any case, their cause is different though means are unconstitutional.

It seem the struggle of Nigerian Christians should be dealt at political level and their problems and rights issues should be resolved by strong political will and hand. I don't think that Nigerian polity is based on Islamic laws, otherwise there has been no problem as Islam assure parity in rights to all living in a Muslim majority country as Muslims are advised how to live as minority and extent of tolerance, otherwise Alla's world is very large. It is political problem all the parties involved should deal it at that level. Muslims cannot call them torch bearers of Islam if they take arms to convert or to settle the problem this way. They should know rights granted by Islam to non-Muslim minorities and consult their true and reliable Islamic scholars.

1 Recommendation

5th May, 2013

Akintayo Olayinka

OCMS, Oxford; Nigerian Baptist Convention

M. Firoz,

I am not quoting you wrongly but only made reference to your comment in the post about world or western power and Christian Faith. No one can deny the role of 'Power' in world politics; I'm only sceptical that the power is in support of Christians, and entittle to my opinion. Back to our study anyway (focused): -

You have spoken/written well on the rights of non-Muslim minorities which I commended you for. It will be nice if you provide religious textual reference for this.

I have tried to avoid a political solution to Nigerian problem but prefer to use 'peaceful religious teachings' from both religions. Any other scholar may try 'political solution' probably it will work.

5th May, 2013

Mohammad Firoz Khan

Jamia Millia Islamia

Dear Akintayo Olayinka,

I did not misunderstood or felt offended rather I would like to humbly offer my apologies, if you or your people are offended by comments. By grace and mercy of Allah my health is improving, it is why I am expressing my opinions on-off. However, I have made a list of verses which you may present to the people who are inflicting with in injury, insult and violence. You may also tell them since Nigeria is not part of Arabian Peninsula, therefore, you want to live in your homeland under the co-existence living Charter of Medina which included Jews, Muslims and others. If once they agree , remember not to violate that Charter in anyway otherwise they will treat you as Jews were treated on their betrayal and transgression of the Charter. You can study that Charter from history books of Islam or may ask about its terms and conditions from a true and reliable Islamic Scholars.

However, if Allah, the Almighty permits I shall provide a number of Verses from Holy Qura-an which make them to understand what is purpose of life and how should they have to behave with non-Muslims, if they earnestly seek guidance of Allah.

Also remind they large heart of Muslims by giving example of Rafeeq Pasha, then the Prime Minister of Egypt. A delegate of Christian met him and complained we made up 2 or 2.5 per cent of total population of the country, but we were not represented as much in Government jobs, therefore, fix our quota in government job according to our population. Pasha smiled and said that you had come only for only that much, Be contented I would give you a squat in government jobs twice of your population.

1 Recommendation

5th May, 2013

András Láng

University of Pécs

Dear All included in this discussion,

I would like to share two thoughts. The first is a verse from the New Testament, you are surely familiar with this: Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love (1Cor 13,13). Why I bring this verse here? Becuase in terms of 'religions', we usually refer to issues of faith. Even Paul himself aknowledges the importance of that, but emphasizes the importance of love being greater than that of faith. I think you can find paralel quotations from Quran as well. Of course I agree with M. Firoz Khan that even Christians (or those who pretend to be - see Quran 2:8-15 for the same apllying to Muslims) are at least imperfect in love. Of course, this imperfection is no excuse, and we have to pray in unity to make a change.

Second, I recently read a book by Christian de Cherge, a christian monk who worked and prayed with Muslims in Algeria. In this book, he convincingly explained, that Muslim refers to no adherents of any religion, but to those, who follow and obey God. At one point he refers to Christ as the greatest Muslim. And he brings a lot of surahs where you can find statements about Muslims' good will for Christians and Jews, where you can find statements about Muslims' belief in unity. I could only find the French version of this book (L'esprit invincible), but at another time I can share surahs he found relevant to this topic.

1 Recommendation

5th May, 2013

Josie Hauer

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

My suggestion is to spread the idea that many faith traditions have much in common. See the following effort by my dear friend, Dr. Andrew Wilson, Editor of World Scripture:A comparative anthology of sacred texts. Available online. I like this approach.

http://origin.org/ucs/ws/ws.cfm

2 Recommendations

5th May, 2013

András Láng

University of Pécs

Here are the holy verses cited by Chrisian de Cherge for Muslim - Christian dialouge.

Quran 24:35-38 paralelled by 2 Peter 1:19 and above all Quran 3:64. By the way, Christian de Cherge was the co-founder of Ribat es-Salam, a group seeking interreligious relations and opportunities to pray together. Here you can find out more about this initiative (in French) http://www.monastere-tibhirine.org/page_2_4.php

5th May, 2013

Akintayo Olayinka

OCMS, Oxford; Nigerian Baptist Convention

Thank you Andras and Josie for your efforts. I shall look through the sources.

5th May, 2013

Akintayo Olayinka

OCMS, Oxford; Nigerian Baptist Convention

Thanks M. Firoz for your comments and empathy. You did not offend me at all, and my question is more of a research.

Nigeria is a secular state, implying that no religion can have a complete authority on the affair of the country. Being a secular state, however, does not make the citizens irreligious. A vast majority of the population are incredibly religious and committed. This calls for the need for them to live together in harmony and peace for the nation to thrive.

The example of the Egyptian Prime Minister, Rafeeq Pasha, you mentioned was alright, hoping other Prime Ministers and Presidents of nations will follow a similar example and will not discriminate against their citizens based on religious differences or affiliations. I doubt if Nigeria as a nation will come under any Charter (Medina) of such. That will be unacceptable. However, it would be nice if people you referred to as 'true and reliable Islamic Scholars' could be identified and would cooperate with Christian people as well as the rest citizens to make Nigeria peaceful.

Thank you very much for your time and hoping to get the 'scriptural references' for peace and love from you at your convenience.

1 Recommendation

5th May, 2013

Torsten Wollina

Georg-Eckert-Institut für internationale Schulbuchforschung

I do not think that ideology in itself can be the reason for action, in your case starting a conflict. Your question holds one major problem in that it seems to assume 'politics', 'religion' or 'inequalities' as separate categories. In my opinion, both the bible and the quran can be used to keep peace or to start a war, depending on which parts you emphasize or even leave out. Would it not be more interesting to see how religion is turned into the decisive factor by which society is divided, instead of doing the same thing based on race, language or social background? And to what ends is the religious difference emphasized? Is it for a minority to gain power? Is it for taking a share of the country's wealth? Who is involved in the conflict? Is it started from within the country or is one (or more) foreign party involved? Do maybe happen several conflicts at once, while it only appears to be from the outside?

In order to analyze such complex events I would suggest to turn to concepts such as "agency" or "cultural capital". Conflicts are the result of power relations in the now and here and I doubt that any military conflict could be solved by appealing to what scripture says. By the way, literature on enemy images and stereotypes offers some interesting insights, how every argument from outside one's in-group can be devalued by the fact that it comes from exactly there and does not concur with the own story of how things are.

1 Recommendation

5th May, 2013

Akintayo Olayinka

OCMS, Oxford; Nigerian Baptist Convention

Thank you Torsten.

I know that most conflicts developed through a combination of factors, and attempts have been made to resolve some of them in many ways, including the use of dialogue and often force/military.

I developed interest in and have chosen to adopt the 'peace' section of the 'scriptures' of the religions to speak to the mind of the adherents of the religions, in the context of each text that is being handled. I choose to isolate the 'peace' section in context, which is the focus of my thesis.

However, I like the 'agency' and 'cultural capital' and would like to explore its relevance to ORIGINS of crises in specific locations. But do you think, and in what way could culture and agency theories provide SOLUTION to crises?

1 Recommendation

5th May, 2013

Mohammad Firoz Khan

Jamia Millia Islamia

Dear Akintayo

Please, attached find pdf version of a book which I got after considerable effort. After going through the pages of this book, I find it will serve your purpose and It is written to my mind with honesty and without prejudice by a well meaning person. Apart from translation of verses given by the author, you may confirm the translation from the Qura’an translated into English published and distributed by Saudi Kingdom.

With regards and prayer may there prevail peace and truth all over the world.

• 0 DIALOGUE IN ISLAM- Qur’an, Sunnah and History.pdf910.83 KB

1 Recommendation

5th May, 2014

Akintayo Olayinka

OCMS, Oxford; Nigerian Baptist Convention

@ Sidney:

Some common concepts among the two religions you mentioned like forgiveness, and historical figures like Abraham could be points of focus in dialogue between Christianity and Islam.

All:

Trying to figure out common themes between the two religions that could be useful for dialogue for better understanding of each other, are there ways the themes could be utilized in peace studies for the common good of all? Has it worked and what are the limitations and strengths? What should be the role of the national government and community leaders in such a mixed community or nation?

6th Jun, 2014

Amanda Price

Griffith University

Hello Akintago,

This is an excellent question.

There is a group called the International Association of Religion Journalists and their website is http://www.theiarj.org/ . Their aim is to engage media leaders, educational institutions and communities on the importance of accurate, balanced, and ethical religion coverage to foster understanding and humility. It is run by people of all faiths and religious backgrounds. I think you will find their resources and contacts helpful for your research. There are efforts being made by groups like these to show that media reports of these conflicts are often constructed and fueled by people with agendas and so an understanding of motive (political, religious or otherwise) is often lost in the hype.

With regard to finding a scriptural foundation to approach the situation, there is abundant scriptural evidence on both sides for healthy relationships to exist. Sadly, scriptures are more often used out of context as proof texts, than viewed as part of a whole consistent message. For Christians, Jews and Muslims who are already working together in industry, research, education or humanitarian efforts, this amounts to someone arguing a building can't be built while you're standing on its top floor! Their collaboration, if you will, is the testimony of 'living scripture', that is, people of diverse faith serving together in humility. HUMILITY and SERVICE are themes that would likely find a lot of common ground while also having direct relevance to the government's more pragmatic concerns.

In my opinion, things fall apart when we try to make some superficial middle kingdom where discussing the differences and disagreements between faiths becomes taboo. Acknowledging the vast differences and unbreachable gaps between Christianity and Islam are as essential to working in unity, as finding common ground. Learning how to humbly disagree, to figuratively take our shoes off when we're in each other's houses, rather than focusing on agreeing may be an approach that gains more positive results. I wish you all the best!

Can you help by adding an answer?

Answer