Seminar to discuss Islam and Christianity

Harding University

February 6, 2008

Seminar to discuss Islam and Christianity

SEARCY, Ark. — Harding University's Honors College will host a seminar titled "Islam in America: A Dialogue on Faith" Sunday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. in the American Heritage Auditorium on Harding's campus.

The discussion, part of the L.C. Sears Collegiate Seminar Series, will address uncertainties about Islam and Christianity in an effort to promote a better understanding of these faiths.

The event will feature Dr. Nabil Bayakly, representing a Muslim perspective, and Dr. Monte Cox, representing a Christian perspective. After a presentation on Islam by Bayakly, Cox will follow up with questions to which Bayakly will respond. The seminar will conclude with questions from the audience.

"In recent years, Islam in America has become the focus of much attention and unease," said junior Sky Vanderburg, assistant student director of the series. "We want to further dialogue between Muslims and Christians with this seminar."

Born in Ghana, West Africa, Bayakly now lives in Tennessee. He is director of the AnNoor Community Center, a meeting place for the Muslim Student Association of Memphis. He also serves as an instructor of Arabic at the University of Memphis and an adjunct professor of biology at Le Moyne Owen College. He has published numerous works on both science and religion and travels to universities throughout the nation lecturing on Islam. He has spent much of his life working to correct misconceptions of Islam while promoting mutual understanding between faiths.

Cox is associate dean of the College of Bible and Religion and director of the Center for World Missions at Harding University. He spent nearly 10 years as a missionary in Kenya before joining the faculty in 1993. Each year he leads students from his "Living World Religions" class to Chicago and Dallas to engage in conversation with those of other faiths. During the summer he guides students on a tour of Greece and the Mediterranean world in the Honors Abroad Program.

The L.C. Sears Collegiate Seminar Series hosts a variety of seminars throughout the school year designed to stimulate discussion of timely issues. The event is free of charge and open to the public. For more information, call the Honor's College at (501) 279-4056.