There Weren't Always Bombs Over Baghdad

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 23, 2010) Christians and Muslims used to talk…a lot. Manuscripts from 10th century Baghdad show that there were questions being both asked and answered. Religious leaders participated in a constant dialogue, according to Catholic University of America professor Sidney Griffith.

As a part of Cultural Diversity Festival and Islamic Awareness Week, the University of Kentucky's Catholic Studies Department and Interfaith Dialogue Organization will host a lecture by Griffith on "The Qur`an in Christian Thought" at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 25th, in the William T. Young Library Auditorium.

"Professor Griffith will talk about the Christian-Muslim relations in the early times of Islam and make connections to today's world," said IDO President Mehmet Saracoglu. "I believe that his ideas will give us some insight on how to communicate in a different society, using some historical examples."

Griffith, a CUA professor and chairman of the Department of Semitic and Egyptian Languages in Washington, D.C., has published extensively on the history of Muslim-Christian relations, particularly in early Islamic times.

His latest book, The Church in the Shadow of the Mosque, examines Christian responses to Islam in the first centuries under Muslim rule. "He specifically discusses the Christians and Muslims engaging in dialogue in the Muslim world at that time," said Saracoglu.

Griffith's presentation will include a 45-minute lecture, followed by a question-and-answer session. The professor will be available for further discussion with refreshments in the Keeneland Room, following the TallyCats event. UK students can earn TallyCats points with their student IDs.

Griffith's visit is also sponsored by the Washington, D.C.-based Rumi Forum, an organization with a mission to foster interfaith and intercultural dialogue through education, exchange of information, opinions and expertise.

For more information, please email info@dialogueuk.org.