Rural Pennsylvanians Work to Understand World Religion

After September 11, 2001, people all over the United States and the

world were asking how such a tragedy could happen, not to mention that

it be attributed to the cause of religion. Folks in rural Pennsylvania were

no different.

"People were asking, 'What is going on in the Muslim faith?' And,others

were afraid for their children who were serving in the military,"said the

Rev. Jonathan Speck, pastor of Worthington Presbyterian Church

(Kiskiminetas Presbytery), who wanted to respond to his community's

questions, fears and confusion. The session of Worthington Presbyterian

Church and a core group of area pastors, set out to help parishionersand

others in the rural towns and countryside of Worthington, Kittanning

and the Ford City, Pennsylvania area to better understand Islam.

In an eight-week lecture and discussion series, "Understanding Islam in

a World at War," Christians from at least five churches examined the

similarities and differences between their faith and the Muslim faith.

"We approached Islam from a Christian perspective, helping people to

understand the faith and practice of Muslims, and relate it to the world

situation today," he explained.

Dr. Ronald Shafer, head of the English Department at Indiana University

of Pennsylvania and who has traveled extensively in the Middle East,

taught the course. He explained the background of Islam and Christianity,

explored the religions' likenesses and differences. Topics included: the history

of Christianity and Islam; the Bible vs. the Koran; the role of women in Christianity

and the Muslim faith; what salvation is in Christianity and Islam; and having a personal relationship with God vs. Allah.

"The course series was very affirming to our faith," said Speck. "It confirmed for

us that we are Christians for a reason.

"We did not buy into the way of thinking that Islam is just another pathway

to God. We learned that Islam is built on works and merit rather than grace,

and while the Koran does not specifically teach 9-11ótype events, it does

provide for radical reactions.

"Through understanding just that one point, we could answer our parishioners'

questions about how terrorists lay claim that their actions are with 'holy' authority,"

he explained.

Also brought out in the conference was the fact that Muslims do not relate to Allah

in a personal way that Christians relate to God.

"This affirmed the group's commitment to carrying the good news of the gospel and Jesus Christ.

"For the Presbyterian Church, our mission work is communicated as a personal relationship," he said.

"In our area, people have very little knowledge about or contact with Muslims,"

said Speck. "Appreciating the differences between the faiths helps us to

understand difficulties the world faces and ultimately helps us get along."

Worthington Presbyterian Church was among several Andrew C. Murray Peacemaking Award recipients named by the Synod of the Trinity.

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