The lecture by Mark Swanson, Harold S. Vogelaar Professor of Christian-Muslim Studies & Interfaith Relations and director of the Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and Justice at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, was titled "A Lutheran Perspective on Islam." It was the latest 2007-08 Witt Series event to challenge those in attendance to embrace new ways of thinking, as even Swanson did when preparing for the presentation. "When I was given the topic for tonight's lecture, I approached it with skepticism," Swanson said. "I'm always skeptical of statements that begin with ‘Islam is….'" Swanson stressed the importance of those following in Christian traditions to become more engaged in the richness and beauty of Islamic tradition, saying there is a habit of speaking about people rather than engaging in conversations with them. "When I think about my own Muslim friends, I think about teachers, colleagues, and students of which I'm very proud," Swanson said. "Islamic tradition is often over generalized; it is a living tradition, and there are deep reservoirs of patience in the time of trials." Swanson received a doctorate from the Pontifical Institute of Arabic and Islamic Studies in Rome and has used his expertise to inform a diverse group of audiences about Christian-Muslim studies. Since 1998, he has spoken to more than 100 church groups on these issues, and he has produced a multitude of articles on the Arabic Christian theological and church heritage, especially as it relates to Islam. Written By: Erica Strauss '08
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