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Milligan College, Tenn. (Sept. 7, 2007) – Renowned author Paul-Gordon Chandler will lecture at Milligan College on Sept. 18 on how Jesus Christ can bridge the gap between Christians and Muslims.
Chandler is an Episcopal priest and interfaith activist who has lived and worked extensively throughout the Middle East with churches, religious publishing and Christian relief and development agencies. His most recent book, “Pilgrims of Christ on the Muslim Road : Exploring a New Path Between Two Faiths” addresses a new and fresh approach to Islam from a Christian perspective.
“As a direct result of the events of Sept. 11, 2001, an unprecedented interest has developed in the West in learning about Islam and seeking to understand Muslims,” said Chandler. “This has often led to an ‘Islamaphobia’ resulting in a quickly growing discord between Christians and Muslims.”
On Tuesday, Sept. 18, Chandler will lecture on “Waging Peace on Muslims in the Spirit of Christ.” He will speak at 11 a.m. in Seeger Chapel and again at 7 p.m. in Hyder Auditorium, followed by a question and answer time and book signing.
Chandler will make the case that Americans should not be confined by their Western cultural prejudices but instead “introduce Muslims to a Christ who was born, lived and died in the Middle East .” He discusses how Christ – “whom Islam reveres as a prophet and Christianity serves as a Lord – can close the gap between the two religions.”
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu has endorsed Chandler’s work, stating, “Events of recent years have exacerbated mutual suspicion, fear and misunderstanding between Christians and Muslims. Yet Jesus Christ set in motion a unity that knows no boundaries; he broke all barriers. We must think beyond the present walls of the church to move forward.”
Chandler ‘s lectures are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Craig Farmer, associate professor of history and humanities, at 423.461.8942 orcsfarmer@milligan.edu.