The Realization

We have been, as a class, watching the growing anti-American sentiment throughout the Middle East.  The attacks on the Embassy, fueled in part by the YouTube video containing statements considered slanderous to Islam prophet Mohammed, have led to a change of my teaching direction last week.  We did an intensive look at Islam, studying the various approaches toward the Quran and the way Islamic followers interpret the writings.  Numerous students have asked questions about the way we engage conversations with Muslims, along with questions about the violence that erupts among the extremist camps.

P is puzzled by the fundamentalist Muslim approach.  "How do they win followers, then?" J is intrigued by the hajj - the once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage as part of the five pillars of faith.  "are those all people in that picture of Mecca?"

"It sure is, " I answered.  "... heading towards the ka'aba, to walk around it."

"So many people in one place," she whispered.  "Really amazing."

And yet the unrest also has made the students aware of the realization of knowing the Scripture and how the Jehovah God is love, a concept puzzling to many Muslims.  They have also become aware of the reality of possible persecution in their lifetime, because of their faith in Jesus Christ.

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We talk about the doctrine of Christ, and the intriguing part will be in 1 Peter, whenever we discuss when Jesus went to the gates of the prison after His crucifixion, preaching.  This will be fun to teach, because of the unequivocal victory He exclaims to the demons of the underworld.  I love to teach it!

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"The thing I like about class so much," said J," is that we get to ask you a question and you take time to answer it, or at least try."

Yes, I try.  And I hope I am getting the answers the students need.