Reflections on Islamic Studies in an Interreligious Context

Abstract

In these reflections, I want to highlight some of the challenges and opportunities in Islamic studies in theological schools, focusing on the Center for Islamic Studies (cis) at the Graduate Theological Union (gtu). I will begin with a brief historical overview of the gtu and cis, followed by an outline of some of the institutional challenges as well as some of the personal challenges I have had to navigate both as the Founding Director of the Center for Islamic Studies and as Associate Professor of Islamic Studies and Anthropology. Finally, I want to share some of the opportunities I think deserve to be encouraged, especially in the area of Muslim contributions to interreligious studies, dialogue and leadership, both in the academy across disciplines, and in the larger public sphere. These reflections are prior to April 2018