Catholics Shia

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This course introduces the history and thought of Shia Islam and Christian-Muslim theological encounters, with particular attention to Shia-Catholic dialogue. The first section will explore diverse expressions of Shia thought in Iraq, Iran, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, and Yemen. In addition to Shi’ite perspectives, we will explore Sunni and Western perspectives. In the second section, we will learn about fostering positive relationships across religious boundaries, looking at specific contemporary Shia-Catholic dialogue initiatives. We will also study the visits by Pope Francis to the Muslim world, including his recent meetings with Ayatollah Sistani and Ahmad al-Tayyib. In the third section, students will join in real Shia-Catholic dialogues. Each dialogue will feature a Catholic leader and a Shia scholar from a Shia-majority country to learn about their points of disagreement and also opportunities for bridge-building. This course requires no prerequisites and no language other than English. You will receive a glossary of Arabic and Persian terms. Each session begins with a lecture. We will then read through primary sources together. Some sessions will involve student-facilitated discussion.