Jesus & Muhammad

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course focuses on the distinct ways Christians and Muslims relate to Jesus and Muhammad. In the Islamic tradition, Muhammad is revered as the final and often the greatest prophet, whose scripture, teachings, and example guide Muslims along the "straight path" to paradise. Through a reading of classical Islamic texts and modern content (on youtube), we will examine how Muslims express love and reverence for Muhammad. (No prior knowledge of Islam required.) With this understanding in place, we will turn next to Christianity's relationship to Jesus. In the Gospels, Jesus does ask us to follow him (Mat 4:19, 9:9; Luke 9:23 etc.) but the Church also calls us to be in relationship with him (CCC 2565). Even more, Christ Himself, by giving the Church the Eucharist, invites us to unify ourselves to Him in a spiritual bond (CCC 1391). In this second part of the course we will read Christian spiritual masters and Christian novels, and analyze modern Christian content (again on youtube) that explores the theme of relationship and union with Christ. We will read from Bernard of Clairvaux, Catherine of Sienna, Teresa of Calcutta, and Hildegard of Bingen. In the third and final part of the course we will look at a few Catholic writers (including John Paul II) who have studied Islam and ask what lessons Islam (and Islamic spirituality) has for the Christian life.