Encountering Islam Austin

Islam is considered by some to be the greatest challenge to Christianity today. There are more than six million Muslims in the U.S. alone, making Islam the second most popular religion in the United States. Sadly, Christians rarely reach out to Muslims. Some feel Muslims are too difficult to reach with the gospel. Others simply don't know how to share with their Muslim neighbors. Encountering the World of Islam can help break down these barriers.

Friendships with Muslims are key to learning about the world today. Muslims are hospitable and have a rich, diverse culture and history. In addition, Muslims have many needs which should concern us as Christians. Respectfully expressing our faith in Jesus Christ can be a natural part of our friendships with Muslims. Muslims revere Jesus, and more Muslims have become his followers in the last 30 years than in the previous 1250 years of history. In other words, by all estimations, it seems like God is doing awesome things in the Muslim world... are you surprised??

The message of this course is hopeful and gentle because of our belief in Jesus Christ and his model of ministry toward others.

2. Who should take Encountering the World of Islam?

The short answer is anybody who desires that Christians should fulfill their Biblical mandate to that in you "all the peoples of the earth will be blessed" (Gen. 12:3). If you desire to learn about the Muslim world and what God is doing there, and how you might be involved in it no matter where you are, then this class is for you!

In an age where there are so many different messages communicated about the Muslim world, this class will be a "compass" to guide you through the relevant issues so that you will not be "conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." (Rom. 12:2)

3. What makes Encountering the World of Islam unique?

There are many things that make this class unique: the opportunity to understand Islam not only from an Evangelical Christian approach, but also from the point of view of Muslim scholars; world class speakers teaching the lesson every week; the opportunity to join with Christians from dozens of churches in Austin with a like mind and spirit; very practical and unique electives (see the syllabus); a chance to interact with the local Muslim community here in Austin; etc. etc. etc!!!

4. What topics does EWI cover?

History:
What was the historical setting for the birth and expansion of Islam? What factors allowed for its growth throughout the world?

Theology:
What does Islam's holy book, the Qur'an, say about people's relationship with God and with each other? What about sin, death, Jesus, the Trinity, community, and conversion?

Culture:
Is there such a thing as "Islamic culture" and "Islamic worldview"? How do Muslims see the world? What about the role of women, the veil, and jihad? What is the everyday life of Muslims really like?

Strategy:
How can Christians relate the gospel in a culturally sensitive way to Muslims near them and throughout the world? How can we begin reaching out to the Muslim world regardless of whether or not our current circumstances ever change?

5. Who teaches this course?

1. Christian scholars of Islam
2. Muslim scholars and leaders
3. Christian church planters in the Muslim world
4. Muslim background followers of Jesus

6. What is the history of this course?

Click HERE to view the history of this influential course.

Logistical Questions

7. Will childcare be provided?

Childcare WILL be offered for free by Covenant Presbyterian Church! Advance notice required to the class coordinator of how many kids and their age.

8. Where will the class be held?

The FAll 2007 class will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Central Austin.

9. At what times does this class meet?

The Fall 2007 class met every Monday night from 6:30PM-9:30PM beginning Sept. 10 through Nov. 26. See here for the full Fall 2007 class schedule.

10. When does Registration open for the class?

If the Lord wills, registration will open July 1st, 2007.

11. What if I miss a class?

You may request an audio recording of the session that you missed. But remember, you can still do the readings for that class.

Financial Questions

12. How much does Encountering the World of Islam cost?

The cost for Enrichment (Audit) and Certificate enrollment is $135. The cost for enrolling for graduate credit (seminary credit) is $145. The student will have to pay the additional transcript fees of the university that gives credit. Note that books are not included in the price. These will cost an extra $30. They can also be bought used from a variety of sources. Check on www.Campusi.com.

A Family discount is also offered: each couple or family that registers will receive a total $25 discount. Each individual person must register separately and you will receive a refund of $25 on the first night of class. In other words, you will receive a refund of $25 per couple or family. Couples are strongly encouraged to attend together!

13. Why does Encountering the World of Islam cost so much?

The fees for the class are based on the travel costs we need to cover for speakers, administrative costs, costs for class materials, registration fees, etc. This is necessary to insure the quality of the class.

Actually, when you think about it, this is a bargain. Each session costs about the same as going to a movie, but you are getting so much more than mere entertainment. You are getting a glimpse into what God is doing in the world in a way you will never forget. Also, think about how cheap this is in comparison to a college or graduate level class! The fee for an Undergraduate level 3 hour class in the Liberal Arts department for a Texas resident at UT Austin is $1,145!

All the same, don't let money stop you from taking the course! We suggest that you speak to your church or pastor about financial help. Very often, your church may be willing to sponsor a percentage of the total cost as an investment in your ministry training. There are also a limited amount of scholarships available to those who express need.

14. Are scholarships available?

Our desire is that as many people as possible will be able to attend Encountering the World of Islam. As a result, there are a limited number of scholarships available. If you really want to take Encountering the World of Islam, but simply cannot afford the cost, please go through the normal registration process, and fill out the Scholarship Application, and then submit the information requested. You will be contacted ASAP.

15. I took the class in the past, is there a discounted rate for me to take it again?

Actually, all alumni can attend any of the sessions FREE. This is true even if you originally took the course in a different city. Of course, if you want new copies of the books used for the class there will be a charge for them. Even though the class is free for alumni, we ask that you complete all of the registration information and fill in the alumni information so that we can plan for your attendance and keep in touch with you throughout the class.

Please join us again and bring a friend!

Enrollment Questions

16. What's the difference between Audit, Certificate, and Credit?

Audit - Easiest level but minimum impact. You attend the lectures and read as you are self-motivated to do so. We encourage you to read at least the Key readings (about 15 pages) each week. You can complete other homework, quizzes, etc. but they will not be graded. We STRONGLY discourage people from taking the audit level, and the audit price is no different than the Certificate cost. From experience we know that students are most impacted by the reflection that comes from the homework, which the audit students miss. Even if you choose the audit option, we STRONGLY encourage you to do the certificate level assignments. The certificate level is best designed to help you to participate and learn.

Certificate - Medium level and high impact. Bottom line: this is the level that over the years has yielded highest impact for most people. You need to attend the course lectures and you are required to read the Key and Basic readings (about 30 pages per week). You will make weekly postings and replies on a class discussion forum, take four on-line quizzes, report on and discuss meeting twice with a Muslim, visit a mosque and complete a final presentation for a class facilitator. Most students sign up for the certificate level. This is where students' lives are most influenced by the course. However, this level still covers just the basics.

Graduate Credit from Fuller Seminary- Highest level and highest impact. You need to attend the course lectures and you are required to read the Key, Basic, and Full readings (about 45 pages per week). Fuller Seminary requires additional readings and writing to be done in order to obtain graduate credit. The credit level is the most academic option for taking EWI.

To obtain graduate credit for EWI from Fuller Seminary, READ the information pages at the Fuller Seminary website regarding the process for gaining graduate credit. The FAQ page is http://www.fuller.edu/sis/ewi/ and the full information page is here http://www.fuller.edu/sis/ewi/newstudent.asp. Also, be sure to read carefully the Fuller syllabus as it has information on the additional workload:

17. Encountering the World of Islam sounds good, but what if after I attend the first session I decide it's not for me?

No problem! You can attend the first two sessions, and if you decide you can't continue with the class you will get a full refund. We are so confident that you will like Encountering the World of Islam that we can easily offer this no risk, money back guarantee.

If you are still not sure, you can sample the first two sessions by attending for free as our guest.

18. What are the course requirements, grading scale, and other details for credit and certificate?

These are all explained in course syllabus.

Miscellaneous Questions

19. Can you describe the "Mosque Visit"?

One reason why this class is so exciting for the local church is that it helps to build bridges of love and positive interaction between Muslim and Christian communities. For example, every Certificate and Credit student (men and women) will go on a several hour tour of a local mosque led by a Muslim leader. During this mosque visit, Encountering the World of Islam students will have the opportunity to interact with a local Muslim leader while learning more about Austin's Muslim community.

20. Why are Certificate and Credit students required to sit down and "chat" with a Muslim at least twice during the class?

As the Encountering the World of Islam books says, "To just learn about Muslims without meeting and conversing with them would be to miss one of the richest experiences we desire for you in this course."

This class is not just about book knowledge or good lectures or nice fellowship with Christians from other Austin churches, but also about building bridges of love with the local Muslim community. Sitting down and chatting with a Muslim here in Austin could very well be the highlight for you for the whole class.

21. Can you explain the role of the "online classroom"?

The online classroom is an extremely user-friendly website where Certificate and Credit students will take their quizzes and make their online postings. The classroom is monitored by the graders, the class coordinator, and relevant class facilitators, but it is strictly guarded against the general public. Basically, the online classroom is an innovative way to integrate what you are learning with your own life, while interacting with others and sharing with others what God is teaching you. To get to the online classroom click here.