Introduction to the Qur’an: “Qur’anic Philosophy, Theology, and Mysticism”

Introduction to the Qur’an

The series concludes this Sunday, January 31, 8:45-9:45 a.m. We will view and discuss Lecture 12 from The Great Courses, “Qur’anic Philosophy, Theology, and Mysticism.” https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85411684152, meeting ID: 854 1168 4152, or call: (312) 626-6799. We will also spend some time reviewing all nine weeks in this series.  Join us, even if it’s your first time!

The final lecture reflects on the extensive philosophical, theological, and mystical underpinnings of Qur’anic study.  Our presenter, Professor Martyn Oliver, speaks powerfully about the role of personal struggle to live according to God’s will – a struggle that shapes the religious life of individual Muslims and Islamic communities around the world.

Last Sunday we dug into the tradition of legal interpretation of the Qur’an, considering the often-misunderstood terms sharia and jihad.  The words themselves mean “searching for God’s will” and “the universal struggle for justice,” respectively. But how have they been understood and practiced in Islamic tradition?  The lecture outlined four legal schools in Sunni Islam, each of which emphasizes one source of interpretation over others. As it turns out, the interpretation of the Qur’an for Muslims is as complex and disputed as the interpretation of the Bible and Jesus are for Christians!

Due to the copyright nature of the lectures, we are not recording the sessions.  If you would like to view any lecture, let Pastor Jeffrey know and he will gladly set up a time when you can view it via Zoom.

If you would like to order the Course Guidebook, call The Great Courses, (800) 832-2412, and ask for the Course Guidebook for “Introduction to the Qur’an,” Course No. 6019 (available in book form only).  The cost is $7.50 plus shipping and sales tax.  You can also order the lectures themselves: www.thegreatcourses.com.

Questions: Pastor Jeffrey Phillips, (847) 636-6111.