It may be difficult to read because the image here is small, but the text of the upper left side is as follows:
"Dr. Amir Hussain, a Canadian Muslim, is Professor of Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles. He teaches courses Islam, world religions, and comparative theology. Presently he is the editor of the Journal of the American Academy of Religion, the premier scholarly journal for the study of religion. Since 2005, he has written over 25 book chapters or scholarly articles about Islam and Muslims.
Workshops: Islam 101
Introduction to Islamic Spirituality"
The Diocesan website also has posted more information about the featured speaker and his workshop here. Actually, at the time of this post it is the only thing posted about the conference, under the heading of "Featured Speaker". From the website, the workshops are described as follows:Introduction to Islamic Spirituality"
"Workshop One: Islam 101
There are roughly the same number of Muslims as Catholics in the world. This workshop will give a basic introduction to Islam. It will go over basic beliefs and practices including the pillars of Islam and the articles of faith for Muslims. We will talk about the beginnings of Islam, including the story of the Prophet Muhammed and the revelation of the Qur'an. We will also talk about the contemporary situations of Muslims in the United States.
Workshop Two: Introduction to Islamic Spirituality
This workshop will build on Islam 101 and go into more detail about Islamic faith and spirituality. We will go more deeply into the 6 articles of faith for Muslims. We will also talk about the importance of intention and beauty for Muslims. Finally, we will examine Sufism, the mystical tradition in Islam."
There are roughly the same number of Muslims as Catholics in the world. This workshop will give a basic introduction to Islam. It will go over basic beliefs and practices including the pillars of Islam and the articles of faith for Muslims. We will talk about the beginnings of Islam, including the story of the Prophet Muhammed and the revelation of the Qur'an. We will also talk about the contemporary situations of Muslims in the United States.
Workshop Two: Introduction to Islamic Spirituality
This workshop will build on Islam 101 and go into more detail about Islamic faith and spirituality. We will go more deeply into the 6 articles of faith for Muslims. We will also talk about the importance of intention and beauty for Muslims. Finally, we will examine Sufism, the mystical tradition in Islam."
The Diocese has chosen a featured speaker for our Catholic conference who is not Catholic, or even Christian, and who is teaching a non-Christian faith. If these Islamic workshops are framed within apologetics (i.e., how to defend Catholicism to Muslims), it could be an understandable choice. But it does not look that way according to the description. Islam is a faith and spirituality that flatly denies the divinity of Christ.
Call to Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, you gave us the One True Faith, and we pray that you will help us to have the strength to share our knowledge with those who have not yet heard the Good News and those who do not understand it. Bless and guide our Bishop, our Priests, and our lay people who work for the Diocese. Help each of them to keep faithful to your Spotless Bride, and to always promote the Faith especially among the Catholics who depend on them for guidance.
