"Do Christians and Muslims Worship the Same God?" Symposium to Be Held April 23 at Truett Seminary

Follow us on Twitter:@BaylorUMediaCom
Media contact: Terry Goodrich, (254)710-3321
WACO, Texas (April 18, 2012)-- "Do Christians and Muslims Worship the Same God? Understandings of God in Christianity and Islam" will be the subject of a symposium at George W. Truett Theological Seminary on Monday, April 23.
The event, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Center for Ministry Effectiveness and Educational Leadership, Baylor University and the Kyle Lake Center for Effective Preaching at Truett Seminary.
The opening address will be given by William Abraham, Albert Cook Outler Professor of Wesley Studies, Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. Abraham will explore such issues as Muslims' belief that God is one entity and could not become human, while Christians affirm that God is three in one--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Abraham also will examine the position of many people, including major Christian theologians, who that believe Muslims and Christians do in fact worship the same God, said Donald Schmeltekopf, director of the Center for Ministry Effectiveness and Educational Leadership.
Respondents will be Abdulhakim Ali Mohamed, Executive Director of the Texas Islamic Council, USA; Christian van Gorder, associate professor of religion at Baylor; and Abjar Bahkou, lecturer of Arabic language and culture at Baylor.
The four men will conclude with a panel discussion.
The symposium will be from 9 a.m. to noon in the Paul W. Powell Chapel in Truett Seminary, 1100 S. Third St. in Waco. It will be followed by lunch, which is free, but advance registration is requested. To register, call (254) 710-4677 or contact julie_covington@baylor.edu