Our Programs
Each program hosted by Al Amana Centre is uniquely designed for the group. We hope to work with you to design a program that meets your specific goals. Read the descriptions below of the six main types of programs we run.
Scriptural ReasoningTrauma HealingIntercultural ImmersionSafe SpaceSemester Study AbroadInterfaith Photovoice
Scriptural Reasoning
One method of inter-faith dialogue that we use at Al Amana Centre is Scriptural Reasoning (SR). During this process, people of different faiths gather for shared reading and discussion of their holy scriptures. Together we seek a deeper understanding others’ texts, as well as our own, and we build stronger relationships across traditions.
Scriptural Reasoning is practiced around the world, and now with increased video conferencing technologies, we are able to connect across physical boundaries. During the season of COVID-19, Al Amana Centre is facilitating ONLINE SCRIPTURAL REASONING GROUPS. Currently, we have participants from the USA, Oman, Bangladesh, the UAE, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. We look forward to continuing to bring people of many faiths together. We encourage you to join in one of our groups or form a group of your own for us to facilitate and let us know.
To join or start a Virtual SR Group, please contact Jeffrey Bos at jbos@alamanacentre.org.
What is Scriptural Reasoning?
Scriptural Reasoning (SR) is a practice of inter-faith dialogue in which small groups of Jews, Christians, Muslims, and sometimes people of other faiths, gather to read passages from their scriptures. During these inter-faith encounters, we are not seeking agreement but rather deeper understandings. You learn more about the scriptures of other faith communities and some of the ways in which they are read. You witness the passion others have for their scriptures and hear their questions. And you also learn more about your own scriptures because you read in the company of people who may never have read them before. You see your own scriptures in a new light, through their eyes. Finally, SR deepens relationships and leads to friendship. You spend time with people of other religions, talking about scriptural texts that each of you hold close to your heart. We find that this close engagement leads to friendship.
Who can participate in Scriptural Reasoning?
Anyone can participate in SR! We find it works best when the participants are passionate about reading their scriptures and believe scriptures are important for their lives. You do not need to be an expert on your tradition or have a religious education background to participate. In fact, we find it best when no one speaks as the authoritative teacher or official representative of their religion, rather we strive to engage as peers passionate about our scriptures. Often it is helpful if there are at least two people from each of the participating religions so that no one person feels they are the sole representative of their faith. SR is practiced by students, professors, religious leaders, and community members around the world, including in places affected by religion-related tensions and conflict. Now, with video-meeting technologies, we are able to form groups that stretch across oceans and cultures as well.
Can members of a Scriptural Reasoning group try to convert each other?
SR is a time and space in which all participants should feel safe to express their views. Participants need to agree that the purpose of their group is not to establish the truth or authority of one scripture over another. In SR, we do not impose our own reading on the rest of the group. We explore, we are open, and we are honest. You may not agree with other people’s interpretations and it is okay to say so – respectfully. You can show your love for your own scriptures, and at no time will you be asked to compromise your faith commitments.
To learn more about SR, listen to the podcasts below or visit www.scripturalreasoning.org.
Trauma Healing
All of us experience trauma in one form or another, and many of us are left feeling wounded by our experiences. In collaboration with the Gulf Bible Society and Trauma Healing Institute, Al Amana Centre is organizing Bible-based community trauma healing groups. The groups are led by trained facilitators and follow a curriculum developed for the Gulf regional context. Using a book and participatory group sessions, we seek to engage with Biblical scripture, support one another by listening and sharing, and begin the healing process. These healing groups are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease; they are not a replacement for professional treatment. We hope in the future to develop inter-faith trauma healing programs as well.
To join a Virtual Trauma Healing Group, please contact Melissa Bos at mbos@alamanacentre.org.
Who can participate in a trauma healing group?
At this point in time, the groups organized by Al Amana Centre are intended for Christians living in the Gulf Region; all churches and congregations are welcome. Healing groups typically consist of 6-12 participants and 2-3 facilitators. The groups organized by Al Amana Centre are facilitated in English, but the book is available in over 150 languages. We can also connect you with other groups if English is not your preferred language. All groups are meeting virtually on Zoom until further notice.
Does Al Amana Centre provide trauma healing programs outside the Gulf region?
Currently, the work is concentrating on our own region and Bible-based trauma healing methodologies, but we are seeking possibilities to expand our work, both geographically and denominationally. Inter-faith experiences and connections are essential for Al Amana Centre, and we hope that in the future our program will be in collaboration with other faith institutions as well.
What topics are addressed?
The core topics covered by every healing group include:
- If God loves us, why do we suffer?
- How can the wounds of our hearts be healing?
- What happens when someone is grieving?
- Taking your pain to the cross
- How can we forgive others?
Additional topics that groups may cover include: Helping Children, Rape, Domestic Abuse, Suicide, Addictions, Preparing for Trouble, and more.
Intercultural Immersion
Building on Al Amana Centre’s history, relationship, and partnership with the Omani people and government we are happy to provide space and guidance to individuals and groups who wish to come to Oman and experience Arab culture, engage in mutual interreligious understanding, self-exploration of one’s own faith.
Our intercultural immersion programs can run anywhere from one day to two weeks, though we usually recommend 8-10 days as an efficient way to balance time and cost while still reaping benefits of being immersed in the local culture.
Al Amana’s experienced staff will work with you, your group, church, school, or organization to create a program that will meet your needs.
Costs: Costs vary depending on type of program, length of stay, accommodation, and group size. Generally, an eight to ten-day program for 8-10 people staying at Al Amana Centre cost $2000-$2500 USD per person. This includes all in country costs, i.e. lodging, food, in country transportation, fees, instruction, airport pickup.
Contact us at info@alamanacentre.org for more information.
Programs can include:
- Visits to local Islamic, Christian, and Hindu places of worship to engage with leaders and practitioners of each faith
- Instruction in Muslim – Christian Dialogue
- Exploration of Oman including visits to the mosques, forts, and natural wonders that have shaped Oman’s faith, history, and culture
- Visits to the Souq
- Visits to Oman’s world class museums and cultural events
- Lectures on Islam from Omani religious scholars
- Worshiping in local Christian churches
- Learning about Islamic prayer practices
- Time for personal reflection on mountain tops, amid the gently blowing sands of the desert, or next to the peacefully rolling waves of the ocean.
- Instruction in peacebuilding and reconciliation methods
- Scriptural Reasoning
- And much, much more.
Safe Space
The Sultanate of Oman is a unique and safe place for people to come together. We provide a safe space for groups living in conflict zones to learn and grow together.
Al Amana’s experienced staff will work with you, your group, or organization to create a program that will meet your needs.
Before Covid-19 pandemic, we have hosted groups from Tanzania, Nigeria, and Pakistan for safe space programs.
Contact us at info@alamanacentre.org for more information.
Programs can include:
- Visits to local Islamic, Christian, and Hindu places of worship to engage with leaders and practitioners of each faith
- Exploration of Oman including visits to the mosques, forts, and natural wonders that have shaped Oman’s faith, history, and culture
- Visits to the Souq
- Visits to Oman’s world class museums and cultural events
- Lectures on Islam from Omani religious scholars
- Time for personal reflection on mountain tops, amid the gently blowing sands of the desert, or next to the peacefully rolling waves of the ocean
- Instruction in peacebuilding and reconciliation methods
- Scriptural Reasoning
- Structured time for your own lectures and programming
- And much, much more
Semester Study Abroad
The College Semester in Oman is a 16-credit undergraduate-level study abroad program in Oman with a focus on Muslim-Christian relations and dialogue. The courses offered include:
- Arabic Language (6 credits)
- Oman Culture and Society (4 credits)
- Christian-Muslim Relations and Dialogue (4 credits)
- Integrated Experiential Learning (2 credits)
Al Amana Centre is located in the old section of Muscat near the traditional souq. This offers students the chance to experience Omani culture and to practice their Arabic language skills. Included in this semester are trips throughout Oman to experience firsthand its beauty, culture and heritage.
The College Semester in Oman is provided in partnership with Northwestern College in Iowa during the spring semester (late January-early May.) Students from Universities and Colleges other than Northwestern are welcome to apply. Learn more about the program.
Contact us at info@alamanacentre.org for more information.
Interfaith Photovoice
Al Amana Centre partners with Interfaith Photovoice to provide leadership in projects in interfaith engagement and freedom of religion and belief around the globe. Al Amana Centre is proud to partner with them and to help them utilize their innovative and effective techniques in a diversity of settings and to lend our expertise in developing projects and trainings in multicultural and multireligious communities. We actively seeking funding and project partners for endeavors in the Gulf Region, Africa, South East Asia, and around the world.
Interfaith Photovoice is a hospitable and adaptable way to engage people of different faith traditions that allows for wall to be broken down, empathy for the other to be built, and for new visions of what is possible in communities to be developed.
Contact us at info@alamanacentre.org for more information.