This season of Covid-19 social distancing and virtual learning often poses a challenge to connecting in our own communities, not to mention with people from across the world. Recognizing the need for interpersonal and intercultural engagement, Calvin University history professor, Frans van Liere, partnered with Al Amana Centre to develop an online Scriptural Reasoning course.
Scriptural Reasoning (SR) is a method of interfaith dialogue, bringing people of different faith traditions together in reading and discussing passages of their holy scriptures, namely the Torah, New Testament, and Qur’an. The goal of SR is not to agree, debate, convert, or compromise one’s religious beliefs, but to seek a deeper understanding of others’ texts and our own. In doing so, participants form stronger relationships across traditions.
In light of canceled study abroad programs and stay-at-home orders, the Al Amana Centre online SR program offered an opportunity for students to fulfil their cross-cultural course requirement and learn alongside a diverse group of Christians, Muslims, and Jews from across the USA to Oman, Bangladesh, Palestine-Israel, Nigeria, and the UK.
Van Liere describes his vision for the course: “My idea was more ambitious than just teaching about Islam: I wanted to bring students into contact with Muslims. I believe in interfaith dialogue as an interpersonal event, not a theoretical discussion about elusive theological truth.”
Many Calvin University students, coming from predominately Christian backgrounds and a range of interdisciplinary fields, had little to no experience with interfaith dialogue and limited knowledge of Islam. At the beginning of the semester, some students were wary – conversations about religion can be awkward or contentious, especially amid disagreement. However, as the weeks went on, students grew increasingly comfortable, discovering the laid-back and respectful atmosphere SR creates for dialogue.
“I was incredibly nervous because I have never had full length discussions about religion with those who disagree with me,” Anthony, a Calvin University student, said, “However, from the first session, I could tell that it was not as stressful as I thought it would be. It was much more of a free discussion than the debate I expected.”
“Everyone was encouraging of one another,” Sara, another Calvin student, commented, “This did not mean that everyone agreed, but I learned that it was possible for people to sit down and simply talk, and that was very refreshing.”
Because SR is rooted in sharing scriptural texts rather than imposing ideas, these meetings become an open space for collective discovery and mutual appreciation. Recognizing that these texts are sacred to a member of the group, fosters a certain level of respect. A shared passion for scriptures brings participants together.
In the questions and discussions that follow, the richness of meaning and multiplicity of interpretations becomes apparent. Participants enter these conversations with a spirit of curiosity and humility, as they are not answering on behalf of their tradition or imparting an absolute truth.
Jeffrey Bos, Director of Programs at Al Amana Centre, often refers to the exercise of scriptural reasoning as “playing.” “We explore, we are open, we are honest,” he reminds.
“That shared vulnerability allowed for real encounters and personal growth,” van Liere said.
The variance of beliefs within faith traditions and the theological similarities between Christians and Muslims came as a surprise to many. As a participant myself, I recall a time when we discussed perspectives on free will versus predestination, and there were Christians and Muslims on both sides of the table. There is beauty in diversity of thought and open discussions that shine light on truth from different angles.
In the words of St. Augustine, “For what could God have more generously and abundantly provided in the divine writings than that the same words might be understood in various ways.”
We are all asking existential questions and are connected in our love for God and our journey to seek truth. SR is one way we can explore our beliefs, journeying alongside our neighbors of other faiths. Exposure to outside perspectives leads people to learn more about their own scriptures or see them in a new light. It encourages deep thinking and makes us mindful of how we respond.
“In these sessions, I was able to hear some of my core beliefs be directly challenged in a way that begged for me to do more critical thinking and not just become defensive,” Jack, a Calvin student, said.
Another student, Meghan, discovered, “It is less about knowing and more about learning.”
Students also found that hearing personal insights from Muslims directly challenged the preconceptions they came in with or false notions they gathered from the media or outside sources.
“I have a new perspective on unfair stereotypes,” Meghan said, “and I have grown in my appreciation for others and their beliefs.”
Jack reflected, “I no longer believe that Christianity and Islam are diametrically opposed ideologies, but instead believe that they’re two very closely related and intricate belief systems. They share some of the same history and figures, yet still find themselves different enough to create such fascinating discourse.”
Constructive SR conversations and closer interfaith relationships go hand in hand. When monologue is replaced with dialogue, we remember that the heart of religion is relational.
“I always emphasize that dialogue happens between people, not between religions, and SR makes that possible,” said van Liere.
Looking back on the course, Jack said “I believe the most constructive thing would be for everyone to just find a friend. The interview I did with my Muslim friend taught me so much about him. I have a completely new respect for both him and his beliefs.”
Though students were first introduced to SR in a virtual classroom setting, for many, the impact of these conversations sparked a commitment to continue learning and engaging with their Muslim neighbors.
“My desire to learn has just begun,” Sara reflected, “I have a much more willing spirit to learn, respect, and understand those who are different than me. Not only will it help me build a relationship with them, but also with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
If you are interested in joining an online SR group or want to form a group facilitated by Al Amana staff, you can reach out to Jeffrey Bos at Al Amana Centre at jbos@alamanacentre.org
https://alamanacentre.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/al-amana-logo-full.png00Hilary Hullhttps://alamanacentre.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/al-amana-logo-full.pngHilary Hull2021-04-24 14:16:472021-04-24 14:16:49Muslim and Christian Students Share Holy Scriptures
https://alamanacentre.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/al-amana-logo-full.png00justinmhttps://alamanacentre.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/al-amana-logo-full.pngjustinm2021-04-08 10:15:402021-04-08 10:15:42In the Middle - An Al Amana Centre Workshop
One year ago, we dropped off our last in-person group off at the airport to return to the USA. They returned to the U.S. not sure how this growing pandemic would affect their schooling when it restarted after their spring break. The next week, as the airport here in Oman was shutting down, my family and I were faced with the decision of whether we too would leave Oman, or ride out the pandemic here in the country we have called home these the last seven years. We decided to stay, and never would have predicted what this year would become.
At Al Amana Centre we embraced our new reality quickly by offering fireside chats, online, that began in front of the Centre’s fireplace. When Muttrah, the part of Muscat where the Centre is, was cut off from the rest of Oman to stop the spread of the virus, we started working and broadcasting from our homes. Asok, our cleaner/driver/facilities assistant and Emma, our volunteer, were at the Centre and couldn’t leave Mutrah for most of the summer as COVID ran rampant in the neighborhood. We worked with other aid organizations to help distribute food, as people were not working and not being paid, and we prayed fervently for Oman and her people.
As we continued to adapt our programing, we offered some online seminars until it became apparent that people were burning out on them as the pandemic dragged on from a few months, to no end in sight. We tried a few different ways of doing Scriptural Reasoning, and finally found a program that seemed to work online. We discovered new partnerships that allowed us to help connect U.S. college students with young adults in Palestine. With Intersections International, we were able to gather women from around the world to share experiences, music, and artistic expressions that have brought, and continue to bring, hope and healing during this year of many trials. In Oman, we have been offering Bible based trauma healing to the Christian expatriate community that has been hit hard by the economic downturn that has gripped Oman and the rest of the world. We have adapted. I am proud of, and grateful to, the staff and volunteers of Al Amana Centre in how they have risen to the challenges and opportunities that this year has presented. What is also becoming clear is that even when we start hosting people in Oman again, we will continue with our online activities. COVID-19 has caused us to expand our offerings. No matter what this coming year brings, we will not go back to the way things were before COVID-19, we have grown, we have changed, for the better I hope.
One of the adaptations and expansions that Al Amana Centre has made during this year is regarding staffing. This summer, Aaro Rytkonen, our Executive Director, discerned that it was time for him and his family to return to Finland. In October of 2020, the Board of Directors named me Acting Executive Director during this interim period. Aaro and I worked as a team to figure out what would be next for him and if he still had a role to play at Al Amana Centre. With the increased role of telecommuting, we determined that Aaro could and would remain with Al Amana Centre. However, as he was no longer to be full time in Oman, it would be in a different capacity. Aaro will now serve as Director of Strategic Planning, Development, and Partnerships and be based out of Finland to be with his family. It is an exciting new chapter in the life of Al Amana Centre as we strengthen our partnerships in Europe, the US, and in the MENA region. Aaro will be leading this work.
This left a need for an Executive Director based here in Oman. The Board of Directors has asked me to assume the role of Executive Director. While it is not a role I had aspired to fill when I landed in Oman in 2013, I feel that my last eight years working in Oman has uniquely prepared me to do so. I have grown and changed a great deal in these last eight years even as I have seen Oman grow and change and been a part of the growth of Al Amana Centre during this time. I am excited for the future of Al Amana Centre as we continue to foster understanding, reconciliation, and peace in our region and around the world.
Part of this future is more fully integrating our staffing with Oman’s goals and desires for her citizens. There is currently a high need for employment of Omani youth, and we have decided to join the Oman project of increasing the employment of Omanis. To start, we will be hiring an Omani to be our Business Administrator. This will be the first Omani employee of Al Amana Centre in at least 20 years, if not more. Sadly, to make room for this change we had to say goodbye to our long time Business Manager, Tony Abraham. Tony has worked for Al Amana Centre for 13+ years and we wish him well as he explores what is next for him and his family.
In addition to the Business Administrator position, we are also contracting with long time associate of Al Amana Centre, Mohammed Al Shuaili, to be a Program Consultant. For the last few years Mohammed has provided experiences for our guests and students in Arabic language, Omani culture, and has hosted many of our groups on his family farm. On his farm he has treated us to traditional Omani food, and his family has provided henna for many of our female guests, and answered questions about how he experiences Oman. Now, Mohammed will be working to help us develop and deliver our programing. We hope that he will be working more closely with Al Amana Centre in the future to provide our guests with cultural experiences and basics of Arabic. Mohammed will be an integral part of our Scriptural Reasoning sessions and will also provide Arabic tutoring to our staff. Already, Mohammed has been joining our staff meetings and has provided good insight to our future plans.
Lastly, we have taken this time without guests to update the Centre. We are adding three toilets and washrooms for general use and creating more meeting and classroom space. We are also updating our internet and Wi-Fi capabilities to better serve us as we work more and more online and as we utilize a new teleconferencing unit in our main hall. This will allow us to connect Oman, Omanis, and our guests with people from around the world as we learn about each other and promote ways to live in peace.
Much of this season reminds me of John 12:24 when Jesus says “Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”
While this passage is about Jesus, and not Al Amana Centre, it reminds me that loss and death can lead to new life. There is much we have lost and there are many whom we love who have experienced great loss this year. Al Amana has lost much this year, but there is hope that out of this year we will also rise and bear much fruit.
https://alamanacentre.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/al-amana-logo-full.png00Hilary Hullhttps://alamanacentre.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/al-amana-logo-full.pngHilary Hull2021-03-25 11:55:222021-03-25 11:55:23Changes at Al Amana Centre
Muslim and Christian Students Share Holy Scriptures
/0 Comments/in Article /by Hilary HullThis season of Covid-19 social distancing and virtual learning often poses a challenge to connecting in our own communities, not to mention with people from across the world. Recognizing the need for interpersonal and intercultural engagement, Calvin University history professor, Frans van Liere, partnered with Al Amana Centre to develop an online Scriptural Reasoning course.
Scriptural Reasoning (SR) is a method of interfaith dialogue, bringing people of different faith traditions together in reading and discussing passages of their holy scriptures, namely the Torah, New Testament, and Qur’an. The goal of SR is not to agree, debate, convert, or compromise one’s religious beliefs, but to seek a deeper understanding of others’ texts and our own. In doing so, participants form stronger relationships across traditions.
In light of canceled study abroad programs and stay-at-home orders, the Al Amana Centre online SR program offered an opportunity for students to fulfil their cross-cultural course requirement and learn alongside a diverse group of Christians, Muslims, and Jews from across the USA to Oman, Bangladesh, Palestine-Israel, Nigeria, and the UK.
Van Liere describes his vision for the course: “My idea was more ambitious than just teaching about Islam: I wanted to bring students into contact with Muslims. I believe in interfaith dialogue as an interpersonal event, not a theoretical discussion about elusive theological truth.”
Many Calvin University students, coming from predominately Christian backgrounds and a range of interdisciplinary fields, had little to no experience with interfaith dialogue and limited knowledge of Islam. At the beginning of the semester, some students were wary – conversations about religion can be awkward or contentious, especially amid disagreement. However, as the weeks went on, students grew increasingly comfortable, discovering the laid-back and respectful atmosphere SR creates for dialogue.
“I was incredibly nervous because I have never had full length discussions about religion with those who disagree with me,” Anthony, a Calvin University student, said, “However, from the first session, I could tell that it was not as stressful as I thought it would be. It was much more of a free discussion than the debate I expected.”
“Everyone was encouraging of one another,” Sara, another Calvin student, commented, “This did not mean that everyone agreed, but I learned that it was possible for people to sit down and simply talk, and that was very refreshing.”
Because SR is rooted in sharing scriptural texts rather than imposing ideas, these meetings become an open space for collective discovery and mutual appreciation. Recognizing that these texts are sacred to a member of the group, fosters a certain level of respect. A shared passion for scriptures brings participants together.
In the questions and discussions that follow, the richness of meaning and multiplicity of interpretations becomes apparent. Participants enter these conversations with a spirit of curiosity and humility, as they are not answering on behalf of their tradition or imparting an absolute truth.
Jeffrey Bos, Director of Programs at Al Amana Centre, often refers to the exercise of scriptural reasoning as “playing.” “We explore, we are open, we are honest,” he reminds.
“That shared vulnerability allowed for real encounters and personal growth,” van Liere said.
The variance of beliefs within faith traditions and the theological similarities between Christians and Muslims came as a surprise to many. As a participant myself, I recall a time when we discussed perspectives on free will versus predestination, and there were Christians and Muslims on both sides of the table. There is beauty in diversity of thought and open discussions that shine light on truth from different angles.
In the words of St. Augustine, “For what could God have more generously and abundantly provided in the divine writings than that the same words might be understood in various ways.”
We are all asking existential questions and are connected in our love for God and our journey to seek truth. SR is one way we can explore our beliefs, journeying alongside our neighbors of other faiths. Exposure to outside perspectives leads people to learn more about their own scriptures or see them in a new light. It encourages deep thinking and makes us mindful of how we respond.
“In these sessions, I was able to hear some of my core beliefs be directly challenged in a way that begged for me to do more critical thinking and not just become defensive,” Jack, a Calvin student, said.
Another student, Meghan, discovered, “It is less about knowing and more about learning.”
Students also found that hearing personal insights from Muslims directly challenged the preconceptions they came in with or false notions they gathered from the media or outside sources.
“I have a new perspective on unfair stereotypes,” Meghan said, “and I have grown in my appreciation for others and their beliefs.”
Jack reflected, “I no longer believe that Christianity and Islam are diametrically opposed ideologies, but instead believe that they’re two very closely related and intricate belief systems. They share some of the same history and figures, yet still find themselves different enough to create such fascinating discourse.”
Constructive SR conversations and closer interfaith relationships go hand in hand. When monologue is replaced with dialogue, we remember that the heart of religion is relational.
“I always emphasize that dialogue happens between people, not between religions, and SR makes that possible,” said van Liere.
Looking back on the course, Jack said “I believe the most constructive thing would be for everyone to just find a friend. The interview I did with my Muslim friend taught me so much about him. I have a completely new respect for both him and his beliefs.”
Though students were first introduced to SR in a virtual classroom setting, for many, the impact of these conversations sparked a commitment to continue learning and engaging with their Muslim neighbors.
“My desire to learn has just begun,” Sara reflected, “I have a much more willing spirit to learn, respect, and understand those who are different than me. Not only will it help me build a relationship with them, but also with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
If you are interested in joining an online SR group or want to form a group facilitated by Al Amana staff, you can reach out to Jeffrey Bos at Al Amana Centre at jbos@alamanacentre.org
In the Middle – An Al Amana Centre Workshop
/0 Comments/in Article /by justinmClick here to register: https://forms.gle/9Uyw38sffNGDVQxG7
Please download the PDF for more information or to share!
Changes at Al Amana Centre
/3 Comments/in Article /by Hilary HullOne year ago, we dropped off our last in-person group off at the airport to return to the USA. They returned to the U.S. not sure how this growing pandemic would affect their schooling when it restarted after their spring break. The next week, as the airport here in Oman was shutting down, my family and I were faced with the decision of whether we too would leave Oman, or ride out the pandemic here in the country we have called home these the last seven years. We decided to stay, and never would have predicted what this year would become.
At Al Amana Centre we embraced our new reality quickly by offering fireside chats, online, that began in front of the Centre’s fireplace. When Muttrah, the part of Muscat where the Centre is, was cut off from the rest of Oman to stop the spread of the virus, we started working and broadcasting from our homes. Asok, our cleaner/driver/facilities assistant and Emma, our volunteer, were at the Centre and couldn’t leave Mutrah for most of the summer as COVID ran rampant in the neighborhood. We worked with other aid organizations to help distribute food, as people were not working and not being paid, and we prayed fervently for Oman and her people.
As we continued to adapt our programing, we offered some online seminars until it became apparent that people were burning out on them as the pandemic dragged on from a few months, to no end in sight. We tried a few different ways of doing Scriptural Reasoning, and finally found a program that seemed to work online. We discovered new partnerships that allowed us to help connect U.S. college students with young adults in Palestine. With Intersections International, we were able to gather women from around the world to share experiences, music, and artistic expressions that have brought, and continue to bring, hope and healing during this year of many trials. In Oman, we have been offering Bible based trauma healing to the Christian expatriate community that has been hit hard by the economic downturn that has gripped Oman and the rest of the world. We have adapted. I am proud of, and grateful to, the staff and volunteers of Al Amana Centre in how they have risen to the challenges and opportunities that this year has presented. What is also becoming clear is that even when we start hosting people in Oman again, we will continue with our online activities. COVID-19 has caused us to expand our offerings. No matter what this coming year brings, we will not go back to the way things were before COVID-19, we have grown, we have changed, for the better I hope.
One of the adaptations and expansions that Al Amana Centre has made during this year is regarding staffing. This summer, Aaro Rytkonen, our Executive Director, discerned that it was time for him and his family to return to Finland. In October of 2020, the Board of Directors named me Acting Executive Director during this interim period. Aaro and I worked as a team to figure out what would be next for him and if he still had a role to play at Al Amana Centre. With the increased role of telecommuting, we determined that Aaro could and would remain with Al Amana Centre. However, as he was no longer to be full time in Oman, it would be in a different capacity. Aaro will now serve as Director of Strategic Planning, Development, and Partnerships and be based out of Finland to be with his family. It is an exciting new chapter in the life of Al Amana Centre as we strengthen our partnerships in Europe, the US, and in the MENA region. Aaro will be leading this work.
This left a need for an Executive Director based here in Oman. The Board of Directors has asked me to assume the role of Executive Director. While it is not a role I had aspired to fill when I landed in Oman in 2013, I feel that my last eight years working in Oman has uniquely prepared me to do so. I have grown and changed a great deal in these last eight years even as I have seen Oman grow and change and been a part of the growth of Al Amana Centre during this time. I am excited for the future of Al Amana Centre as we continue to foster understanding, reconciliation, and peace in our region and around the world.
Part of this future is more fully integrating our staffing with Oman’s goals and desires for her citizens. There is currently a high need for employment of Omani youth, and we have decided to join the Oman project of increasing the employment of Omanis. To start, we will be hiring an Omani to be our Business Administrator. This will be the first Omani employee of Al Amana Centre in at least 20 years, if not more. Sadly, to make room for this change we had to say goodbye to our long time Business Manager, Tony Abraham. Tony has worked for Al Amana Centre for 13+ years and we wish him well as he explores what is next for him and his family.
In addition to the Business Administrator position, we are also contracting with long time associate of Al Amana Centre, Mohammed Al Shuaili, to be a Program Consultant. For the last few years Mohammed has provided experiences for our guests and students in Arabic language, Omani culture, and has hosted many of our groups on his family farm. On his farm he has treated us to traditional Omani food, and his family has provided henna for many of our female guests, and answered questions about how he experiences Oman. Now, Mohammed will be working to help us develop and deliver our programing. We hope that he will be working more closely with Al Amana Centre in the future to provide our guests with cultural experiences and basics of Arabic. Mohammed will be an integral part of our Scriptural Reasoning sessions and will also provide Arabic tutoring to our staff. Already, Mohammed has been joining our staff meetings and has provided good insight to our future plans.
Lastly, we have taken this time without guests to update the Centre. We are adding three toilets and washrooms for general use and creating more meeting and classroom space. We are also updating our internet and Wi-Fi capabilities to better serve us as we work more and more online and as we utilize a new teleconferencing unit in our main hall. This will allow us to connect Oman, Omanis, and our guests with people from around the world as we learn about each other and promote ways to live in peace.
Much of this season reminds me of John 12:24 when Jesus says “Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”
While this passage is about Jesus, and not Al Amana Centre, it reminds me that loss and death can lead to new life. There is much we have lost and there are many whom we love who have experienced great loss this year. Al Amana has lost much this year, but there is hope that out of this year we will also rise and bear much fruit.