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HUNTINGTON UNIV MAGAZINE

EXCEL offers course on Islam and Christianity

FOR RELEASE October 8, 2004
HUNTINGTON, IN—Interested in developing a deeper perspective on two of the world’s major religions? Dr. Mark Fairchild, professor of Bible and Religion at Huntington College, will teach Understanding Islam and Christianity, a fall Gateway course in the Huntington College EXCEL Program. The public is invited to participate in this class which will meet on Monday nights from 6-10:00 p.m., on November 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. The five-week course can be taken for credit or for non-credit.

Understanding Islam and Christianity will explore the origin of Islam beginning with the prophet Muhammad and will trace the religion's development and diversity up to the present.  The class will explore how today's Muslims deal with current issues confronting the faith, such as ancient versus modern cultures,  the secular state versus an Islamic state, competing worldviews, wealth and poverty, unbelievers and Jihad.  The class will also compare and contrast Christianity with Islam including how Muslims view Christians, how Christians view Muslims, and how Christians conduct missions in the Muslim world. 

Dr. Fairchild earned a B.S. in Biology (genetics) from Pennsylvania State University, a B.A. in Bible and Theology from Toccoa Falls College (GA), a Master of Divinity in Biblical Studies (Specialized Curriculum) from Asbury Theological Seminary and a Master of Philosophy.and  Ph.D. in New Testament from Drew University.  He has also done Ph.D. coursework at Union Theological Seminary (NY) and Princeton Theological Seminary.

The registration deadline for Understanding Christianity and Islam is October 18. For more information visit www.huntington.edu/excel, phone (260) 359-4162 or e-mail excel@huntington.edu.

Huntington College is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S.News & World Report ranks Huntington among the top comprehensive colleges in the Midwest. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington College is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in Huntington, Indiana. The College is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and was named one of the 50 best Christian places to work by Christianity Today magazine.