An upcoming series of religious studies might raise a few eyebrows, but ultimately, its instructor hopes, will help locals better understand a religion often associated with extremism and terrorism, and realize that it shares many common tenets with Christianity.
The Rev. Mark Broadhead, pastor of the Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and the First Presbyterian Church of Crestview, will offer a study of the book “Christianity and Islam: So Much In Common, So Far Apart,” written by Ronn Kerr.
“I know there is a lot of confusion, misunderstanding and concern about continuing conflict between Christians and Muslims and I wanted to help inform people so we at least have an understanding of each other,” Broadhead said. “People tend to fear what they don’t understand. This is just a way of helping people understand so there is less fear.”
“This study has been designed to look at both the ways in which Christianity and Islam are similar and the ways in which they are different,” described Kerr of his study. “We have much in common, more in fact than any two of the world’s major religions. Yet, there are distinct differences which need to be understood but which do not have to keep us or our governments in conflict.”
Broadhead realizes some people in our region have family members, relatives or friends serving in the military in the Middle East who may come into conflict with Islamic radicals. He hopes the study will help both members of the military and their friends and family realize that most of the Muslims our service personnel encounter are not radicals.
“Every tradition has its radicals that will use their religion and faith to support any misguided notion they want to have supported,” Broadhead said. “Christianity has had its radicals, Islam has its radicals. A better understanding will help us realize that when people go outside the intended bounds of their faith, it gives everyone in that faith a bad name.”
“Yes, we and Muslims have different beliefs, but that doesn’t mean we can’t respect one another,” Rev. Broadhead said.
