at New York University
Fall 2014 MuCh Topics
Each week there is a different discussion topic related to Christianity and Islam. Below is the list of topics for the semester. Remember, no prior knowledge is necessary, just come with a willingness to learn!
September 11th: MuCh Kick Off Night!
Kimmel 7th Floor
For our first meeting of MuCh we will be welcoming people to come and check us out and see what we do and why. Come and eat, talk with people, and enjoy a game or two!
September 18th: Islam/Christianity 101
In order to understand and discuss another faith thoughtfully and produtively it is necessary to have a foundational understnading of that faith. In this week's topic we seek to outline and discuss the doctrinal basics of both Islam and Christianity.
September 25th: The Quran and The Bible
At MuCh we seek not only to tell and instruct people about Islam and Christianity, but also give them the abilty to study the faiths on their own effectviely. This week will look at the Quran and the Bible and discuss their formation, their authorship, and their general contents. We hope that this will be a guide for people so that they can begin exploring these important texts on their own.
October 2nd: Who is God?
When people think of God they often think of this abstract "other" that is somehow above us and watching us, but beyond that they don't really know much about Him. In this week's discussion we outline the characteristics of God from the Muslim and the Christian points of view. What is God like? How do we relate to Him? are a couple of questions that will be addressed.
October 9th: Jesus and Muhammad
In Christianity, Jesus is considered the key figure, the cornerstone of the faith because He is God Himself. In Islam, Muhammad is considered the final prophet who completed God's revelation. This topic will outline the lives and the importance of these two figures in Christianity and in Islam. Who are they? Why were they important?
October 16th: Heaven and Hell
Heaven and hell are essential and central docitrines in both Islam and Christianity. In this week's discussion we will talk about the definition of heaven and hell, what they are like, and who goes there and why according to Muslims and Christians.
October 23rd: Salvation
Last week we briefly talked about who goes to heaven and hell. The word for "going to heaven" is salvation. This week we will talk about how one is saved (gets to go to heaven) and how one is not saved (goes to hell) according to Christians and Muslims. What about people who do good deeds but aren't Christian/Muslim? What about people who are a different faith than me, will they go to heaven?
October 30th: Satan and Demons
Both Islam and Christianity acknowledge the existence of a spiritual reality which includes forces that seek to do evil in this world. This topic will describe the nature of Satan and demons, how they came into existence, how we relate to them, and how they relate to God.
November 6th: Free Will vs. Predestination
When God made us he gave us free will, right? But wait, doesn't he also have complete control over the universe becuase He is all powerful? How can I have free will (the ability to choose), but God also have total sovereignty (complete control)? This week's dicussion will revolve around Christian and Muslim understandings of the free will (or lack thereof) in relation to God.
November 13th: Judgment Day
Both Islam and Christianity teach that there will be a day when all people will be called before God, and on this day God will judge them as righteous or unrighteous. This day also signals the end of this world as we know it. This week's topic will address what the day of judgment is, why it is important, and the signs of its coming according to the two faiths.
November 20th: Gender Roles
Christianity and Islam outline specific roles for the male and the female. Both in relation to each other and in relation to the world in general. In this week's discussion we will explore what the Quran and the Bible say about male and female roles.
November 27th: Testimonies
Here at NYU there is a large faith community. Some who grew up in the faith and some who became followers in college. This week we will hear stories from NYU peers who became believers whilst here at NYU. Hear about why they became a believer and how it has changed their lives.
