Good Shepherd Lutheran Church to sponsor programs on the Muslim faith

Todd Green

Good Shepherd welcomes participation in its upcoming 7-part study series – MY NEIGHBOR IS MUSLIM: EXPORING THE MUSLIM FAITH. The first session will be held on Sunday, April 10, 10:45 a.m.; the following six sessions will be held on Wednesday evenings, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota (LSS) developed this study-discussion series in 2015 to help Lutherans in the state welcome Muslim neighbors. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services (LIRS) now provides this study for use by congregations and discussion groups throughout the country.

Luther College Associate Professor of Religion Todd Green, who has written extensively on Islam, contributed the seven sections that explain the basic tenets of Islam. Luther Seminary professors wrote responses and discussion questions that bring the Christian perspective into conversation with the Muslim faith.

On Sunday, April 10, Professor Green will lead the first session titled Five Pillars of Islam. Congregation members will lead the remaining six sessions on Wednesday evenings: April 13 - Islam & Jesus; April 20 - Islam & Jews/Christians; April 27 - Islam & Charity; May 4 - Islam & Violence; May 11 - Islam & Finance; May 18 - Islamic State. On Wednesday evenings, participants will gather in Good Shepherd's Fellowship Hall, 701 Iowa Avenue, and are welcome to bring their own simple supper.

It is the hope of those who have developed this resource and the Good Shepherd congregation that it will open doors, minds, and hearts, dispel stereotypes and myths, and start more conversations.

Advance preparation is not required, however the study can be downloaded or a free print version ordered from LIRS – lirs.org./myneighborismuslim. Contact Good Shepherd's office for additional information – 382-3963 or decorahgoodshepherd@gmail.com.