May 9, 2013

Muslims, Mary, and the ‘Son of God’: A Reflection (Part 1)

Being home to millions of Muslims, Christians, Druze and others, Lebanon celebrates many holidays. However, one holiday in particular, “The Annunciation”, has taken on special significance as being the only holiday celebrated by virtually all Lebanese faith traditions. IMES MRel Faculty Colin Chapman shares his reflections below.– IMES Staff Muslims, Mary, and […]
April 25, 2013

“Is Allah God?” 5 Reasons I Am Convinced (A Primer to a Much Larger Conversation)

A number of years ago, upon learning of my intention to pursue the academic study of Islam, a dearly beloved relative of mine felt compelled to ask: “Is Allah God?” This question took me by surprise, for I felt as though I was being put to the test, as if […]
April 18, 2013

Interviews with IMES Director Martin Accad on the Middle East Conference 2013 and the Syrian Refugee Crisis

EthicsDaily.com and CompassionRadio.com recently interviewed IMES Director Dr. Martin Accad in regard to this year’s upcoming Middle East Conference and on the ongoing Syrian Refugee Crisis. 1) Interview with EthicsDaily.com (April 10, 2013) In reference to the upcoming Middle East Conference 2013, “Your Rights and My Responsibilities: Biblical and Islamic […]
March 15, 2013

Understandable Eschatology? Arabs, Evangelicals, and ‘The End’

Eschatology, literally the study of the last things, anywhere is a difficult topic. Nevertheless, the topic is of such magnitude and, whether we realize it or not, such real-world relevance that we must attempt to unravel the complexities [or dare I say absurdities] we too often find associated with ‘The End’. […]
March 5, 2013

I Am Not Abraham’s Mistake

IMES welcomes guest contributor Derek Rishmawy. Arabs are not the result of Abraham’s mistake: Derek Rishmawy explains how popular evangelical theology about Arabs contradicts the Gospel. 9/11 was a weird day for me. I was a sophomore in high school at the time [in America] and I distinctly remember thinking to […]
February 21, 2013

Middle East Conference 2013: Biblical & Islamic Perspectives on Human Rights and Social Responsibility

This week, we take a break from the norm once again to remind you of the Institute of Middle East Studies’ annual Middle East Conference (MEC 2013) entitled “Your Rights & My Responsibilities: Biblical & Islamic Perspectives on Human Rights” taking place at the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary, Beirut, from June 17 […]
February 18, 2013

Interview with IMES Faculty Rupen Das on the Master of Religion in Middle Eastern and North African Studies (MRel)

In October 2012, the Institute of Middle East Studies at the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary, Lebanon, launched a new Master of Religion in Middle Eastern and North African Studies (MRel). How is this new “MRel” program distinctive? Specifically, how does it differ from ABTS’ core programs of Bachelor of Theology and Master of […]
February 14, 2013

On Bearing False Witness: Our Casual and Repetitive Breach of the Ninth Commandment

By Martin Accad How lightheartedly we break the ninth commandment: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16). This is a constant problem in my area of work: Christian-Muslim relations. I am not thinking of the way that Muslims portray Christianity, which can be the subject of […]