April 19, 2018

Into the Depths إلى العمق

By Chaden Hani Lately, I have come to understand the way members of other religions often appreciate the Christian narrative here in Lebanon. What I came to perceive was a sense of jealousy regarding it, a feeling of protection and even reverence concerning the true value of the Biblical story. […]
April 12, 2018

The Choice Is Yours! Promoting Healthy Leadership that Contributes to the Common Good الخيار لك! تعزيز القيادة الفاضلة التي تساهم في الخير العام

By Martin Accad Let me start with a confession: At 45 years old, I have never voted in the Lebanese General Elections! As a child of the Lebanese Civil War, I developed a cynical attitude to the possibility that change will come through the current political process. Why would I […]
April 5, 2018

IMES Regional Brief – April 2018

Syria Hope Is Lost. Still We Have One Chance Left. The Living Hope Eastern Ghouta is considered one of the largest strongholds of those factions making up the Syrian opposition. It is controlled by organizations like “the Army of Islam,” the “Rahman Corps” of the Free Syrian Army and the […]
March 29, 2018

Peacebuilding Through Music: A Language that has the Potential to Assuage Bitterness and Grief and Open Up Hardened Hearts بناء السلام من خلال الموسيقى: لغة لديها القدرة أن تسكّن المرارة والحزن، وتفتح القلوب القاسية

By Raffi Chilingirian “What you played inside was so beautiful,” an elder in my church told me, making sure that I heard his assuring words before my departure. I’ve been playing the Armenian Duduk, an ancient instrument found by various names in the Caucasus, during prayer sessions within my church’s Sunday services. […]
March 22, 2018

Waiting: The Challenge of the Silence of God الانتظار: تحدي صمت الله

By Rupen Das I often find Holy Week a turmoil of emotions. It starts with the euphoria of Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. As the week progresses, there is a growing sense of dread. There is a sadness and confusion that permeates the Last Supper, followed by […]
March 15, 2018

Reflections from a Social Psychologist تأملات من وجهة نظر علم النفس الاجتماعي

(Photo: Murr Tower, used by militia fighters from various factions during the Lebanese Civil War) by Thia M. Sagherian-Dickey “Why are you asking us Christians about Shias? We don’t have a problem with them. The tensions are between Sunnis and Shias. You should be asking them such questions.” I was […]
March 8, 2018

Is the Master of Religion in MENA Studies Right for You?

Learn from our graduates how the Master of Religion in Middle Eastern and North African Studies has transformed their work and ministry: Intellectual Excellence. Heart Formation. Practical Application. The Master of Religion in Middle Eastern and North African Studies (MRel) is a unique and innovative multidisciplinary program designed for individuals […]
March 1, 2018

IMES Regional Brief – March 2018

Syria The Masks Have Fallen, Revealing the Ugly Faces of Imposters; We Are Left Alone to Face our God The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has accused the US-led international coalition against ISIS of committing what it called a “brutal massacre” in the countryside of Deir el-Zor, following a military […]