October 11, 2018
By Chaden Hani “The courage to love” was an expression I first heard from an active Lebanese politician considered to be the godfather of Christian reconciliation, who helped reconcile two major political parties in the country. He also said that our only hope is for the church to rise. Armed, […]
April 19, 2018
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. […]
March 29, 2018
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 15, 2018
(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
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 […]
October 12, 2017
The Institute of Middle East Studies (IMES) is pleased to announce that new content for our blog will be arriving this November 2017. We have been under construction these last few weeks, and as such ask your forgiveness in the delay of our relaunch. But, our team of respected scholars, […]
June 22, 2017
By Kathryn Kraft When she stood up from the little stool on which she had been perched throughout our interview, I saw that she was indeed pregnant. I’d guess about seven months. But, I thought, she already had seven children, a sunken eye, and a lost home! I wondered if […]
June 8, 2017
By Mike Kuhn Are there any “ivory tower theologians” out there? I’ve never seen an ivory tower…and I suppose that’s the point. Ivory tower theologians are presumably dealing with things nobody cares about, things that make no practical difference in day to day life. I remember chuckling at “Owl” as […]