AboutLe Anne Clausen Expertise I can answer questions on Arab culture, including differences in cultures among Arab countries and sub-groups. I can also answer questions on Christian-Muslim relations, interfaith issues in general, and human rights and peacemaking issues in the Middle East.
Experience I was a human rights worker for four years in the Middle East, and have spent time in Palestine, Israel, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. I speak intermediate Arabic; some Hebrew; and am starting Persian (Farsi, Dari). I have led a half-dozen educational delegations to the area for North American groups; and I have led trainings for nearly a thousand international human rights volunteers coming into the area over my years there. I am now working to launch an interfaith peace-teams based human rights organization, hopefully in the next two years. I am also currently editing the manuscript for my first book, a firsthand account of my time in the Middle East
Publications "Be the Healers," (next steps after Abu Ghraib) The Lutheran magazine, July 2004.
www.christian-muslim.net
www.seminaryaction.org
www.young-activist.blogspot.com
Multiple press releases which I wrote from the field, as well as media interviews/articles about my work are also available via Google search.
Education/Credentials I have an MA in Christian-Muslim relations; and I am now continuing my studies at Chicago Theological Seminary (www.ctschicago.edu). I also have a BA in Religion concentrating in global service, from Wartburg College, (www.wartburg.edu).
Awards and Honors I received the Dell Award for Peace and Justice from Wartburg College. I have spoken and led workshops and trainings at over one hundred church congregations, colleges, schools, organizations
Question I had been seeing an Egyptian man for the past 6 months who has been living in
the US for the past 8 years. I am a devote Christian and I will admit my initial
attraction was fueled by curiosity. However, I found myself falling very much in
love with this person. We constantly speak of the differences in our beliefs and
there seems to be so many differences and neither of us will budge. I have so
many concerns about his faith, Islam's views on women, how children are
raised...it seems never ending. Does this arrangement ever work?
I seem to be mostly concerned that while I have uncovered many things, I feel like
I haven't scratched the surface. Is it true that children born of this union are
considered Muslim no matter how they are raised? Why can a Muslim man marry
anyone but a Muslim woman can't? I mentioned he was Egyptian and not a US
citizen yet however he made it clear he would want his children to have Egyptian
citizenship even though they would be automatic US citizens? Its all very
concerning to me and so any help you could give me is much appreciated.
Thank you very much
Answer Greetings Christy, and thanks for your question. I want to encourage you to look at some of the previous questions I've answered on this topic, as they may be helpful. Sometimes, the answers depend on the specific relationship.
Basically, in order to have a successful future relationship, both people have to respect the other person's beliefs, even if you don't adopt them as your own.
It's good that you are reading about Islam, and yes, when looking at another religion, it can seem overwhelming. You might try the 'No-Nonsense Guide to Islam,' which I find helpful for beginners. For your specific questions, it depends on who you ask as to whether all children of Muslim fathers are considered Muslim. Some more traditional folks will say yes, while more liberal Muslims will say it's less clear. This is similar in today's Muslims' thoughts about women. Many religions originally allowed men to marry freely, but women to remain within the religion of their family 'clan,' including Christianity.
It's fine to have children with dual citizenship; this is often of benefit to them in countries which may not always get along. But it may not be so good if your guy didn't allow the children to have dual citizenship. They usually can do both and choose upon adulthood.
This arrangement can work, if you can find ways to introduce your children to both religions. Often, one parent takes them to mosque and the other to church. Both read them Scripture from their respective religions, and try to answer questions as honestly as possible. And they allow children to make up their own minds. If you think you can both come to an arrangement like this, your particular relationship could work. If you can't find a way to honor both traditions, and don't want to choose just one, then it might be best to move on. I hope this helps! Good luck to you, and let me know if I can help with other questions.
