AboutLe Anne Clausen Expertise I can answer questions about interfaith relations, particularly Christian-Muslim. This includes efforts in this country and internationally, especially the Middle East. I can answer about interfaith efforts for peacemaking and social justice issues, and I can offer advice on how to begin your own interfaith dialogue or cooperation efforts. I can answer some but not all questions about Christianity's and other religion's perspectives towards engaging in interfaith relations
Experience I have an MA in Christian-Muslim relations and I was a human rights worker for four years in the Middle East, including Israel/Palestine, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan. I have also spent time in Central Asia, including Iran and Afghanistan. I am currently working to create an interfaith peace-teams based human rights organization.
Publications:
Before Abu Ghraib: Stories from a Human Rights Worker in Iraq (pending)
“Seminary Behind Bars,” Theolog, [blog of the Christian Century], June 2008
“Discovering the Hazara Shi’a of Afghanistan” The Worldly, November 2007
“A Nest For Kabul’s Street Children, and the Underside of International Aid.”
The Worldly, October 2007
“Be the Healers: Responding to Abu Ghraib.” The Lutheran, July 2004
Blog: “Journal of a Young Activist,” www.young-activist.blogspot.com (since 2000). Also www.christian-muslim.net, and www.seminaryaction.org.
Question Thank you for taking the time to read my email & answer my questions.
I met a muslim man on a plane 4 months ago, we seemed to have instant chemistry so I didn't hesitate when he asked if he could contact me later. We have not missed a day talking, emailing, texting and have become very fond of each other. He is 13 yrs younger than I, he lives on the East Coast I on the West Coast, he's never been married, I have been twice, he is Muslim, I am Christian.
We just spent the last 4 days together in my home town and it was wonderful. It's as if we've known each other forever. We both became very emotional when it came time to say goodbye and now we are trying to figure out what to do next. He wants me to come to his town next to meet his family, but something seems odd. He lives with his siblings and mother, he says its because his father is deceased and he's the oldest. His mother seems to call him several times a day and when he has to make decisions he has to ask for his mothers' blessing first. Is this a cultural thing or is he a mamas boy? I don't want to make an issue of it until I understand his culture.My friends are not very supportive because they feel our cultural, religious beliefs are too different, I am so confused.
I would like to know if there are books you can recommend so I can understand his culture. I'm falling for this man, but want to make sure I am making the right decision.
Thank You,
Anoymous
Answer Greetings Anonymous, and thanks for your question.
Religious and cultural differences can be overcome with hard work and patience by both people in a relationship. In this case, the best thing you might be able to do is to meet his family and see how he interacts with them in his home. That he lives at home as the head of his family is not so unusual, but you'll certainly have a better sense of how well you'll mesh within his family after a few days' visit.
I do like the 'No Nonsense Guide to Islam,' and regarding culture, it does depend on which kind of Islam and which country or region he comes from. Iranian Shi'a Islam is different than Iraqi Shi'a Islam, which is different yet from Palestinian Sunni Islam or Turkish Sufi Islam. But start with a simple book, and then the best thing you can do is to ask questions of each other about which aspects of your religions, cultures, and values are most meaningful to you.
I hope that this is helpful to you! It's possible to make this work, but it's always good to do your homework and proceed slowly in love! Good luck! And let me know if I can help with other questions.
