OU religious studies professor to speak on campus

Charles Kimball, director of the University of Oklahoma’s religious studies program, is speaking in Judd Theater on Feb. 24.

The lecture is entitled “Islam and Politics in the 21st Century: What in the World is Going On…and Why?”

Kimball has written several books on religion, including: “When Religion Becomes Evil” and “When Religion Becomes Lethal.” He graduated from Harvard University with a theology doctorate in comparative religion with specialization in Islamic studies.

Robert Carpenter, professor of missions, helped organize the event.

“[Kimnall] as a graduate student at Harvard, December of 1979, right at the beginning of the Iran hostage crisis, he found himself with a group of American Christians… who were trying to take a different approach towards Iran in a time when everybody considered them the enemy,” Carpenter said.

Because of Kimball’s knowledge and experience, Carpenter said Kimball is the foremost speaker on the subject of Islam in the world today.

Carpenter said it is important for students to hear Kimball’s lecture.

“I think it is important for students and members of the OC community to realize that Muslims are people with the same basic concerns and aspirations that we have,” Carpenter said. “It is important for there to be a deeper understanding between Christians and Muslims. If we’re going to take the Great Commission seriously and take the gospel to all the world, it is going to be really hard to share our Jesus with people if we hate them… it’s going to be a whole lot better if we find some common ground.”

The lecture begins at 7:30 p.m. and students will receive Ethos credit for attending. Tickets are not required, but Carpenter said to arrive early to ensure seats.

“I can’t wait to hear his take on what’s been happening,” Carpenter said. “He has a perspective based on decades of experience… most of the people in the audience will never have an opportunity to hear someone who is better prepared to help us understand what is going on in Islamic politics… and he’s going to be right here on our campus.”

00