Past Events: May - September 2009

In the modern world, religion is seen as a relic of the past, as being unable to deal with contemporary problems, and at worst, being the cause of today's afflictions and problems.

But is this accurate? Is religion the cause of modern day wars, social breakdown and global warming? Isn't it rather the mass industry of materialistically-focused societies producing, and polluting, in mass quantities without regard to the ethical limits we find common in religion? Is public morality in decay due to the secularisation of society? Are wars about Oil and nationalism, rather than religion?but Lastly, can religion provide answers which are fundamentally lacking in Secularism?

Both sides of the debate, both ideological Secular atheist, Bob Churchill of the British Humanist Association, and ideological theist, Abdullah al Andalusi of MDI, debate the role religion should play in the 21st century in this intellectually stimulating discussion- Should God be de-radicalised?

Bob Churchill studied Philosophy at the University of Warwick and Queens University, Canada. He worked in communications and marketing, then systems development, before joining the British Humanist Association in January 2008 as the Membership and Web Manager. He now liaises with local humanist groups, manages membership communications, and has been responsible for the BHA’s online presence during the “Atheist Bus Campaign”. He has represented the BHA on radio and television and has discussed philosophy, religion, values and Humanism in public debates and “interfaith” forums.

All three Abrahamic faiths claim to worship the same God, indeed the Pope recently affirmed that Islam worships the same God as Christianity. But as the rise of Christian fundamentalist evangelism continues in the US, and the continued War on/of Terror influencing Western populations into an ideological attack on Islam; the conception of the God worshipped by Muslims is once more brought into question, allegations of a warmongering Prophet spreading a barbaric law with the sword, have once more arisen and an intellectual assault on Islamic theology parallels the political assault on the Muslim world, leaving Muslims to defend their beliefs at their most fundamental level.

From the Islamic perspective, the once monotheistic - now turned Trinitarian polytheist, religion of Christianity is an aberration of the true teachings of Prophet Jesus. With the worship of Jesus being viewed as idolatry and neo-roman paganism by the worlds 1.7 billion Muslims, Christians are left to defend against the allegations of polytheism, double standards and crusader mentalities.

Muslim Debate Initiative is co-hosting a whole series of Muslim-Christian debates for July, featuring some of the top Evangelical Christian debaters from the USA! Venues and will be based up and down London, in Churches, Mosques and halls. This is an opportunity for all in the UK to experience the American side of Christianity, its perspectives, viewpoints and beliefs, especially in the current climate of the War on/of Terror and the rise of the American brand of Christian Evangelism. Attend the series and join in the debates!!

The American speakers

Nabeel Qureishi is an Ex-Qadiyani, now turned Christian. He has a Masters in Christian Apologetics.

He is an active member of Acts 17 apologetics. He has lectured on Christian Missionary approaches to Islam.

Dr David Wood is a Philosophy lecturer at Fordham University, New York.

He is also head of Acts 17 Apologetics and writes, debates and lectures from an American Evangelical perspective of Islam.

The Muslims speakers

Abdullah al Andalusi, is an ex-Anglican Christian, now turned Muslim.

He is has been involved in Muslim apologetics and ‘Dawah’ for over 10 years. He regularly gives lectures, talks and debates topics ranging from Rational proofs of Islam, to politics.

Paul Williams, is an ex-Evangelical Christian, now turned Muslim.

He has studied theology and philosophy at Heythrope College.

He writes prolifically on Islam and the history of Christianity.

Yahya Hayder, is an ex-Catholic Christian, now turned Muslim.

He currently studies Islamic Theology at the London Islamic Seminary.

His studies specialise in the historicity of Islamic scriptural sources.

The Debate Line-up:

Sunday 12th July 2009

6:30pm-9:30

"Trading Faiths: Islam and Christianity: Why We Chose to Leave and Believe"

Paul Williams (Muslim ex-Christian) vs. Nabeel Qureshi (Christian ex-qadiayni)

Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London WC1R 4RL (nearest [tube] station: Holborn)

Tuesday 14th July 2009

6:30pm-9:30pm

"Is Islam a Religion of Peace?"

Abdullah al-Andalusi & Yahya Hyder Seymour vs. Dr David Wood & Nabeel Qureshi

Abrar House, 45 Crawford Place, London, (nearest [tube] station: Edgware Road)

Thursday 16th July 2009

6:30pm-9pm

"Is Christianity a Religion of Peace?”

David Wood vs. Abdullah al-Andalusi

Parish Church Hall, Central rd, Morden, SM4 (nearest [tube] station: Morden, [Rail] Modern South, [Rail] st Helier)

Friday 17th July 2009

7:30pm-9:30pm

"Was Muhammad a True Prophet?"

Yahya Hayder Seymour vs. David Wood

Hyderi Islamic Centre, 26 Estreham Road, London SW16 5PQ (Nearest station, Streatham Common [Rail])

Saturday 18th July 2009

12:30pm-3:45pm

“Has the Qur’an Been Perfectly Preserved?”

Bassam Zawadi vs. Nabeel Qureshi

Abrar House, 45 Crawford Place, London, (Nearest station: Edgware Road [tube])

5:15pm-8:30pm

The Debate Series Finale "The Concept of God in Islam and Christianity“

Abdullah al-Andalusi vs. David Wood

Abrar House, 45 Crawford Place, London, (Nearest station: Edgware Road [tube])

All events are free for the public and do not require registration, though donations to help support our activities will be welcome at the events (in the collections 'bins' provided). For information, please contact the MDI at email admin@thedebateinitiative.com

Peace and Violence in Christianity and Islam.

Shadid Lewis, representing MDI will debate Professor David Wood on the topic of peace and violence in the christian and Muslim traditions.

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