Sacred Texts in Dialogue: Bible and Qur'an

From the University of Notre Dame’s Department of Theology–ranked as the world’s best theology, divinity, and religious studies program–Professor Gabriel Said Reynolds invites learners into an exploration of two of the world’s most influential sacred texts. The Bible and the Qur’an have much in common: both books speak of Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Mary. Both books describe God’s mercy and God’s justice. In other ways, however, they differ sharply. The Qur’an insists that God has sent a new prophet: Muhammad. It also criticizes the teaching, and the behavior, of Jews and Christians. In Sacred Texts in Dialogue, we will explore the common points, and stark differences, between the Bible and the Qur’an. Sacred Texts in Dialogue assumes no previous knowledge of the Bible or the Qur’an. Its approach is academic: students will learn about the world in which the Bible developed (both the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament and the New Testament), and the world in which the Qur’an developed centuries later. At the same time, learners will discover the place that each scripture has in the religious life of believers. We will explore the intense devotion that believers have to the Bible and the Qur’an, and see how that devotion shapes society, religion, and politics in our world today. Upon the successful completion of this program, the participant will receive a document certifying that the participant completed the program. The document will not qualify as an academic credential, and the recipient will not earn any academic credits [or receive a transcript] from the University of Notre Dame in connection with the program. Participants in the program are not students at the University of Notre Dame, and completion of the program does not qualify any participant for status as an alumnus of the University of Notre Dame

• Understand key similarities between the Bible and the Qur'an
• Identify significant differences between the two texts
• Learn about the historical context of the Bible (Old and New Testament)
• Explore the cultural background of the Qur'an's development
• Develop academic and cultural sensitivity toward sacred texts

• Basic computer and internet skills
• Ability to read course instructions in English