As a Christian and applying my feeling to the Quran would be somewhat similar to my feeling to the Bible. I can't say that I don't like the Quran because I don't know much about the teaching of Muhammad but I do know that it teaches or talks about peace, love and compassion. Which in some way the Bible says the same thing. With gender role between the two texts, I think it's similar to where there is a hierarchy--men above women. I think the Quran is as important text to Islam as it is the Bible is important for the Christians.
2.) Students can think about what jihad means to them.
The word "Jihad" is a term that have been miscommunicated between the Islam and the West. The misconception of a Jihad is viewed most by westerners as terrorists but the actual meaning is "exerted effort or struggle." The struggle can include suppression of the lower self in order to gain higher consciousness with God which leads to a pure soul. Unfortunately, this concept isn't communicated to the west due to the lack of knowledge and in my opinion, the fear of getting to know a new group of people/religion. The word Jihad is construed due to media influence and not understanding the word is why their is bad rep. on certain population in US.
3.) Students can think about what impression they get of Islam and Muhammed and how do these impressions compare to feelings they get when they see religious paintings of Jesus or Buddha.
My impression of Islam and Muhammed is similar to how I feel about Christianity. Neutral.
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