Today was a day of pressure, and it was a day of release. I completed my Islamic Thought and Practice class, with a climatic 2-hour essay final. I could not have expected to learn as much as I did, but our class was blessed by a wonderful professor, Dr. Chahinda Karim, from American University of Cairo, who spoke rather eloquently and at length about the Islamic religion. Though I realize there to be so much more to learn about Islam as a religion, many misconceptions about the religion have been debunked. Foremost amongst these misunderstandings was Islamic teaching on jihad. As part of the final week of Islam class, I turned in a paper focusing on some verses about Christians and Jews in the quran. For this paper, I focused partially on such verses as are listed in the quran about treatment of Christians and Jews, which applied to the historical context at the time, and compared these with certain directives issued in Deuteronomy. The similarities were astonishing...
Anyways, off the soapbox, I find the remainder of this week to be a brief interlude for the onslaught of busy-ness that is to come. Tomorrow evening, I depart for Aswan, by train, for a Nile Cruise up to Luxor. All the touristy sights I could care less about in comparison with the time of relaxation I will get on the boat deck! Sipping a mango juice, relaxing in shorts... wow, life will be grand!
A couple days ago, I met up with a random friend I made on Skype (by the way... if you're interested, I am "tcalero" on Skype!). He was an 18-year old Egyptian who told me he'd show the "real Cairo." As we departed, I couldn't help but soon realize the way in which he cared about catering to me and making me happy in every which way he could. Instead of taking me through and introducing me to his friends in his middle-class neighborhood, he felt it necessary, (I'm sure out of his thoughts about what I would like) to take me to the glitzy and glamourous mall, of which I cared not to visit whilst here in Cairo. As we went past each shop, he asked if we had the same store in America. Most times, I could say yes. As I asked him why he wished to show me all the "Western" spots that I could normally find back home, he looked at me inquisitively, not understanding where such a question could arise from.
It then it hit me. Going to the mall, in his mind, was an act that was fully Egyptian. Instead of separation between the "Western" and "Egyptian", everything in this mall I saw as "Western" was not that, it was fully "Egyptian" as well. I've always been one to hesitate about trampling on cultural tradition, as I initially perceived this mall to do with all its Westernization. Yet the subtle arrogance of my gut reaction hit me hard. I come to Egypt so that I can see what? Get away from the West? Yes, and more. I come to see what life is for Egyptians: to see what becomes their livelihood, to see what makes them happy, what makes them thrive. It would be cheap of me to say that I prefer seeing my friend in an "authentic" Egyptian culture, if he truly longs to take part and share in such Western culture. Of course, the real danger comes in imposing Western culture, which is a discussion in and of itself - something I am still vehemently against. But seeing such a Western-loving Egyptian gave new insight: that Western culture is admired and looked up to here, yes. But also that it is OK for me, a Westerner, to be OK with that. My first instinct, most times I see western stuff, is to jump to the idea of imperialism. I must learn otherwise.
I realize that I turn you into the receptacle, sometimes, of my inner thoughts. I have never, and will probably never will be, a disciplined journaler. Thus I consider this public blog as such medium for my mind ramblings. Thank you for tolerating them.
Lastly, I feel it necessary sometimes to be an advocate. I feel forced into this position, because of what I see to be baseless ill depiction of the Islamic religion. Sometimes I am forwarded, what I see to be, absolutely ridiculous derisions of Islam, that are based not whatsoever on good sound analysis of the Quran and Hadith, but rather on scoring a cheap point for advancing one's agenda. If you are interested in getting past the platitude sayings of "Islam is a religion of peace" or "Muslims seek to kill all the infidels," you will find this article interesting! Here is the link: http://www.islamonline.net/english/Quran/2005/04/article01.shtml.
Any comments would be greatly appreciated, in approval or disapproval of said article.
Salaam,
Tony
Monday, October 15, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
Locked in Prison
This weekend, I hope to write about the past week at greater length, but for now, I will share a recent experience:
On Tuesday, I went to the prison to meet with my friends. I noticed something drastically different at the prison this time. As I made my way to the cramped, dark area where we all gather together to chat and share about our weeks, I noticed a rather large group - 100, at least - all kneeling together in the cement ground. What are they all doing? Were they taking a break in the basking sun to work on their tan, or were they under true distress? As I later talked to the prisoners I normally meet with, I found out their horrifying story. These men were all Eritrean refugees, whom had been stopped at the border or somewhere in Egypt on account of illegal immigration. I was alerted to find out that violence in Eritrea had reached such a point where families had no other option but to flee. Noticeable amongst this group of kneeling men, whom I could see from my vantage point inside the waiting area, was that their faces showed the hardened and tragic pain of separation, for in their imprisoning they were separated from their families. Here there were men of all ages - from 15 to 75, according to a prisoner friend. They were keeling in solidarity, in the hope that things would change for they knew what was to come...
This would be the day the refugees were forced out of the plush accomodations of Kanater (which can hardly be considered humane, but this is comparatively speaking) anymore, for were transport to a prison near Alexandria - known for crowded conditions, and torturous army soldiers. The men were refusing to load into the trucks that would transport them there, for they knew that their stories... and their lives would soon be lost in a sea of anonymity. Their cries were for help, for justice, for someone to recognize what was to soon ensue. As a man from Pakistan told me, when all the Western visitors had cleared out, there was a group of 200 riot police beyond the walls, waiting to come in with batons and gas - scattering the Eritreans and forcing them into the trucks for their voyage to a slow and sickening exisitence. We could only look on in helplessness for there was nothing we could do to intervene. Their only hope, according to some, was action by the United Nations. I ask for your prayers in this. Please also pray for the ceasing of human rights violations in this area, particularly in the prisons where corruption runs rampant. In addition to the UN's role, we always must remember the only One who can ultimately intervene on the refugee's behalf, and that is our Father...
I am continually fascinated by the Africans' persistence and drive against the overwhelming racist undertones. Here in Egypt, racism is a huge problem, admitted to by many Egyptians I have talked with. For sure, this is one of the causes of such a huge roundup - dividing families, and leaving women and children on their own in a strange land. Today, I got to see the unique service of African Christians, in a town called Mahdi. Though the city consists of many ex-pats, and thus is a wealthier area, a group of 200 or so Africans gather together every Friday afternoon for a worship service. I went with four others to participate. The groove produced by the music and singing is absolutely contagious, and I found myself shaking my hips more than I ever have in church before. They had a guest preacher, Charles Price, who spoke about the ways in which our mustard-seed faith can "move the mountains" and shake the corrupt patterns of this world. It all came together for me: God is a God of justice. What was happening to those refugees was absolutely unjust. Faith that God can change the situation is absolutely essential, for with faith in something higher I then realize that I cannot do it myself. Worldly powers cannot do it either. Only Him...
Salaam from Cairo,
Tony
On Tuesday, I went to the prison to meet with my friends. I noticed something drastically different at the prison this time. As I made my way to the cramped, dark area where we all gather together to chat and share about our weeks, I noticed a rather large group - 100, at least - all kneeling together in the cement ground. What are they all doing? Were they taking a break in the basking sun to work on their tan, or were they under true distress? As I later talked to the prisoners I normally meet with, I found out their horrifying story. These men were all Eritrean refugees, whom had been stopped at the border or somewhere in Egypt on account of illegal immigration. I was alerted to find out that violence in Eritrea had reached such a point where families had no other option but to flee. Noticeable amongst this group of kneeling men, whom I could see from my vantage point inside the waiting area, was that their faces showed the hardened and tragic pain of separation, for in their imprisoning they were separated from their families. Here there were men of all ages - from 15 to 75, according to a prisoner friend. They were keeling in solidarity, in the hope that things would change for they knew what was to come...
This would be the day the refugees were forced out of the plush accomodations of Kanater (which can hardly be considered humane, but this is comparatively speaking) anymore, for were transport to a prison near Alexandria - known for crowded conditions, and torturous army soldiers. The men were refusing to load into the trucks that would transport them there, for they knew that their stories... and their lives would soon be lost in a sea of anonymity. Their cries were for help, for justice, for someone to recognize what was to soon ensue. As a man from Pakistan told me, when all the Western visitors had cleared out, there was a group of 200 riot police beyond the walls, waiting to come in with batons and gas - scattering the Eritreans and forcing them into the trucks for their voyage to a slow and sickening exisitence. We could only look on in helplessness for there was nothing we could do to intervene. Their only hope, according to some, was action by the United Nations. I ask for your prayers in this. Please also pray for the ceasing of human rights violations in this area, particularly in the prisons where corruption runs rampant. In addition to the UN's role, we always must remember the only One who can ultimately intervene on the refugee's behalf, and that is our Father...
I am continually fascinated by the Africans' persistence and drive against the overwhelming racist undertones. Here in Egypt, racism is a huge problem, admitted to by many Egyptians I have talked with. For sure, this is one of the causes of such a huge roundup - dividing families, and leaving women and children on their own in a strange land. Today, I got to see the unique service of African Christians, in a town called Mahdi. Though the city consists of many ex-pats, and thus is a wealthier area, a group of 200 or so Africans gather together every Friday afternoon for a worship service. I went with four others to participate. The groove produced by the music and singing is absolutely contagious, and I found myself shaking my hips more than I ever have in church before. They had a guest preacher, Charles Price, who spoke about the ways in which our mustard-seed faith can "move the mountains" and shake the corrupt patterns of this world. It all came together for me: God is a God of justice. What was happening to those refugees was absolutely unjust. Faith that God can change the situation is absolutely essential, for with faith in something higher I then realize that I cannot do it myself. Worldly powers cannot do it either. Only Him...
Salaam from Cairo,
Tony
Sunday, October 7, 2007
My relaxing weekend at home
This weekend, whilst the rest of the crew headed to the faraway oasis of Siwa, in the Western Desert, I settled in for a weekend in which I anticipated lots of rest and progress on my ever-building work load. I succeded on only one account. I felt that being lazy, and reflecting upon the previous month took precedent. It worked, for I now feel much rejuvenated. Fortunately, we only have 3 more weeks of Arabic, a language I absolutely cannot figure out, before heading on our travel component of the semester. Ilhamdulilah (thanks be to Allah!), as they would say here!
Yesterday I went to al-Azhar park, a beautifully constructed huge area of green on a land that used to be, essentially, a garbage dump. There is a vantage point towards the very top of a hill at the park that was a great spot to view the magnificant sunset. The contrast between the lush green areas of the park, and the neighborhood nearby that had no roads and very little infrastructure, was quite stark. Another example of the ridiculous amounts of poverty that riddle this area.
Tonight, a rather special opportunity arose - to see a soccer game at Cairo Stadium, which holds something like 70,000 folk. It's a semifinal round game for the African Cup, so the place should be hopping. I have a large Egyptian flag ready to go, to join the masses in cheering Egypt to victory. According to most, it's easy street tonight, against Ghana, but stranger things have happened (i.e., Stanford over USC... holy cow!!!).
That's all for now. See... I kept this one pretty light!
Salaam,
Tony
Yesterday I went to al-Azhar park, a beautifully constructed huge area of green on a land that used to be, essentially, a garbage dump. There is a vantage point towards the very top of a hill at the park that was a great spot to view the magnificant sunset. The contrast between the lush green areas of the park, and the neighborhood nearby that had no roads and very little infrastructure, was quite stark. Another example of the ridiculous amounts of poverty that riddle this area.
Tonight, a rather special opportunity arose - to see a soccer game at Cairo Stadium, which holds something like 70,000 folk. It's a semifinal round game for the African Cup, so the place should be hopping. I have a large Egyptian flag ready to go, to join the masses in cheering Egypt to victory. According to most, it's easy street tonight, against Ghana, but stranger things have happened (i.e., Stanford over USC... holy cow!!!).
That's all for now. See... I kept this one pretty light!
Salaam,
Tony
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Academic overload, and other stuff...
Ramadan kareem! A typical greeting used during this time of the year, it essentially means "may you have a bountiful Ramadan." Though I doubt I have a large Muslim readership, there is your bit of culture for the day!
So I found the reality of this program academic rigor hit me like a ton of bricks this week. I found myself concurrently working on 2 long papers, studying for a substantial Arabic test, and reading journals and other books in preparation for the travel component of this semester (I take off in about a month... going to Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Israel and Palestine). Not to complain, I find this stuff highly stimulating intellectually, as well as emotionally. The papers assigned so far have pushed me to the edge, however, in terms of wide abstract thought. Through all my years in school, I have never found myself thinking as critically about the important issues of life, and the underlying pinnings of society and religion as I do today. I find that there were some assumptions about religion that I held dear to me... I considered them as the very truth. Do I carefully reconsider these presuppostions? Absolutely. Is it easy? Absolutely not.
For example, the issue of "salvation boundaries" came up recently. This came as a result of Paul Gordon Chandler's talk on "Muslims who intimately know Jesus." In this very scenerio, on which I had to write a critical paper, in which I could not tow the fence (as oft is my position), I do question the validity of certain founders of Christianity, I do take issue with the selection of the canonical texts, and I do, most importantly, wonder in amazement at the possibility of a Muslim knowing Christ.
To tell the truth, this does not force me to descend into a spiritual or religious hole. This has happened to me before, and it is happening to those around me right now. I wish I could identify the reasons that this "crisis of faith" occurs. But this time, I have been reinvigorated to understand the mystique and awesomeness of Jesus. It allows me to access Christ from a new perspective, not shrouded by an American fog, nor tainted by those who wish to wrap and package the Gospel up for their purpose. I desire to know the Jesus of the Middle East more and more. I have learned that this is yet but a pilgrimage. I do not come to a point in which I know Him fully, as much as I would like to. I instead enter into a sense of the divine, once in awhile, where I can see his plans and purposes for my life. This is a continual walking, one that I have not or never will perfect. Being in the Middle East and seeing pilgrims who seek the very face of Jesus, and not some arcane, bullet-pointed, watered down, and pre-packaged Christianity, triggers action.
A recent neat and rather touching experience:
I go to prison every Tuesday. Not to stay there, but rather for this thing they call "prison ministry." But I can say for absolute certain that I'm not the one who's doing this ministering, rather I find myself being the one who is ministered to. When I go there, I always end up talking to someone who has a fascinating, but very heart shattering story of how they ended up there, and what they now do in their new home... the prison. Some occupy themselves by utilizing their various skills; for example, one guy from Russia makes different crafts, and he specializes in greeting cards. Others utilize their time reading from the Bible and praying individually and as a group. I found that these men know the Scripture in and out, and are able to recite particular passages on a dime. Yet this did not impress me as much as the fervor with which they talked about their Jesus. Despite their circumstances (quite horrid prison conditions, I might add), nothing could keep them away from seeking Christ. They imparted to me the absolute necessity of attempting to know him more and more everyday.
But what came at the end of our time together blew me away. Each time at prison, we gather around in a circle - there are around 15 of us between prisoners and visitors. Usually someone reads a favorite passage, we pray, and then we leave. This time, I was asked to share a Scripture and a mini-sermon. I was completely unprepared for this spur of the moment request. I also happen to be a terribly befuddled speaker in front of a large amount of folk. Nevertheless, I opened the Bible that was put in my hand to one of my favorite passages, from the book Phillipians 2:
"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
I'm sorry. I never want this to be a forum for me to rant about this stuff, but somehow it always turns up that way. Next time I promise will be different...
Salaam,
Tony
So I found the reality of this program academic rigor hit me like a ton of bricks this week. I found myself concurrently working on 2 long papers, studying for a substantial Arabic test, and reading journals and other books in preparation for the travel component of this semester (I take off in about a month... going to Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Israel and Palestine). Not to complain, I find this stuff highly stimulating intellectually, as well as emotionally. The papers assigned so far have pushed me to the edge, however, in terms of wide abstract thought. Through all my years in school, I have never found myself thinking as critically about the important issues of life, and the underlying pinnings of society and religion as I do today. I find that there were some assumptions about religion that I held dear to me... I considered them as the very truth. Do I carefully reconsider these presuppostions? Absolutely. Is it easy? Absolutely not.
For example, the issue of "salvation boundaries" came up recently. This came as a result of Paul Gordon Chandler's talk on "Muslims who intimately know Jesus." In this very scenerio, on which I had to write a critical paper, in which I could not tow the fence (as oft is my position), I do question the validity of certain founders of Christianity, I do take issue with the selection of the canonical texts, and I do, most importantly, wonder in amazement at the possibility of a Muslim knowing Christ.
To tell the truth, this does not force me to descend into a spiritual or religious hole. This has happened to me before, and it is happening to those around me right now. I wish I could identify the reasons that this "crisis of faith" occurs. But this time, I have been reinvigorated to understand the mystique and awesomeness of Jesus. It allows me to access Christ from a new perspective, not shrouded by an American fog, nor tainted by those who wish to wrap and package the Gospel up for their purpose. I desire to know the Jesus of the Middle East more and more. I have learned that this is yet but a pilgrimage. I do not come to a point in which I know Him fully, as much as I would like to. I instead enter into a sense of the divine, once in awhile, where I can see his plans and purposes for my life. This is a continual walking, one that I have not or never will perfect. Being in the Middle East and seeing pilgrims who seek the very face of Jesus, and not some arcane, bullet-pointed, watered down, and pre-packaged Christianity, triggers action.
A recent neat and rather touching experience:
I go to prison every Tuesday. Not to stay there, but rather for this thing they call "prison ministry." But I can say for absolute certain that I'm not the one who's doing this ministering, rather I find myself being the one who is ministered to. When I go there, I always end up talking to someone who has a fascinating, but very heart shattering story of how they ended up there, and what they now do in their new home... the prison. Some occupy themselves by utilizing their various skills; for example, one guy from Russia makes different crafts, and he specializes in greeting cards. Others utilize their time reading from the Bible and praying individually and as a group. I found that these men know the Scripture in and out, and are able to recite particular passages on a dime. Yet this did not impress me as much as the fervor with which they talked about their Jesus. Despite their circumstances (quite horrid prison conditions, I might add), nothing could keep them away from seeking Christ. They imparted to me the absolute necessity of attempting to know him more and more everyday.
But what came at the end of our time together blew me away. Each time at prison, we gather around in a circle - there are around 15 of us between prisoners and visitors. Usually someone reads a favorite passage, we pray, and then we leave. This time, I was asked to share a Scripture and a mini-sermon. I was completely unprepared for this spur of the moment request. I also happen to be a terribly befuddled speaker in front of a large amount of folk. Nevertheless, I opened the Bible that was put in my hand to one of my favorite passages, from the book Phillipians 2:
"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father."
I'm sorry. I never want this to be a forum for me to rant about this stuff, but somehow it always turns up that way. Next time I promise will be different...
Salaam,
Tony
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