Dave Andrews – Author of “The Jihad of Jesus: The Sacred Nonviolent Struggle for Justice” – to Speak in Wayland
Passionate Activist and Theologian Fosters Christian-Muslim Dialogue
Join us for a Walden Forum discussion with author Dave Andrews on Wednesday, November 11 at 7:00 p.m at the Islamic Center of Boston, 126 Boston Post Road, Wayland, Mass.
Dr. Wes Howard-Brook, who teaches at Seattle University, writes that “Dave Andrews is already known worldwide for his positive work with both Muslim and Christian communities. He speaks and writes as a committed Christian actively engaged in the lives of people of all faith traditions, especially those marginalized by dominant cultures. His book situates Christian-Muslim dialogue not in abstractions or dogma, but in the practical concerns of people seeking dignity, respect and fullness of life.”
The evening will begin at 7 p.m. with refreshments and a social time with the author, followed by the book presentation and discussion at 7:30 p.m. and then questions and answers. The event is free to the public and all are invited.
Andy Turner – Community worker and Chair of Greenbelt – ‘Creating Spaces Where Arts, Faith And Justice Collide’ – UK says that, “Dave is a rare mix of rigorous intellect, passionate activist, theologian and artist, theorist and practitioner – committed to real life at the sharp end. The Jihad of Jesus is an essential read for anyone curious about ‘the central conflict of our times’ – about how two great Abrahamic faiths, rooted in traditions of justice, love and peace, have motivated such violence, wreaking havoc and destruction from ancient Crusades to 9/11, 7/7 and the War on Terror.
The Jihad of Jesus is a manual for waging jihad. And make no mistake; Dave Andrews wants you to wage jihad. Not the violent jihad of extremists; but a ‘strong yet gentle nonviolent struggle.’ ~ Dr. Jason MacLeod – Religious Society of Friends, Academic Advisor for the International Center for Nonviolent Conflict, Washington DC, USA
“The Jihad of Jesus,” says Dr. Paul Tyson “is a greatly needed book. If Christians and Muslims could do more struggling together for mutual understanding and for genuine peace, the ‘War against Terror’ could actually be won. Dave’s book is one of the very few books available today that promotes a solution right at the problematic root of the bitter fruit of terrorism and counter-terrorism…The West, and Western Christians, must face our own demons and renounce our global imperialism and violence, and the Islamic world must likewise face the fact that aiding and abetting the one-eyed violent fanaticism of religious extremists simply keeps the cycle of horror going.”
Dave Andrews has lived and worked in intentional communities with marginalized groups of people in Australia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India for forty years. He is a founder of the Waiters Union; an educator for TEAR Australia; a trainer for Praxis Community Co-operative; a teacher at Christian Heritage College; an elder emeritus for Servants to Asia’s Urban Poor; and a member of AMARAH (Australian Muslim Advocates for the Rights of All Humanity). He can be reached at daveandrews.com.au
About the Walden Forum – The Walden Forum is a free public series that brings people together to talk, listen and learn from one another in a civil environment. It fosters discussion about important ethical, religious, political, scientific, social and other topics in a live-forum setting. Dynamic speakers challenge and expand our views about the world around us and offer the opportunity for an open discussion of these issues in a convenient, local setting. Featuring world-class speakers on great topics throughout the year, the Walden Forum is a non-religious community program supported by STAPLES, Stop & Shop, Wayland Business Assoc., Baldwin Insurance, The Beard Family Trust, The Valone Family, First Parish in Wayland, and many more. For more information go to www.waldenforum.org or write to info@waldenforum.org.
