By reading the holy book together, Christian and Muslim women try to look for
common ground between these two heavenly religions. Is this the way the women of
the two religions commemorate International Women's Day? And how they are
addressing the difference?
About ten people were Christian and Muslim women were facing each other at the
central cafeteria Protestant Christian Church in Utrecht, Netherlands. They are
participants in the dialogue between Islam and Christianity are taking a break
while enjoying dinner with Indonesian cuisine, Radio Netherlands reported,
Thursday (03/08/2012).
Professor Syafaatun Mirzana, an Indonesian Islamic scholar, who participated in
the dialogue, recognizing that Christianity and Islam are different, but not
necessarily contradictory. Then how do they read the Bible together? "Reading is
in the sense we understand each other between each other," he said. Because both
the Christian and Islamic holy book, there are similar stories. This was
attempted to be photographed together, he added.
"For example, the problem of creation (creation). In Surat al-Baqarah told us
how Adam was created. Then Genesis in the bible also talks about the creation,"
said the professor who is now a visiting professor in America.
Not only texts in the Koran are discussed and sought-after comparison with the
Christian scriptures, but also the traditions of the Prophet. And the theme is of
course not limited to the issue of creation. For example, the topic of women.
"How can women be discussed in their respective holy books."
Mutual Respect
Organizers of this dialog is Dr. Ge Speelman, university lecturer in the Dutch
Protestant theology. As Syafaatun he admitted that the two religions are
different and the purpose of dialogue is not to make everyone embrace one
religion only. Then what is the purpose of dialogue? "To learn to respect each
other. It's hard to happen, if we do not know each other and direct dialogue, so
we respect the differences," he said.
He added that if the dialogue does not happen immediately, then you'll enjoy the
difference and become involved in mutual recrimination. Impact, a difference not
only exaggerated, but plus-plus.
Lecturer in religious knowledge is added, the women differ with him in dialogue.
"Because women are more social. Women always talk about the social life of their
children. As such dialogue would be fruitless," said the woman who claimed
frequent visitor to Indonesia.
Both women agree that the role of religion is very important. Quoting Hans Küng,
Swiss theologian, who said, if there is no peace between religions there can be
no peace in this world. Therefore, religion can not be eliminated, the two vertices.
Syafaatun added, it now adds an important role of religion, at least the study of
religion. Many universities in the West who consider religion important studies,
he added. And this happens especially since the events of 11 September.
Some people say, that inter-faith dialogue which has been running for years it
did not work. The proof is in the Western world in the Netherlands and also
includes the relationship between Muslims and non-Muslims seem to be tense.
Anti-Islam
Since the events of 11 September, Islam increasingly highlighted and the impact a
lot of people who converted to Islam. But other effects, also more and more
people in the western world, both in America and in Europe are openly anti-Islam.
This can be seen from the emergence of populist parties and politicians are
anti-Islam like Geert Wilders in the Netherlands. Speelman realize that both the
Netherlands and in Indonesia appear populist politicians. Without naming names,
he means here is people like Wilders in the Netherlands. While in Indonesia he
also saw a lot of politicians who seek votes with populist speeches.
Asked about the behavior of radical groups in Indonesia, Syafaatun argue, their
motives are not just a religion. The causes are complex, said a lecturer at the
Islamic University Yogyakarta. Penyulutnya could be due to political, social, and
others.
Dialog among women scientists was held ahead of International Women's Day. On
women's day, March 8, they held an open meeting at the University of Utrecht.
Asked if this was deliberately held in order to welcome International Women's
Day, Speelman said: "Actually it just happened."
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