Oct. 1, 2001

Contact: Robert Lowery (509-963-1487/fax 509-963-2301/e-mail: loweryr@cwu.edu)

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Is there something about Islam and its dynamic with Christianity that those living in the Kittitas Valley need to know? Raeburne S. Heimbeck believes that is the case. So, Heimbeck, Central Washington University professor emeritus of philosophy and religious studies, will present this year’s first philosophy department colloquium, titled: “Islam-Christianity Confrontation,” Thursday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m. in Grupe Center.

“Several people have approached me since September 11, in essence asking if the academic study of religion — my profession — has any light to shed on the shocking terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C.,” Heimbeck says. “I hope my remarks will contribute something toward understanding and sense of direction in these confusing times, or at least add to the ferment out of which such understanding and direction may be found.”

During his address, Heimbeck will profile the Muslim world, define some terms that have recently become household terms, such as Islam, Shari‘ah and Jihad; compare Islam and Christianity and review their confrontations; discuss the role of fundamentalism and outline some potential alternatives to violence.

“Not all colleagues in my profession will agree with my selection and marshalling of materials we share, or my slant, my take on the situation,” Heimbeck notes.

Following the free, public presentation, Heimbeck will hold a question-and-answer period.

For more information about the CWU philosophy colloquium, or for persons of disability to arrange for reasonable accommodation, call (509) 963-1817, or (for the hearing impaired) TDD (509) 963-3323.