Media Release

Thursday, 31 October 2002

Understanding God through the religious traditions of Islam, Christianity and Judaism is the subject of a free public forum being held at the University of Adelaide TONIGHT (Thursday, October 31).

Hosted by the Islamic Foundation Australia, the forum will examine the historical context of how God is viewed by these traditions, and how these views have changed over time.

The speakers include:

Dr Evan Zuesse, a widely published scholar who has taught in the area of comparative religion, and is presently co-chair person of the South Australian Council of Jews and Christians;

Father Denis Edwards, a theologian and lecturer at the Adelaide school of Divinity. He is also a widely published scholar in the areas of Christianity and ecology and the interface between science and religion;

Dr Omar Lum, a Muslim community leader who has made a significant contribution in promoting an awareness of Islam and Muslim issues.

University of Adelaide anthropologist Dr Arthur Saniotis says recent events have highlighted the need for a wider understanding of the world's religions.

"Since September 11, the religion of Islam has been a major focus of the Western world," he says. "We hope that this forum will help demystify Islam, and also put it alongside other religions like Christianity and show that they all have a place in Australia together.

"We would encourage as many people from as many different religious affiliations and beliefs as possible to attend the forum, as it gives a great opportunity to learn not only about different religions but also to learn more about their own beliefs and how they fit in with other religions.

"There are many similarities between the three religious traditions, which have often been overshadowed by hatred and ignorance over the centuries."

What Free public forum "Understanding God through Islam, Christianity and Judaism"
Where Union Hall, University of Adelaide (North Terrace campus)
When 7pm, Thursday October 31.