Reza Aslan Speaks About His New Book No God but God and It's Messages

It has been said that one of the simplest and most destructive problems in our society is simply a lack of communication. Regardless of how open-minded we may feel that we are, or how accepting we claim to be of others ideas and cultures, it is a very difficult task to follow that statement if we are unaware of the world around us. Keep in mind, however, that it is not a very difficult task to at least attempt to understand some of what is going on in our world today, as well as looking a little deeper and trying to get a sense of what sets these events in motion.

In according with their theme of, "The World in Focus," Elizabethtown College presented speaker Mr. Reza Aslan. Aslan, author of the book, "No god but God", talked to the student body regarding the current state of Islam, the misunderstanding and stereotypes that unfortunately all too often associate with the religion, and the hope that we could truly live as a united world, free of prejudice and hatred towards our fellow human beings.

Although the title of his speech was, "Interfaith Dialogue", it seemed rather that Aslan decided to focus on the Islamic world, and highlight some of the most common misunderstanding that Western Ideology often thrusts towards the religious group. Aslan had little time to go through all of his ideas, and the speech was cut slightly short by the need of students to attend lunch and other classes, but in only forty five minutes, he succeeded in making a presentation that had the capacity to change and influence the opinions of all who were present.

Even though Aslan talked only a little regarding the actual "Interfaith" portion of his program, he did highlight and explain several other very interesting ideas and topics relating to the modern world and even the current political atmosphere that we can find both in America and around the world.

Perhaps one of the most interesting ideas that Aslan presented to the audience was that of an "Islamic Revolution". Aslan compared the current situation facing Islam to the Protestant Revolution that came to divide Christianity in the early 18th century.

Of course, some may have found the ideas of comparing the Protestant Reformation to the current situation in the Islamic world a bit far fetched, Aslan clearly proved his point and succeeded in explaining how the two event truly are parallels of each other, at least in a sense of religious and world significance. It is true that some in attendance may have found great disagreement with Aslan and his message, but, it seemed for the majority in attendance, his words rang clear and true.

Despite the fact that his main presentation dealt with the Islamic world, Aslan also took the time to discuss some of the current political situations facing the world. Beginning by offering his opinions on the "War on Terror", which appears to be splitting our world a little farther apart each day, and moving onto what he felt were the true motivations of the September 11th terror attacks, and what the goals of terrorism may hope to accomplish, Aslan illustrated several important and intelligent points while speaking with more clarity and charisma than our current president can ever seem to pull off.

In addition to the presentation, a question and answer segment was given after, with all students having the opportunity to attend and ask individual questions or aire concerns. Later in the day, Aslan also hosted a book signing and had an informal dialogue and discussion with the students in attendance.

It can be said with complete honesty that the world we live in today is filled with misconceptions and often-unfair prejudices and assumptions that we seem to make on an everyday basis. However, even sadder than the idea that these prejudices and stereotypes exist is the notion that we allow them to be a large part of our decision making process, and allow them to influence the opinions we form and the thoughts that we pass onto others. While we seem to have a large collection of untrue ideas which we pursue today, perhaps some of the most untrue pertain to the faith of Islam, and the section of the world known as the Middle East.

Although some may not have appreciated it, Reza Aslan did his best in trying to inform and educate the student body as towards the truth in many world events today, attempting to eliminate, at least in the space of forty five or so minutes, some of the misconceptions and prejudices which all too often seem to overwhelm our American society. Perhaps if more people truly tried to communicate their ideas, or at least attempt to learn the truth behind certain events and ideas the world would be a much better place. I, for one, am very thankful that I had the opportunity to hear the words and read the book of Mr. Aslan, I feel that it truly has given me a new perspective.