Politics

Catholic bishop fights opponents of immigration reform after Boston Marathon bombings

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Source: Religion News Service “Opponents of immigration … will seize on anything, and when you’ve got something as vivid and as recent as the tragedy in Boston it puts another arrow in their quiver,” New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, told reporters. “To label a whole group of…… Continue reading Catholic bishop fights opponents of immigration reform after Boston Marathon bombings

Sociology

Boston bombers were caught between new and old worlds

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By Akbar Ahmed for National Geographic It was the matter-of-fact tone of the Pakistani boy in Brooklyn that disturbed me and brought tears to my research team. Traveling throughout the country in 2008 and 2009 for my book Journey into America, we were in a Shia mosque in an area called Little Pakistan, which has…… Continue reading Boston bombers were caught between new and old worlds

Politics

Reality is Muslims have different rules for punishment in US

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By Andrew Rosenthal for The New York Times The Boston Marathon bombings are closer to the colloquial and legal definitions of terrorism than the Aurora shooting, but not the Oklahoma bombing, or the Arizona attack. The real difference is that Mr. Tsarnaev is a Muslim, and the United States has since the 9/11 terrorist attacks…… Continue reading Reality is Muslims have different rules for punishment in US

Film-work

Short video of reading “God or Allah”

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Poems

Allah or God, it Doesn’t Matter to Me

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I’m a Catholic but I think Islam is beautiful Some think I’m interested in converting No, I’m not it just makes me think of the one above Whether it’s called Allah or God it doesn’t matter I think of him I think of heaven A place of no worries A place of peace A place…… Continue reading Allah or God, it Doesn’t Matter to Me

Film-work

“Journey into America”

Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

“Journey into America” is arguably the most comprehensive documentary ever done on Muslims in America.  The film explores the issue of what it means to be American through the lens of Muslims. Ahmed’s documentary has been called “an essential pillar in the effort to build the interfaith bridge of understanding” by Congressman Keith Ellison, America’s…… Continue reading “Journey into America”

Politics

Politicizing the Marathon bombings in a Boston church

Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

I felt very discouraged at Mass this morning. The priest virtually incited hatred of Islam. In paraphrasing he said something like “The Boston Marathon bombings was part of the global jihad of Islamic supremacists on Christians.” He followed these loaded statements by talking about evil, the devil and how Islam has basically “always been this…… Continue reading Politicizing the Marathon bombings in a Boston church

Personal

Many emotions since arriving back in Boston

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I only get a chance to come back home to Boston a few times a year. When I returned last December I came home to the news of the terrible tragedy known as the Newtown Massacre in Connecticut, where 20 little children and 6 adults died at the hands of a crazed gunmen. Unfortunately my…… Continue reading Many emotions since arriving back in Boston

Religion

Allowing Others to Love, Akbar the Great

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You can read more about the life of Akbar the Great in my Huffington Post Religion article, “Finding Tolerance in Akbar, the Philosopher-King”

Religion

Akbar the Great’s Legacy and Religious Freedom

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

Akbar the Great, ruler of most of South Asia in the 16th and early 17th century, rejected bigotry and made unprecedented moves to help non-Muslims feel at peace in his Mughal empire. In reflecting more closely upon his character and conduct, we can see how Akbar’s actions are antithetical to current discrimination and violence against…… Continue reading Akbar the Great’s Legacy and Religious Freedom

Poems

Inspiring poem: “The Man in the Glass”

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The Man in the Glass When you get what you want in your struggle for self, And the world makes you king for a day, Then go to the mirror and look at yourself, And see what that man has to say. * For it isn’t your Father, or Mother, or Wife, Who judgement upon…… Continue reading Inspiring poem: “The Man in the Glass”

Pictures

Where is your soul from?

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I took this picture in the summer of 2011 at “The Rock” in Dover, Massachusetts. “The Rock” is one of my favorite getaways, a serene place I often go to contemplate the world around me. That’s me in the picture. I placed my camera on the timer to capture the glorious sunset. I’ve included Rumi’s poetry to…… Continue reading Where is your soul from?

Religion

Tribal Islam: America’s new drone target

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Members of Islamic tribes often live in remote areas of the world, with ancient codes of honor and revenge. Muslim scholar Akbar Ahmed says they’re now being traumatized by American drones, a technology he calls “mysterious, distant, deadly, and notoriously devoid of human presence.” Source: interfaithradio.org

Film-work

Wrong War, Wrong Methods, Wrong Enemy

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Renowned scholar Akbar Ahmed discusses his new book The Thistle and the Drone: How America’s War on Terror Became a Global War on Tribal Islam and elaborates on the devastating consequences of the U.S.’s drone bombing campaign in the tribal areas of Pakistan.

Sociology

Americans Should Turn Their Minds to Jesus, Not Darwin, on Easter

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

Easter Sunday is an appropriate time for Americans to reflect upon the direction of their societies. Should America become a place that embodies the teachings of Jesus or Darwin? Akbar Ahmed weighs in: “A debilitating tension between Darwin and Jesus lies at the heart of American identity. It is not so much about how society…… Continue reading Americans Should Turn Their Minds to Jesus, Not Darwin, on Easter

Politics

Comparing American and North Korean mad men

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Fox News posts this picture: *** In response, I post this picture:

Religion

How Islam Saved Judaism

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Had Islam not come along, Jewry in the west would have declined to disappearance and Jewry in the east would have become just another oriental cult, writes David J. Wasserstein for the Jewish Chronicle. Continue reading

Religion

The Muslim Jesus

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Note: Here’s an article by Alayna Ahmad, which was recently published on the Huffington Post Religion page. Below the article, I’ve also posted an ITV documentary on “The Muslim Jesus.” Islam is a deeply monotheistic religion and thus forbids any partners or associations with God. Although all prophets including Jesus were mortal and gifted in…… Continue reading The Muslim Jesus

Religion

Akbar the Great a Pioneer in Interfaith Dialogue

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Akbar the Great, ruler of the Mughal Empire during the late 16th and early 17th century, was a true pioneer of interfaith dialogue. Akbar’s desire to build interfaith bridges is clear in a letter he wrote in 1582 to King Philip II of Spain” “As most men are fettered by bonds of tradition, and by imitating…… Continue reading Akbar the Great a Pioneer in Interfaith Dialogue

Religion

Celebrating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

Today is Palm Sunday, the last Sunday before Easter and the beginning of the most holy week in the Catholic tradition. On this day we commemorate Jesus’ triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem. The New Testament notes that when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the Jewish crowds gathered to greet him by waving palm branches and by…… Continue reading Celebrating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem

Family

Amazing photographs of Irish forefathers

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

Michael Francis Considine, my great-grandfather, was born on September 4th, 1884 in Ennis, County Clare (Ireland). He was born to Michael Considine (born in 1861 and died in 1936) and Bridget O’Loughlin Considine (Ni Larkin; born in 1851 and died in 1909). Michael Francis later lived with his family in Kilmoon Parish, Lisdoonvarna, which he would later…… Continue reading Amazing photographs of Irish forefathers

Religion

Pope Francis I must address concerns of Catholics in Pakistan

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

Hundreds of Pakistani Catholics recently lost their homes and livelihood in a widespread arson attack in the predominantly Catholic neighborhood of Joseph Colony, Lahore. In response to the attack, Rohan Emmanuel, a Pakistan writer, wrote in The Express Tribune of the Vatican’s unfortunate silence on the plight of Pakistani Catholics and other Christian communities in…… Continue reading Pope Francis I must address concerns of Catholics in Pakistan

Religion

Celebrating Saint Patrick

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Today is the feast of Saint Patrick. It is a day to give thanks to God for the gift of Christianity and for the example of so many women and men who have been lights in the darkness for us, who have brought the faith to the ends of the earth, and who continue to…… Continue reading Celebrating Saint Patrick

Religion

A Different Way to Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

The life of Saint Patrick, the humble man from Britain who escaped Roman slavery and brought Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century, is celebrated annually on March 17. Despite Saint Patrick’s successful Christian missionary work and his designation as the primary patron saint of Ireland, the day we commemorate his life has become associated…… Continue reading A Different Way to Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day

Personal

Remembering the man I used to see on Thomas Street

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

I lived in the Liberties, a working class part of Dublin, for over two years and used to see the man pictured above on a daily basis. I remember how he would walk up and down the isles of John’s Lane Church on Thomas Street while grunting something under his breath. In the middle of mass,…… Continue reading Remembering the man I used to see on Thomas Street

Religion

Pope Francis I, Akbar the Great, and the Jesuits

Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

The Jesuits, members of a religious order of Christianity founded in the 16th century, have entered the public spotlight after the election of Pope Francis I, himself a Jesuit. In reading more about the their philosophy, I stumbled across an interesting story about one of their missions to the court of Akbar the Great of…… Continue reading Pope Francis I, Akbar the Great, and the Jesuits

Pictures

Anwar Al Madina Mosque in Dublin, Ireland

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Outreach · Pictures

Pictures of Mawlid Celebration in Dublin (2013)

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

As I first mentioned in this post, I recently had the privilege of participating in Mawlid E Nabi, also referred to as simply Mawlid, to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). The event was set up by the Irish Sufi Foundation and the Sufi community at Anwar Al Madina mosque in Dublin’s…… Continue reading Pictures of Mawlid Celebration in Dublin (2013)

Outreach · Pictures

Pictures of Mawlid with Dublin’s Sufi Community

Dr. Craig Considine6 Comments

In the first weekend of March 2013, I had the pleasure of participating in Mawlid E Nabi, also referred to as simply Mawlid, to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). The event was set up by the Irish Sufi Foundation and the Sufi community at Anwar Al Madina mosque in Dublin’s…… Continue reading Pictures of Mawlid with Dublin’s Sufi Community

Photos of Northwest County Clare
Pictures

Photos of Northwest County Clare

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Religion

Prophet Muhammad and George Washington Agree on Treatment of Prisoners of War

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

In a recent Huffington Post article, Dr. Faheen Younus of the University of Maryland wrote about Prophet Muhammad’s philosophy and philanthropy towards prisoners of war. In summary, Dr. Younus suggests that “in Islam, the idea of equal benefits for the prisoners of war is not a joke — it’s a reality and a legacy.” To…… Continue reading Prophet Muhammad and George Washington Agree on Treatment of Prisoners of War

Travels

Roadtrip to Lahinch, County Clare

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Melony and I are off to Crag Shore B & B in Lahinch. In searching for directions from Dublin, I’ve learned that it has no address. Crag Shore is really off the beaten path. Maybe the GPS location on its website will guide us there? God willing, this will be a memorable weekend. The Micah Russell…… Continue reading Roadtrip to Lahinch, County Clare

Religion

Short biography of Sambo Anderson

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

Excerpt from Washington Was a Friend of Muslims in the Huffington Post – Religion The most interesting story regarding Washington’s slaves is that of Sambo Anderson. Mary Thompson suggests that Sambo, whose name was common in modern northwestern Nigeria and southern Niger during the 18th century, was likely a descendent of the West African Hausa…… Continue reading Short biography of Sambo Anderson

Religion

George Washington was a friend of Muslims

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This article was first published in the Huffington Post – Religion It is possible that Washington’s friendship with Muslims is a result of his adherence to the rational principles of Deism, which emphasize a belief in God and not necessarily a belief in religion. Others might argue that it is his Christian faith that encouraged…… Continue reading George Washington was a friend of Muslims

Film-work · Religion

Video of giving alms to the homeless in Dublin during Lent

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One of the three penitential principles of Lent is almsgiving, or making voluntary contributions to those in need. In my celebration of this solemn observance, I recently walked around Dublin and carefully gave away money to those who need it more than I do.

Outreach

Helping the homeless during Lent

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A reminder to help those in need during Lent. Originally appeared in the Irish Independent. 14 DECEMBER 2011 What is it like to be homeless? Most people never even ponder such a question. Craig is a homeless poet who writes his long poems on the pavement near the Molly Malone statue outside Trinity College’s walls.…… Continue reading Helping the homeless during Lent

Religion

Next Pope’s chance to improve relations with al-Azhar University

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An opportunity for interfaith bridge building arises in light of a recent statement from Al-Azhar University, one of the most important centers for Islamic learning in the world. Al-Azhar hopes that Pope Benedict XVI’s successor will work towards repairing relations between Muslims and Catholics “based on mutual respect and understanding.” Relations between al-Azhar and the Vatican have…… Continue reading Next Pope’s chance to improve relations with al-Azhar University

Religion

Celebrating Ash Wednesday

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

Today I celebrated the beginning of Lent (Ash Wednesday) at St. John’s Lane Church in Dublin. I’ve decided to give up all forms of meat during this holy period. Here’s a bit of information on the importance of Ash Wednesday and the holy season of Lent. Source: Catholic Online Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of…… Continue reading Celebrating Ash Wednesday

Religion

Does the next Pope tackle these issues?

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

Source: Truthdig First, the church has to address the abuse scandal that has been devouring the institution from the inside. Step one is to release every document, no matter how embarrassing or costly, relating to child abuse and the protection of criminal priests. The Vatican has to throw open its doors and establish an independent,…… Continue reading Does the next Pope tackle these issues?

Politics

Moral authority on the streets of Chicago to the tribal areas of Pakistan

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Gary Younge at the Guardian makes an important point in his recent article (“Barack Obama is pushing gun control at home, but he’s a killer abroad”): Over the last few weeks there has been a distinct incongruity – to say the least – between the agenda Obama is promoting at home and the one he…… Continue reading Moral authority on the streets of Chicago to the tribal areas of Pakistan

Work

Launch of website for The Thistle and the Drone

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I’ve created a website for my mentor Professor Akbar Ahmed’s forthcoming book The Thistle and the Drone: How America’s War on Terror Became a Global War on Tribal Islam. Visit the blog here and read more about this important read.

Pictures

The roots of American toleration and religious freedom

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Pictures

Pictures of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

St. Patrick’s Cathedral in The Liberties, Dublin, is one of the great gems of Ireland. The Cathedral is one of the most important in Christendom, for it’s said that St. Patrick himself baptized the pagan Irish at a well outside of the church. I hope that you enjoy these pictures @CraigCons

Politics

“Islamophobia” Crimes Up Despite “Terrorist” Attacks Being Down in U.S.

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Mass shootings such as those in Newtown, Connecticut, and Aurora, Colorado, by far exceed the number of those killed in Muslim-related terrorism in the U.S., new research says.  “Terrorist” attacks in 2012 are down from 21 in 2011, 26 in 2010 and 49 in 2009, according to the fourth annual report by North Carolina’s Triangle…… Continue reading “Islamophobia” Crimes Up Despite “Terrorist” Attacks Being Down in U.S.

Pictures

Pictures of visit to Istanbul

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

I visited Istanbul, Turkey, over 1 year ago, but I’m just now adding them to the blog. Istanbul is a remarkable city with tons of history and culture. I made it to all the key historic spots including the Hagia Sophia (my favorite), all the main mosques, Topkapi Palace, and managed to catch a ferry…… Continue reading Pictures of visit to Istanbul

Politics

FBI Manufactures “Terror Plots,” Only to Foil Them, Says Top Journalist

Dr. Craig Considine2 Comments

Investigative journalist Trevor Aaronson’s new book, “The Terror Factory: Inside the FBI’s Manufactured War on Terrorism,” claims the FBI has, under the guise of engaging in counter-terrorism since 9/11, “built a network of more than 15,000 informants who infiltrate Muslim communities to create and facilitate fake terrorist plots for the bureau to foil and publicize as victories…… Continue reading FBI Manufactures “Terror Plots,” Only to Foil Them, Says Top Journalist

Religion

Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester Rejects Bigotry, Stands by Muslim Friends

Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

I am happy to hear that the Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester, Massachusetts, rescinded an invitation to Robert Spencer, a writer whose views on Muslims and Islam are eerily similar to those of Nazis towards Jews and Judaism. After a further review of Spencer’s background, a spokesman for the diocese, Raymond Delisle, said in a…… Continue reading Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester Rejects Bigotry, Stands by Muslim Friends

Commentary

The Anti-Muslim Mind-Frame and How it Operates

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The recent article titled White Power to the Rescue by the intellectual Chris Hedges explored the reasons for the current rise of ethnic nationalism in the American South.  In the second to last paragraph, Hedges described the mental and emotional state of those behind this ethnic nationalist movement.  This paragraph struck me as symbolic because of…… Continue reading The Anti-Muslim Mind-Frame and How it Operates

Work

Comparing Muhammad and Washington

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By now you may have read about the recent article in which I compared the Prophet Muhammad and George Washington through the Holy Quran and Rules of Civility respectively. I have been attacked by many people for making the comparison, but here is a kind remark which was left on the comments section of the…… Continue reading Comparing Muhammad and Washington

Personal

Back in Dublin for term two

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I’m back to instructing tutorials for the course “Introduction to Sociology” at the freshers level. I’ve instructed these tutorials in 2010 and 2011, so it’s fairly familiar material. The blog I had created for the students seemed to be a big hit, so I think I’ll continue with it. Maybe I’ll use Twitter a bit…… Continue reading Back in Dublin for term two