George Washington Quote on Bigotry and Discrimination
George Washington’s letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island, 17 August 1790. Full letter
Walid Shoebat somehow equates me with “leftists,” “racists,” and Sam Bacile, director of “The Innocence of Muslims”
Uniting for a Common Cause in 2013
2012 was a turbulent year for Westerners and Muslims worldwide. The attack on the United States’ Embassy in Benghazi, Libya, and the tense debate over freedom of speech and blasphemy laws are just two examples of how the “Western” and “Muslim” worlds continue to be inextricably linked. Despite the cultural and political disputes that have…… Continue reading Uniting for a Common Cause in 2013
What would America’s Founding Fathers say about Islam?
I have started putting my research into video format on You Tube. These passages from Washington, Adams, Franklin and Jefferson have been taken from my Huffington Post article. I hope this message of peace and tolerance reaches more people around the world.
Hate Mail From a Friend of “Jihad Watch”
Whoever sent this envelope misspelled my name. It is Considine, not Considerine. Go figure. Note the top-left hand corner says “‘Liberty’ is not found in Islam.” Sent in response to my latest article on the connection between the Prophet Muhammad and George Washington in the Huffington Post.
Robert Spencer makes strange video in response to Muhammad – Washington article
He could have at least invited me to meet George Washington.
Wild response to latest article on Muhammad and Washington
The response to my latest article was one of general disgust and outrage. One commentator on the website of Fox Nation, which also published the article, said that he “would beat this Craig guy until the police locked me up for a long time.” Another commentator on Fox Nation said that I must have “found…… Continue reading Wild response to latest article on Muhammad and Washington
Fox Nation picks up Muhammad-Washington article
Find it here: Fox Nation
New article in Huffington Post on the Prophet Muhammad and George Washington
Huffington Post Religion In seventh century Arabia, a middle-aged man had a vision to create a new religious and social order for a largely pagan and tribal society. The man, Muhammad, told his band of followers to behave wisely and civilly. “The best among you,” he said, “are those who have the best manners and…… Continue reading New article in Huffington Post on the Prophet Muhammad and George Washington
This video will renew your faith in humanity
The similarities between Al Jazeera and Fox News
Many Americans around the United States are making a fuss about Al Jazeera’s purchase of Current TV, which will allow the Arab based channel to air its content in the United States. Some Americans have called Al Jazeera a threat to national security, while others have even suggested that Al Jazeera spreads anti-Semitic propaganda. The Fox News commentator,…… Continue reading The similarities between Al Jazeera and Fox News
A few good tweets
Professor John Esposito is one of the top scholars of Islam in the United States. He had recently Tweeted my Huffington Post article on what the Founding Fathers would say about Islam. In addition, the United States Embassy in London had Tweeted my article on the screening of Journey into America and the importance of…… Continue reading A few good tweets
George Washington Was a Friend of Muslims
George Washington’s birthday, celebrated annually on Febr. 22nd, is an opportunity to reflect upon his exemplary character and the example he set for future generations of Americans. While much is known about Washington’s military service and political career, less is known about his attitude towards religious freedom and his relationships with Muslims. Looking closely at…… Continue reading George Washington Was a Friend of Muslims
Is materialism destroying us?
This morning I picked up Jacob Needleman’s The American Soul: Rediscovering the Wisdom of the Founders in the hope of finding some useful material on my dissertation on pluralism and the founding fathers. But early in my reading, I was distracted by Needleman’s discussion of materialism and its impact on our health as Americans, and…… Continue reading Is materialism destroying us?
Building Bridges at the U.S. Embassy in London
If there is one person in the world today that could ease the conflict between America and the Muslim world, it is Ambassador Akbar Ahmed, the former high commissioner of Pakistan to the U.K. and current Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic studies at American University. On November 28th, 2012, he was invited to screen his…… Continue reading Building Bridges at the U.S. Embassy in London
“Journey into America” at SOAS
Personal: Recapping an unforgettable September to December (2012)
The teaching season here at Trinity College Dublin has come to an end. I’m flying back home to Needham tomorrow, so I wanted to take some time to reflect on life since I arrived back to Dublin in September. For the past 12 weeks, I’ve taught five tutorials per week for the Researching Society course.…… Continue reading Personal: Recapping an unforgettable September to December (2012)
Personal: ‘The world’s greatest scholar of contemporary Islam’ and I
Ambassador Akbar Ahmed, my intellectual mentor and role model, has been described by the BBC as ‘the world’s leading authority on contemporary Islam’. At the U.S. Embassy in London a few weeks ago, he was described by Minister Barbara Stephenson, the former U.S. Ambassador to Panama, as ‘one of the greatest scholars of Islam in…… Continue reading Personal: ‘The world’s greatest scholar of contemporary Islam’ and I
To London again for SOAS screening
I’m off to London this afternoon for the second time in as many weeks for the Journey into America screening and panel discussion at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. I’m very happy to have my lady, Mel, joining me this time around. She’s exciting for the thrill of it…… Continue reading To London again for SOAS screening
Personal: The drive
There’s this drive within me. I think it’s in my soul. It’s always been with me. I didn’t create it, though I certainly create from it. It was given to me, but I don’t know when or by whom. This drive is a mystery, though I’m certain that it pushes me forward and never backward.…… Continue reading Personal: The drive
Personal: The struggle of writing
Ah, the life of a writer. You design your piece this way and that. You manage to find a framework which you think can work. You plow through the keyboard and think what you have is great, only to have someone else read it and realize that it’s actually crap. So you work through your…… Continue reading Personal: The struggle of writing
Personal: A note on compassion
The ancient sages at Delphi always stated to their visitors: ‘know thyself’. No doubt these are wise words, but should we take it further, we could also ‘love thyself’ explicitly so that we can love others. If you don’t love yourself, you won’t have that deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the wish…… Continue reading Personal: A note on compassion
Personal: Back in Dublin though only for a shortwhile
As many of you may have read in a recent post, Journey into America and the One Film 9/11 interfaith initiative were both warmly received at the U.S. Embassy in London. People of all walks of life approached me after the screening/discussion and shared with me their thoughts as well as how inspired they were…… Continue reading Personal: Back in Dublin though only for a shortwhile
Originally posted on "Journey into America" documentary:
Source: Woolf Institute News Visiting Fellow Professor Akbar Ahmed was recently welcomed at the American Embassy at a special screening of his film: “Journey into America”. Introducing Professor Ahmed, Barbara J. Stephenson, Deputy Chief of Mission, stated: “Professor Ahmed is – quite simply – one of…
Originally posted on "Journey into America" documentary:
[A]s we’re about to see in Professor Ahmed’s documentary, where there is greater understanding there is not only tolerance but – even more important – there is hope. What also comes through, from the voices of many of the Muslims he meets during his road trip, is a…
Personal: Quick update from London
I’m about to head out the door to Portman Square for a breakfast meeting with Ambassador Ahmed. Before I do so I want to share with you a few highlights of the trip so far. I’ll post something with more details in the near future. The Journey into America screening at the U.S. Embassy went very…… Continue reading Personal: Quick update from London
Personal: A quick and fairly significant trip to London
Here’s a quick glimpse into a pretty exciting trip over the next several days: On Wednesday morning, I have to teach a tutorial on naturally occurring data. The tutorial will be packed because I’ve asked the students from the Thursday and Friday tutorials to attend the Wednesday session. The reason? I’m heading on a 14:10…… Continue reading Personal: A quick and fairly significant trip to London
Pictures of trip to Rome
Outreach: America wins in the Murfreesboro mosque
I want to take a quick moment to express how happy I am that the Murfreesboro, Tennessee Muslim community emerged victorious in their tireless battle against anti-American forces. Here is the background to their story for those who are unfamiliar with their struggle: The Islamic Center of Murfreesboro has been part of the Murfreesboro community…… Continue reading Outreach: America wins in the Murfreesboro mosque
Film-work: Dubliners demonstrate in solidarity with Gaza
Thanks to Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign for organizing this demonstration.
My Few Words on the :atest Crisis in Gaza
I’ve watched the news. I’ve read all kinds of news sources. I’m disgusted, upset, and frustrated. I can’t even stomach the hate and ignorance I see in people. It’s not easy to bite my tongue, but I do it anyways. On several occasions, I’ve written entire posts on how I feel about the situation, but every…… Continue reading My Few Words on the :atest Crisis in Gaza
Tracking the Secessionist Movement Across America
In the fall of 2012, I wrote a piece here that addressed the issue of secession across America. My interest in this subject only grew as I read about how the movement has expanded since Obama’s re-election. I’m following these events closely, so I figured I’d keep track of them here. *************** Sean Hannity predicts…… Continue reading Tracking the Secessionist Movement Across America
Syed Taj Reinforces the Pluralist Vision of the Founding Fathers
Syed Taj, who happens to be a Muslim American immigrant, is running as a Democratic candidate for Congress in Michigan. His opponent has just run a nasty add on television claiming that he wants to ‘advance Muslim power’ or something of that ridiculous nature. When asked how he felt about the commercial, Taj responds with:…… Continue reading Syed Taj Reinforces the Pluralist Vision of the Founding Fathers
Work: Two new publications in Egypt and Belgium
The latest article I wrote on America’s Founding Fathers, Islam and One Film 9/11 has been published worldwide. The most recent publications have come in Bikya Masr in Egypt and Le Soir in Belgium. One of Egypt’s largest English media outlets, Bikya Masr is a multiple award-winning independent news website with staff based across the globe.…… Continue reading Work: Two new publications in Egypt and Belgium
Pictures of Walk from Bré to Na Clocha Liatha
Just outside of Baile Átha Cliath (Dublin) via the Dart is the small seaside village of Bré (Bray). Just north of Bré is another seaside village of Na Clocha Liatha (Greystones), which is about a three-hour walk from said place. Beginning in Bré there’s a shorter ‘cliff walk’ that you can take to Na Clocha Liatha, but you…… Continue reading Pictures of Walk from Bré to Na Clocha Liatha
Work: Writing in Alhurra
Alhurra is a United States-based Arabic language outlet funded by the United States Congress which broadcasts news to the Middle East and North Africa. Its stated mission is to provide ‘objective, accurate and relevant news and information’ to its audience while seeking to ‘support democratic values’ and ‘expand the spectrum of ideas, opinions, and perspectives’…… Continue reading Work: Writing in Alhurra
Film-work: How do you feel when watching “Nothingness”?
What are your feelings when watching this? Are you happy or sad? Motivated or depressed? Something totally different? I’d appreciate your feedback in the comments section. Thank you. Related articles Film-work: “Nothingness” (short film based in Ireland) (drcraigconsidine.wordpress.com)
“Nothingness” (short film based in Ireland)
‘The feelings of my smallness and my nothingness’, said Pope John Paul II, ‘always kept me in good company’. I’m confident that Alan Watts, the Western Buddhist philosopher who speaks in this short film, would wholeheartedly agree with the former Pope.
Pictures: Outside Dublin castle in the fall
New article in Huffington Post on Islam and American identity
Here is my latest article on what America’s Founding Fathers would say about Islam. The article is driven by my new interfaith initiative One Film 9/11. You can read more about the initiative here and join us on Facebook. Hope you enjoy the article and blog.
Commentary: It’s anti-American to care about the President’s religion
The United States is not and never has been a ‘Christian nation’. America’s Founding Fathers explicitly designed the country on pluralist grounds and encouraged Americans to accept people of all religious backgrounds. This is why the actions of a junior high school teacher named Linda White of Mississippi are so anti-American. White told her students…… Continue reading Commentary: It’s anti-American to care about the President’s religion
New One Film 9/11 article in Middle East Voices of Voice of America
I’m quite honoured to have had Middle East Voices of Voice of America pick up my latest One Film 9/11 article on the Founding Fathers and Islam. You can see the article here. Middle East Voices is a unique social journalism project powered by Voice of America (VOA). Its goal is to inform, amplify voices,…… Continue reading New One Film 9/11 article in Middle East Voices of Voice of America
Work: One Film 9/11 article in Belgium magazine
Yenoo Belgique Magazine is dedicated to the Moroccan community in Belgium and around the world. It recently published my One Film 9/11 article Les Pères fondateurs des Etats-Unis : Que diraient-ils sur l’islam? on October 27th, 2012. You can also see an excerpt of the article on the One Film 9/11 blog.
Personal: My challenge as a Catholic American
It has been challenging for me – a young Catholic working in interfaith dialogue – to watch the escalation of conflict between Muslim communities the world over and the United States. Observing this escalation as an American citizen has been equally difficult because religious tolerance is at the heart of my definition of American identity.…… Continue reading Personal: My challenge as a Catholic American
Work: Hebrew, Arabic and more translations of Founding Fathers and Islam article
My article, ‘What would America’s Founding Fathers say about Islam?’, has been translated by Common Ground News Service into several non-English languages: דבלין – בשבועות האחרונים שמעו רבים בכל רחבי העולם על המחלוקות והעימותים בין הקהילות האסלאמיות ואמריקה. אך בחינה מעמיקה יותר של ההיסטוריה האמריקנית מוכיחה כי למעשה המורשת האמריקנית מתקדמת בכיוון ההפוך. בעולם הפלגני לכאורה…… Continue reading Work: Hebrew, Arabic and more translations of Founding Fathers and Islam article
Prophet Muhammad Sculpture at U.S. Supreme Court Shows Respect for Islam
Since the events of 9/11 the Prophet Muhammad has been in the news the world over for all the wrong reasons. Examples of this include the Prophet (PBUH) being mocked in political cartoons as a terrorist and depicted as a child killer, rapist, and adulterer in films such as The Innocence of Muslims. The Prophet…… Continue reading Prophet Muhammad Sculpture at U.S. Supreme Court Shows Respect for Islam
Reaching the “Most Dangerous Place in the World”
I’m very happy to announce that the latest One Film 9/11 article, ‘What would America’s founding fathers say about Islam’, has been published in The Frontier Post in Khyber Pakhtunkwha. Click HERE to access the article. This is an especially important publication because it reaches in area of the world which has been fundamentally impacted…… Continue reading Reaching the “Most Dangerous Place in the World”
Commentary: Defending the peacemaker and bridge-builder
I added this comment to the heated debate surrounding Ambassador Akbar Ahmed’s article, 5 Things Americans Need to Know About Pakistan, in The Huffington Post: THE POINT OF THE ARTICLE is to highlight some of the more positive things about Pakistan and Pakistanis which are often neglected in the U.S. and beyond. It appears that…… Continue reading Commentary: Defending the peacemaker and bridge-builder
Saudi Arabian Newspaper Picks up Article on One Film 9/11
Arab News is an English-language daily newspaper published in Saudi Arabia. It is published simultaneously from Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam. The target audiences of the paper are businessmen, executives and diplomats. In addition to its domestic distribution in Saudi Arabia, Arab News has a wide range of international distribution, including United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Near East,North Africa, Europe and the USA. Continue reading
Poems: Keeping your head
Via Daily Zen Success is as dangerous as failure. Hope is as hollow as fear. What does it mean that success is a dangerous as failure? Whether you go up the ladder or down it, your position is shaky. When you stand with your two feet on the ground, you will always keep your balance.…… Continue reading Poems: Keeping your head
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