Politics

It’s Time for World Leaders to Finally Stop the Slow Genocide of Rohingya Muslims

09/01/2017 Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

Speaking recently to pilgrims and tourists in St. Peter’s Square in Rome, Pope Francis called for an end to the violent persecution of the minority Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. The Pope, who has promoted the “dialogue of civilizations” and the “culture of encounters,” continues to be a vocal advocate of religious freedom and critic of…… Continue reading It’s Time for World Leaders to Finally Stop the Slow Genocide of Rohingya Muslims

Religious Pluralism and Common Sense on Trump’s Inauguration Day

01/23/2017 Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

Harris Zafar, a public speaker, writer and national spokesperson for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, visited Rice University hours before Donald Trump took the presidential oath of office. Speaking in front of thirty-five students in “Sociology of Religion,” a course which I guide, Zafar immediately noted the symbolic timing of his visit. There he stood,…… Continue reading Religious Pluralism and Common Sense on Trump’s Inauguration Day

Work

Rabwah Times Interview on Islam and Religious Freedom

09/03/2016 Dr. Craig ConsidineLeave a comment

It was an honor to talk to Dr. Kashif Chaudhry of Rabwah Times, an excellent news source which I hope everyone will follow via social media. Dr. Chaudhry and I covered a range of topics including: 1) my trip to Jalsa USA 2016; 2) Islamophobia as racism; 3) “true Islam” and religious freedom; 4) motivation…… Continue reading Rabwah Times Interview on Islam and Religious Freedom

Islam · Religion

Religious Freedom Was Key To Muhammad’s “Muslim Nation”

07/08/2016 Dr. Craig Considine9 Comments

Prophet Muhammad believed that freedom of religion and civic rights were important components of a “Muslim nation,” according to an analysis of the prophet’s covenants with Christians. Craig Considine, a lecturer in Rice University’s sociology department, studied “The Covenants of the Prophet Muhammad with Christians” and found that these agreements established freedom of religion and…… Continue reading Religious Freedom Was Key To Muhammad’s “Muslim Nation”

Quoted

Quoted: Rice University Professor Sends Peaceful Message to Islamic Nations

05/20/2016 Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

A bishop shall not be removed from his bishopric, nor a monk from his monastery, nor a hermit from his tower, nor shall a pilgrim be hindered from his pilgrimage. That’s one of Rice University professor of sociology Craig Considine’s favorite verses from ‘The Covenant with the Christian Monks of Mount Sinai’. Dr. Considine recently published…… Continue reading Quoted: Rice University Professor Sends Peaceful Message to Islamic Nations

News

Freedom of Religion, Civic Rights Were Important Components of a ‘Muslim Nation’

03/15/2016 Dr. Craig ConsidineLeave a comment

By Amy McCaig Published first on Rice University News and Media Prophet Muhammad believed that freedom of religion and civic rights were important components of a “Muslim nation,” according to a Rice University analysis of the prophet’s covenants with Christians. The researcher argues that the covenants can be used to develop a stronger democratic partnership…… Continue reading Freedom of Religion, Civic Rights Were Important Components of a ‘Muslim Nation’

Outreach · Politics

Video: Here’s Why #IStandWithAhmadis

12/01/2015 Dr. Craig ConsidineLeave a comment

Transcript: This world of ours is filled with horrible, horrible things, and sometimes these things manifest themselves through religion. Now, unless you’re hiding in some underground bunker, you’ll know that religious extremism and radicalism – combined with political initiatives – can do some pretty horrible things in this world. Now, there are people in this…… Continue reading Video: Here’s Why #IStandWithAhmadis

Politics · Religion

What Muhammad Would Think of Saudi Arabia’s “Leadership”

01/26/201502/25/2015 Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

Published on Huffington Post (February 24th, 2015) Leaders worldwide have sent their condolences to Saudi Arabia and its royal family after the passing of King Abdullah. On Twitter, US Secretary of State John Kerry called him a man of “wisdom” and “vision,” while UK Prime Minister David Cameron released a statement praising him for “his commitment…… Continue reading What Muhammad Would Think of Saudi Arabia’s “Leadership”

Religion

Islamic and American Constitutions Give Hope For Religious Freedom

01/28/201403/09/2015 Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

A recent report from the Pew Research Center, a reputable American think tank, revealed some damning findings on the state of religious freedom around the world. According to the report, religious hostilities increased in 2012 in every major region of the world, with Muslims and Christians being oppressed in the largest number of countries. Pakistan,…… Continue reading Islamic and American Constitutions Give Hope For Religious Freedom

Religion

New Scholarship Sheds Light on Islam and the American Founding Fathers

09/30/201302/06/2015 Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

I am very happy to see an interesting new book written by Denise Spellberg, associate professor of history and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. Spellberg’s book, titled Thomas Jefferson’s Qur’an: Islam and the Founders and touched upon in this Daily Beast article, seeks to understand the role of Islam in the early…… Continue reading New Scholarship Sheds Light on Islam and the American Founding Fathers

Religion

A Jihad of the Pen: Review of Qasim Rashid’s “The Wrong Kind of Muslim”

06/22/201303/13/2015 Dr. Craig Considine5 Comments

Published on The American Muslim (June 22nd, 2013) Several weeks ago, my friend and kindred spirit Qasim Rashid sent me a digital copy of his highly anticipated book The Wrong Kind of Muslim: An Untold Story of Persecution and Perseverance. I started reading it one early morning in my flat in Dublin, Ireland, thinking I…… Continue reading A Jihad of the Pen: Review of Qasim Rashid’s “The Wrong Kind of Muslim”

Religion

U.S. President George Washington – A Friend of Muslims in His Midst

06/07/201302/11/2015 Dr. Craig Considine3 Comments

By Craig Considine 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.…… Continue reading U.S. President George Washington – A Friend of Muslims in His Midst

Interfaith

Finding Tolerance in Akbar, the Philosopher-King

06/01/2013 Dr. Craig Considine4 Comments

By Craig Considine for Huffington Post 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…… Continue reading Finding Tolerance in Akbar, the Philosopher-King

Religion

U.S. State Department report means the battle for tolerance and understanding goes on

05/20/2013 Dr. Craig ConsidineLeave a comment

A new report carried out by the U.S. State Department found that discrimination against Jews and Muslims is on the rise around the world. This is discouraging news for those who are involved in efforts to improve relations among members of the Abrahamic tradition. The report, which is called the International Religious Freedom Report, concludes that…… Continue reading U.S. State Department report means the battle for tolerance and understanding goes on

Commentary

Documents Show Prophet Muhammad and US Founding Fathers Were Kindred Spirits

05/20/201309/22/2016 Dr. Craig Considine33 Comments

Although they are typically seen to represent overwhelming opposites, the Prophet Muhammad and America’s founding fathers shared many common characteristics and beliefs, which can be seen in historical documents. By comparing the speeches and texts that they left behind, we can learn of the similar viewpoints that Muhammad and the founding fathers held on issues…… Continue reading Documents Show Prophet Muhammad and US Founding Fathers Were Kindred Spirits

Pictures

Is this the most important quote in American history?

05/09/201305/10/2013 Dr. Craig ConsidineLeave a comment

Commentary

Reflecting on the state and future of American exceptionalism

05/05/2013 Dr. Craig ConsidineLeave a comment

In the face of racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, or whatever you call hate in modern America, I am still optimistic about the future of the United States. From day one, the mission of America has been progress, progress, progress. We need thoughtful writers and bridge builders to keep it going. There are thousands and thousands of…… Continue reading Reflecting on the state and future of American exceptionalism

Family

Why Saint Constantine is Important to Me

04/29/201302/06/2015 Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

Many of you might notice how the pronunciation of Considine, my last name, sounds like the surname Constantine. In fact, the surname Considine is the Anglicanized version of the Gaelic surname Mac Consaidin, which in the Gaelic language literally means “Son of Constantine.” The origins of the Irish surname Considine dates back to at least…… Continue reading Why Saint Constantine is Important to Me

Religion

Allowing Others to Love, Akbar the Great

04/11/201302/07/2015 Dr. Craig ConsidineLeave a comment

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

04/10/201302/05/2014 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

Religion

Pope Francis I must address concerns of Catholics in Pakistan

03/19/201303/19/2013 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

George Washington was a friend of Muslims

02/19/201302/20/2013 Dr. Craig ConsidineLeave a comment

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

Pictures

The roots of American toleration and religious freedom

02/06/2013 Dr. Craig ConsidineImageLeave a comment

Religion

George Washington Was a Friend of Muslims

01/01/201302/17/2014 Dr. Craig ConsidineLeave a comment

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

Politics

Syed Taj Reinforces the Pluralist Vision of the Founding Fathers

11/05/201202/07/2015 Dr. Craig ConsidineLeave a comment

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

Work: My latest article on Founding Fathers and Islam in Common Ground News Service

10/24/2012 Dr. Craig Considine1 Comment

One Film 9/11 and Journey into America continue to receive attention. Read my latest article, ‘What would America’s Founding Fathers say about Islam?’, in Common Ground News Service: Americans and Muslims worldwide shouldn’t be surprised when they see that the writings of America’s Founding Fathers reveal an open perspective and absolute acceptance of Islam and,…… Continue reading Work: My latest article on Founding Fathers and Islam in Common Ground News Service

Commentary

Commentary: France boosts synagogue security while the U.S. ignores mosque security

10/07/201210/07/2012 Dr. Craig ConsidineLeave a comment

The BBC writes: The French president has promised the Jewish community a major increase in security after police shot dead a man suspected of targeting a kosher shop. Francois Hollande said there would be ‘total mobilisation of the state to fight all terrorist threats’. What Hollande is doing for the French Jewish community – providing…… Continue reading Commentary: France boosts synagogue security while the U.S. ignores mosque security

Religion

The “free” in Murfreesboro bugs me

07/20/201203/15/2013 Dr. Craig Considine5 Comments

In Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Muslims are hoping to celebrate Ramadan in the much-anticipated opening of their Islamic Center of Murfreesboro (ICM). While it seems they will be able to do so, a most unfortunate story is lurking in the shadow. A group of non-Muslims who filed suit seeking a restraining order to end the Centre’s construction has…… Continue reading The “free” in Murfreesboro bugs me

Religion

The Pakistani scientist behind the ‘God particle’

07/09/201207/09/2012 Dr. Craig ConsidineLeave a comment

Most of you have probably heard by now of the recent news on the groundbreaking Higgs boson or ‘God particle’. Most of you, however, probably have no idea that the physicist who helped develop the God particle’s theoretical framework is Adbus Salam. Salam, who died in 1996, of Pakistani origin and Pakistan’s only Nobel laureate.…… Continue reading The Pakistani scientist behind the ‘God particle’

Share on:

Like this:

Share on:

Like this:

Share on:

Like this:

Share on:

Like this:

Share on:

Like this:

Share on:

Like this:

Share on:

Like this:

Share on:

Like this:

Share on:

Like this:

Share on:

Like this:

Share on:

Like this:

Share on:

Like this:

Share on:

Like this:

Share on:

Like this:

Share on:

Like this:

Share on:

Like this:

Share on:

Like this:

Share on:

Like this:

Share on:

Like this:

Share on:

Like this:

Share on:

Like this:

Share on:

Like this:

Share on:

Like this:

Share on:

Like this:

Share on:

Like this:

Share on:

Like this:

Share on:

Like this:

Share on:

Like this:

Share on:

Like this: