21: Things I Wish I Knew Before Studying Islam

In this episode, Julia speaks with Maria Christian, who works at St. Beuno's Jesuit retreat centre. Maria shares about her  journey into the world of Islamic studies and inter-religious dialogue.She recounts her initial misconceptions about Islam, shaped by her upbringing in a predominantly white, Catholic environment, and how her experiences at a diverse sixth form challenged those views. She reflects on her academic journey, from her unexpected passion for Middle Eastern history to her transformative time at Oxford, where she explored the rich tapestry of medieval sexuality in the context of Islamic history. Maria also highlights her experiences in Jordan, where she witnessed the warmth and hospitality of Muslim communities, further enriching her perspective on faith and humanity.Editor's Note: Maria mentions that Palestinian Muslims baptised their children into the 19th century, but textual evidence only supports this practice up to the 12th century. Later references are based on oral history and hearsay. Water holds sacred meaning for both Muslims and Christians in Palestine, but the baptism claim lacks written support beyond the 12th century.Visit www.thinkingfaith.org to learn more.