Discussion will explore Christian, Muslim views

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The newly opened Northeast Ohio branch of the C.S. Lewis Insitute (CSLI) will present a lecture featuring a dual monologue between Christian apologist Andy Bannister and professor of Islamic studies Mustansir Mir.

The two will explore the philosophical difference between free will and determinism. The event will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Butler North, the former First Christian Church located next to the Butler Institute of American Art on Wick Avenue.

The lecture is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Go to bannistermir.eventbrite.com to register.

The lecture — “Are We Free and Does it Matter?” — will prompt discussion centered on the debate about free will vs. determinism within philosophy and extends to pragmatic implications as well. It will be in the format of a dual monologue where Bannister will provide a Christian response to the question and Mir will provide an Islamic response. A question-and-answer session will follow.

Bannister is the Canadian director and lead apologist for RZIM Canada. He speaks and teaches regularly throughout Canada, the United States, Europe and the rest of the world. From churches to universities, business forums to TV and radio, Bannister regularly addresses audiences of Christians and those of all faiths and none on issues relating to faith, culture, politics and society.

Bannister holds a doctorate in Islamic studies, a topic that he has taught extensively, especially since 9/11. He is an adjunct research fellow at the Centre for the Study of Islam and Other Faiths at Melbourne School of Theology.

Mir, originally from Pakistan, teaches Islamic studies at Youngstown State University. His main academic interest is Qur’anic studies and he also has an interest in Iqbal studies. His publications include “Coherence in the Qur’an: A Study of Islahi’s Concept of Nazm in Tadabbur-I Qur’an,” “Dictionary of Qur’anic Terms and Concepts” and “Tulip in the Desert: A Selection of the Poetry of Muhammad Iqbal.” He co-edits, with professor Mumtaz Ahmad of Hampton University, the biannual journal Studies in Contemporary Islam.

The CSLI of Northeast Ohio’s lecture series is part of the yearlong Fellows Program, which is the institute’s flagship discipleship that helps believers experience true heart and mind transformation.

The institute is accepting applications for the 2013-14 Fellows Program. Call 330-717-6979 or go to cslewisinstitute.org/Northeast_Ohio.