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Why Witness?
With this blog, I hope to provide new insights, break down misconceptions, and spur thoughtful discussion on topics of religion, culture, politics and social justice. I write particularly on issues of comparative religion (between Islam and Christianity) and Islamophobia in post-9/11 America. I also write about my Catholic faith, American politics, journalism, and the Middle East.
The goal of a writer, a Christian, and a Muslim, is to be a witness to a greater Truth. Hence, the blog's title.
“You are my witness…and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am He.” Isaiah 43:10, the Bible
“And thus have We willed you to be a community of the middle way, so that [with your lives] you might bear witness to the truth before all mankind.” Surat al-Baqara, the Qur'an
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Author Archives: jdenari
Hope for the Pope: Catholic-Muslim relations in the new pontificate
Note: I’m very honored to host my first guest on the blog: Fr. Michael Calabria, a Franciscan friar. Since we met in the fall, when he came to Georgetown to work on his doctoral dissertation in Qur’anic studies, I’ve considered … Continue reading
Christus Paradox: Reflections on “Of Gods and Men”
You shouldn’t read this blog post. At least not until you see the film, “Of Gods and Men.” Really, stop now if you intend to watch it and don’t want me to spoil it for you. The movie tells the … Continue reading
My talk at the Ignatian Family Teach-In
Last weekend, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to deliver the following speech at the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice to an audience of over 1,000. Using my own experiences with Muslim-Christian dialogue and the documents of the Second … Continue reading
Conversations with a Carmelite
When I chose the name Teresa of Avila for my Confirmation name during my freshman year of high school, I didn’t know what an important, meaningful decision I’d made. I picked her because she founded the Discalced Carmelites, a group … Continue reading
Lessons from Good Pope John, Part 3: Detachment and trust
This is the last post in a series about the exemplary life of Blessed Pope John XXIII, whose feast we celebrated on October 11. Today’s post is on detachment and trust. John allowed God to carry him through life, just … Continue reading
Lessons from Good Pope John, Part 2: Compassion and courage
This post is the second piece in a series about Pope John XXIII, who opened the Vatican II Council on October 11, 1962. I hope we can celebrate the 50th anniversary of the council, and live out its mission, by … Continue reading
Lessons from Good Pope John, Part 1: Humor and Humility
Today, we celebrate the life of Blessed Pope John XXIII, who opened the Second Vatican Council—arguably the most important religious event of the twentieth century—on October 11, 1962. Much has been written about the council on the occasion of its … Continue reading
