Class Schedule

19 & 26 Jan, 2, 16 & 23 Feb, 2 Mar 2027

Day
Tuesdays
Time
7:15 pm – 10:00 pm
Format
Zoom
Location
Online via Zoom
Registration
Opens 01 Nov 2026 · closes 12 Jan 2027

Free preview · Read the IS/ME358 syllabus before you register.

Download syllabus (PDF)

For those wanting to further their understanding of Islam, this course explores essential aspects of Islam’s historical development from its origins to the contemporary era, and its theological commonalities and contrasts between both faith traditions.

Attention is also given to various expressions of Islam such as Sufism, Salafism and the spiritual world of Islam. Reflections on Christian and Muslim engagement are interwoven in the course.

Next intakeOccasional

1.5
Academic Units
6
Live Sessions
Elective
Course

Lecturer

Dr L. Mak

Lecturer

Dr L Mak is a lecturer in religious studies based at a theological seminary in the UK but has also taught in various seminaries in Asia. His research and publications relate to faith and East/West interaction. He is also a consultant and adviser to European and Asian enterprises and professionals serving interculturally in many different nations.

Course Curriculum

  • 1

    General

    • Course Syllabus

      FREE PREVIEW

    • Orientation Course & Library Access

    • Introduction to the Thinkific Mobile App

    • Password for all BGST hosted video lectures (if requested):

    • Student AI Policy for the Biblical Graduate School of Theology (BGST)

    • BGST Student AI Policy Acknowledgement Statement
  • 2

    Session 1

    • Essentials: Introduction, origins and historical developments

    • 1.1 intro to Asian religion

    • 1.2 History of Asian religion - part 1

    • 1.3 History of Asian religion, part 2

    • One God: Tawhid and Trinity’

    • Zoom recording for session 1
  • 3

    Session 2

    • Essentials: Holy books and comparative theology

    • Muhammad and the Quran: Messenger and the Message

    • 2.1 Quran

    • 2.2 Hadith

    • 2.3 Comparative Theology

    • Zoom recording for Session 2
  • 4

    Session 3

    • Expressions: Diversity and culture

    • Hikmah Guide

    • 3.1 Shi'ism

    • 3.2 Sufism

    • Spiritual World of Islam

    • Zoom recording for Session 3
  • 5

    Session 4

    • Expressions: Diversity and the West

    • The West's Reluctant Re-education

    • Jihad and the Dome of Rock

    • 4.1 Salafism, Wahhabism, Jihad

    • 4.2 Islamic reformers & Typology

    • 4.3 Honour and Shame

    • Zoom recording for Session 4
  • 6

    Session 5

    • Encounter: Contemporary issues

    • Hikmah Guide No. 10

    • 5.1 & 5.2 Session Outline - Sambal, Scripture, and Salaam_ How Jesus Came to Our Kampung-2

    • 5.3 - Factors for Breakthroughs

    • Zoom recording for Session 5
  • 7

    Session 6

    • Encounter: Approaches to engagement

    • The Case for Polemics

    • The Case for Dialouge

    • 6.2_3 - Factors for Breakthroughs (long version)

    • Zoom recording for session 6
  • 8

    Evaluation

    • Course Evaluation form Policy for the Biblical Graduate School of Theology

    • BGST Student Course Evaluation Policy Acknowledgement Statement

    • Course Evaluation Form
  • 9

    Assignment Submission

    • Introduction to Writing Assignments

    • How to Format an Academic Paper

    • How to Write an Academic Paper

    • How to Upload Assignment

    • Submission on IMS

Ready to begin?

$325.00
Credit · Regular price

Course students are required to complete all the course assignments by the stated deadline. They will receive grades that are transferable to any BGST postgraduate programmes.

Register — Credit
$150.00
Audit

Audit students do not have to fulfil the assignment requirements. However, they are encouraged to do class exercises and assignments to get the maximum benefit from the courses. They will not receive grades that are transferable to BGST Postgraduate Programmes.

Register — Audit