Braswell Brings Understanding of Islam to Classroom

Dr. George Braswell’s coming to Campbell University Divinity School this semester as an adjunct professor is one more path in a lifelong journey of promoting a Christian perspective on Islam. Braswell, who retired recently from The Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, has joined the Campbell faculty as Senior Professor of World Religions.
That journey began professionally when Braswell and his wife, Joan, were Southern Baptist missionaries in Iran from 1967 to 1974. During that time, he was professor of English and Comparative Religions at the University of Teheran. He was also associate director of Armaghan Institute.
Upon his return to the United States, he joined the faculty of The Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary where he taught courses in world religions. In 1998, he was named Distinguished Professor of Missions and World Religions.
Braswell says that Islam is a system that integrates religion, culture, government and politics. “I believe our gospel presents to the world a person-Jesus Christ,” he told Christians and Muslims at a conference in Virginia last fall. “That makes all the difference. We’re not out there to give them a system, but a relationship with Jesus Christ.” Braswell says the Christian outreach to Muslims has been less than that to other peoples. He says the 1.3 billion Muslims, representing about 21 percent of the world’s population, receive only about three percent of Christian resources.
In a recent interview with a reporter from the Raleigh “News & Observer,” Braswell says he thinks it would be arrogant to say he can’t discuss things with people who are different from him. “Am I arrogant enough to say I know everything?” he asked in the interview.
A native of Emporia, Va., Braswell is a graduate of Wake Forest University, Yale University Divinity School, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In 2003, he spoke on Islam as the Staley Lecturer for Campbell University. He has written eight books and numerous articles to help readers move beyond stereotypes and to help them understand the complexities of world religions.
“Dr. Braswell is an excellent teacher,” says Dr. Bruce Powers, associate dean of the Divinity School. “He has been very supportive of the Divinity School, having served on an advisory committee that encouraged the founding of the school.”
“We are pleased that our students will benefit from the experience and teaching of this outstanding Christian scholar,” adds Dean Michael G. Cogdill.

Bulletin 0060-3/10/05