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The Ahlan Bridge

Stories Without Borders

A Religion and Religion & Spirituality podcast

#83 in Religion · 🇳🇿
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About the show

Stories about Arab, Persian, and Anglo Muslims & Christians who cross the divide to each other in the hopes of becoming better neighbors.

Newest episodes

Unearthing Misconceptions about North American Muslims

1 hr 14 min

Muslim scholar Dr. Amir Hussain challenges common Christian misconceptions about Islam, explores the often-overlooked history of Muslims in North America, and considers how Christians and Muslims can move beyond religious misunderstandings toward genuine relationships. Drawing from his scholarship and personal experiences, Amir reflects on what it means to listen, learn, and become good neighbors without erasing the sacred differences between differing Abrahamic traditions. Publications of Dr. Amir Hussain: - One God and Two Religions: Christians and Muslims as Neighbors - Muslims & the Making of America - Oil & Water: 2 Faiths: One God - Advocate's Faith & Dialogue: Amir Hussain on Islam and Catholicism

A Newcomer's Hospitality

46 min

Ep. 10, features Lana Duoibes, Director of International & Refugee Ministries at Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, & creator of The Global Table. A Jordanian Christian immigrant who has lived in the U.S. for nearly 30 years, Lana draws from her own experience to build bridges with Middle Eastern Muslim & Christian newcomers, as well as other new arrivals in West Michigan. References & other resources connected to Lana: - The Refugee Highway Partnership - West Michigan Friendship Center

Turning Encounters into Relationships

38 min

Ep. 9, Martin Brooks, President Emeritus of Peace Catalyst International, explores his decades of experiences creating spaces where Muslims & Christians can encounter one another with curiosity, honesty, & mutual respect. His work has taken him across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, & Central Asia. Referred to in our conversation: Glocal: Following Jesus in the 21st Century by Rick Love Don't miss the upcoming conference in Bethlehem, Palestine, Dec. 27-31st, Christ at the Checkpoint. Support the work of ⁠⁠The Ahlan Bridge⁠⁠ by becoming a financial partner ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠. - Special thanks to George for sharing his story & perspectives. - This episode was hosted & edited by ⁠Charlie Brill⁠. - The theme song was written by ⁠Charlie Brill⁠ & performed by ⁠Rob Cordell⁠. - The credits were read by ⁠Megan Cordell⁠.

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All episodes

Unearthing Misconceptions about North American Muslims

1 hr 14 min

Muslim scholar Dr. Amir Hussain challenges common Christian misconceptions about Islam, explores the often-overlooked history of Muslims in North America, and considers how Christians and Muslims can move beyond religious misunderstandings toward genuine relationships. Drawing from his scholarship and personal experiences, Amir reflects on what it means to listen, learn, and become good neighbors without erasing the sacred differences between differing Abrahamic traditions. Publications of Dr. Amir Hussain: - One God and Two Religions: Christians and Muslims as Neighbors - Muslims & the Making of America - Oil & Water: 2 Faiths: One God - Advocate's Faith & Dialogue: Amir Hussain on Islam and Catholicism

A Newcomer's Hospitality

46 min

Ep. 10, features Lana Duoibes, Director of International & Refugee Ministries at Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, & creator of The Global Table. A Jordanian Christian immigrant who has lived in the U.S. for nearly 30 years, Lana draws from her own experience to build bridges with Middle Eastern Muslim & Christian newcomers, as well as other new arrivals in West Michigan. References & other resources connected to Lana: - The Refugee Highway Partnership - West Michigan Friendship Center

Turning Encounters into Relationships

38 min

Ep. 9, Martin Brooks, President Emeritus of Peace Catalyst International, explores his decades of experiences creating spaces where Muslims & Christians can encounter one another with curiosity, honesty, & mutual respect. His work has taken him across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, & Central Asia. Referred to in our conversation: Glocal: Following Jesus in the 21st Century by Rick Love Don't miss the upcoming conference in Bethlehem, Palestine, Dec. 27-31st, Christ at the Checkpoint. Support the work of ⁠⁠The Ahlan Bridge⁠⁠ by becoming a financial partner ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠. - Special thanks to George for sharing his story & perspectives. - This episode was hosted & edited by ⁠Charlie Brill⁠. - The theme song was written by ⁠Charlie Brill⁠ & performed by ⁠Rob Cordell⁠. - The credits were read by ⁠Megan Cordell⁠.

Reconciliation Amid Present Pain

44 min

Ep. 8 explores the story of Wasim Nasser, a Palestinian Christian & peacebuilder with Musalaha, exploring what it means to see those we have been taught to fear, pursue reconciliation amid violence, & practice peacemaking through the ongoing pain experienced by his community. Wasim reflects on Musalaha’s work bringing people across ethnic, religious, & social divides into relationship, the difficulty of reconciliation when injustice & suffering are not abstract, & why peacemaking requires more than simply avoiding conflict. For more information about Musalaha's work please check out these resources: - Musalaha's Website - Musalaha' US's Website - Through My Enemy's Eyes: Envisioning Reconciliation in Israel-Palestine by Salim Munayer & Lisa Loden - Reconciling Justice: Concepts of Justice in the Multireligious Context of Palestine/Israel by Salim Munayer - Journey through the Storm: Lessons from Musalaha - Ministry of Reconciliation by Salim Munayer - The Cross and the Olive Tree: Cultivating Palestinian Theology amid Gaza by John S. Munayer & Samuel Munayer Don't miss the upcoming conference in Atlanta, Nov-5-7, ⁠Church at the Crossroads⁠. Don't miss the upcoming conference in Bethlehem, Palestine, Dec. 27-31, ⁠⁠Christ at the Checkpoint⁠⁠. Support the work of ⁠⁠The Ahlan Bridge⁠⁠ by becoming a financial partner ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠. - Special thanks to Wasim for sharing his story & perspectives. - This episode was hosted & edited by ⁠Charlie Brill⁠. - The theme song was written by ⁠Charlie Brill⁠ & performed by ⁠Rob Cordell⁠. - The credits were read by ⁠Megan Cordell⁠.

Finding the Walls

1 hr 6 min

Ep. 7: Ramy Taleb & his wife, Roula, talk about their work in Lebanon with Al Shabiba Risala using education & meaningful encounter to equip a new generation of everyday peacemakers to cross the divides they've inherited. Don't miss the upcoming conference in Atlanta, Nov-5-7, ⁠Church at the Crossroads⁠. Don't miss the upcoming conference in Bethlehem, Palestine, Dec. 27-31, Christ at the Checkpoint. Support the work of ⁠⁠The Ahlan Bridge⁠⁠ by becoming a financial partner ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠. - Special thanks to Ramy & Roula for sharing their story & perspectives. - This episode was hosted & edited by ⁠Charlie Brill⁠. - The theme song was written by ⁠Charlie Brill⁠ & performed by ⁠Rob Cordell⁠. - The credits were read by ⁠Megan Cordell⁠.

Humanity Across the Divide

52 min

Dr. Daniel Bannoura, a Palestinian Christian from Bethlehem, shares the story of his upbringing, his advocacy against harmful theology that has cost his people dearly, and his journey as a scholar studying Islam in order to better love his Muslim neighbors. Daniel is a recent graduate of University of Notre Dame in Islamic studies. His thesis was, “The Composition of the Qur’an: Towards a Historical-Critical Theory of Its Redaction,” & he studied under Dr. Gabriel Reynolds. Daniel is also on staff with the Bethlehem Institute for Peace & Justice, & he is one of the main coordinators for Church at the Crossroads, a conference for Palestinian Christians & Global Christians to seek peace together in the Holy Land. Church at the Crossroads meets from Atlanta, GA in Nov. 5-7. Other Publications: Co-Host for The Across the Divide Podcast Jubilee's "Israeli Experts vs Palestinian Experts" Theology in the Raw's "Christian Zionism, Gaza, and the Cost of Silence" Theology in the Raw's "A Christian Scholar Challenges How We See Islam" Exploring the Guran and the Bible's "Have we Misunderstood Paradise in the Qur'an?" Don't miss the upcoming conference in Bethlehem, Palestine, Dec. 27-31, ⁠⁠⁠Christ at the Checkpoint⁠⁠⁠. Support the work of ⁠⁠⁠The Ahlan Bridge⁠⁠⁠ by becoming a financial partner ⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠. - Special thanks to Daniel for sharing his story & perspectives. - This episode was hosted & edited by ⁠⁠Charlie Brill⁠⁠. - The theme song was written by ⁠⁠Charlie Brill⁠⁠ & performed by ⁠⁠Rob Cordell⁠⁠. - The credits were read by ⁠⁠Megan Cordell⁠⁠.

Learning the Other's Language

51 min

Ep. 5, Dr. Alexander Massad, professor of World Religions at Wheaton College, explores Comparative Theology, learning another religion's "syntax," & how mutually vulnerable friendships with Muslims can deepen understanding across differences and enrich Christian faith. This episode spotlights the Wheaton College's Religions of the World Certificate. Check it out ⁠HERE⁠. Don't miss the upcoming conference in Atlanta, Nov-5-7, ⁠Church at the Crossroads⁠. Support the work of ⁠⁠The Ahlan Bridge⁠⁠ by becoming a financial partner ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠. ------------ Links to resources referenced in our conversation: Amir Hussain's One God and Two Religions: Christians and Muslims as Neighbors Alexander E. Massad's Witnessing God: Christians, Muslims, and the Comparative Theology of Missions Martin Accad's Sacred Misinterpretations: Reaching Across the Muslim-Christian Divide Francis X. Clooney's Comparative Theology: Deep Learning Across Religious Borders Fouad Elias Accad's Building Bridges: Christianity and Islam ------------ Other Publications of Alexander Massad: - His Interview with The Islamic Mary, "Witnessing God - An Interview with Alexander Massad" (Apple Podcasts & Spotify) ------------ - Special thanks to Dr. Alexander Massad & Wheaton College for sharing his story & perspectives. - This episode was hosted & edited by ⁠Charlie Brill⁠. - The theme song was written by ⁠Charlie Brill⁠ & performed by ⁠Rob Cordell⁠. - The credits were read by ⁠Megan Cordell⁠.

Unearthing the Roots of Muslim-Christian Neighboring

37 min

Ep. 4, Dr. David Vila is the world religions professor at John Brown University, curator for the Abila Archeological Project in NW Jordan since 2008, & former Fulbright scholar at Jordanian universities. His interview explores the history of Muslim-Christian neighboring since the beginnings of Islam & what that history can teach us about building relationships across that divide today. If you like our storytelling, please consider supporting The Ahlan Bridge by becoming a financial partner HERE. Please consider attending the Christ at the Checkpoint conference in Bethlehem, Palestine. More info HERE. Other Publications of Dr. David Vila: - ACOR Jordan's "Archeology and the Promise of a Better World" - Special thanks to Dr. David Vila, John Brown University ,& the Abila Archaeological Project⁠⁠⁠⁠ for sharing his story & perspectives. - This episode was hosted & edited by ⁠⁠⁠Charlie Brill⁠⁠⁠. - The theme song was written by ⁠⁠⁠Charlie Brill⁠⁠⁠ & performed by ⁠⁠⁠Rob Cordell⁠⁠⁠. - The credits were read by ⁠⁠⁠Megan Cordell⁠⁠⁠.

Unlearning the Myths We’ve Inherited

44 min

Ep. 3, Dr. Benjamin Norquist from The Bethlehem Institute for Peace & Justice talks as an educator about Palestinian Christian institutions in Bethlehem, Palestine, & his journey from unlearning the myths we have inherited in the West to understand that world, it's people, & it's nuances. Checkout Ben's recently published book that he co-wrote with Brian Miller, Every Somewhere Sacred: Rescuing a Theology of Place in the American Imagination. If you like our storytelling, please consider supporting The Ahlan Bridge by becoming a monthly financial partner HERE. Please consider attending the Church at the Crossroads conference Nov. 5-7 in Atlanta. More info HERE. Also, please consider attending the Christ at the Checkpoint conference Dec. 27-31 in Bethlehem, Palestine. More info HERE. --------------- Other Publications of Benjamin Norquist: Theology in the Raw's "What is a Theology of Place?" Theology in the Raw's "A Christian Approach to the Narratives of Israel-Palestine" Biblical Justice Resources' "The Intersection of Place, Story, & Justice" Across the Divide's "Christianity Today's Coverage of Gaza" Shifting Culture's "The Places We Live Are Telling Stories. Which Ones Are Getting Told?" Across the Divide's "Education as Resistance: Reimagining Justice & Powering Change in Conflict Zones" Red Letter Christians' "From Teargas to Truth" - Special thanks to Dr. Ben Norquist⁠ & The Bethlehem Institute for Peace & Justice⁠ for sharing his story & perspectives. - This episode was hosted & edited by ⁠⁠Charlie Brill⁠⁠. - The theme song was written by ⁠⁠Charlie Brill⁠⁠ & performed by ⁠⁠Rob Cordell⁠⁠. - The credits were read by ⁠⁠Megan Cordell⁠⁠.

Choosing Welcome in the Age of Fear

45 min

Ep. #2, Tony Burrell, director of The Welcome Network in NW Indiana, shares the story of his organization welcoming immigrants, & specifically highlights his experiences learning from & welcoming specifically Muslim background immigrants. Other Publications of Tony Burrell: Offstage with Doug & Ryan's "Hospitality at the Border" The Neighborly Faith's "Welcoming Immigrants and Refugees of Other Faiths in Jesus Name" The Region LIfe's "Interview: Tony Burrell" Don't miss the upcoming conference in Bethlehem, Palestine, Dec 27-31, Christ at the Checkpoint. Support the work of The Ahlan Bridge by becoming a financial partner HERE. - Special thanks to Tony Burrell & The Welcome Network for sharing his story & perspectives. - This episode was hosted & edited by ⁠Charlie Brill⁠. - The theme song was written by ⁠Charlie Brill⁠ & performed by ⁠Rob Cordell⁠. - The credits were read by ⁠Megan Cordell⁠.

When Encountering the Other Side, Who's Missing?

48 min

Ep #1: Palestinian Christian, George, shares his parents' Nakba stories, explores listening graciously across divides, challenging inherited narratives, remembering without hatred, & asking those with opposing narratives who is missing in the story. This episode spotlights the Denver Seminary Doctor of Ministry program in New Missional Movements. Check it out HERE. Don't miss the upcoming conference in Atlanta, Nov-5-7, Church at the Crossroads. Support the work of ⁠The Ahlan Bridge⁠ by becoming a financial partner ⁠HERE⁠. - Special thanks to George for sharing his story & perspectives. - This episode was hosted & edited by Charlie Brill. - The theme song was written by Charlie Brill & performed by Rob Cordell. - The credits were read by Megan Cordell.

Episodes Debuting September 3, 2026

2 min

The Ahlan Bridge (https://www.ahlanbridge.org) is starting a podcast to learn about this stories & perspectives of Arab, Persian, & Anglo Christians & Muslims who cross the divide to the other. Upcoming interviews are with: George (an Evangelical Palestinian), Tony Burrell, Dr. Ben Noquist, Dr. David Vila, Dr. Alex Massad, Wasim Nasser, & more.

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