Lawrence Helm wrote: "There may be a lot more moderates out there than I realized ..." I think so. In September I will be taking up a teaching position in the Graduate department at Universitas Islam Negri in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This Islamic University, the oldest and preeminent Islamic University in Indonesia, self-identifies as being "very moderate and rational" emphasizing "critical thought and objective enquiry; understanding other religions; a participatory, democratic and inclusive approach to development; and respect for the humanistic, tolerant, egalitarian and open traditions of classical Islam." I have been asked to teach Philosophy and Christianity with an emphasis on developing an understanding of the peaceful role religion can have in society. I will be the first non-Muslim to teach at the university so I am not exactly sure how it will work. I also have to teach in Indonesian, so I have a bit of language work to do as well. I think it is fairly obvious that Lawrence underestimates the moderate element of Islam. Indonesia has its radical element but this school, with over 10000 students, stands in explicit opposition to extremism. Just think Lawrence, a Christian pacifist teaching Philosophy and Christianity from a peace perspective to Indonesian Muslims at the request of an Islamic University. Sincerely, Phil Enns ------------------------------------------------------------------ To change your Lit-Ideas settings (subscribe/unsub, vacation on/off, digest on/off), visit www.andreas.com/faq-lit-ideas.html