The former Bishop of Oxford, Lord Harries of Pentregarth, has said readings from the Koran should feature in the next Coronation, when Prince Charles succeeds to the Throne.
In a debate on the role of religion in British public life, Lord Harries, now an independent peer, praised what he called “the hospitality” shown in a service last year at Bristol Cathedral.
However, Douglas Murray, author and associate editor of The Spectator, disagreed saying: “A lot of people will think this is an example of Anglican leaders not having faith in their own faith.”
Listen to it all (6 minutes).
Which would please Muslim people more at a national liturgy?
– To hear the Koran read as part of a multi-faith set of scriptures; or – – to hear Christian scriptures only, at a clearly Christian service?
It may sound like the answer is obvious, but I think it is more complicated than Lord Harries realises. Muslims regard the Koran as the uncreated word of God, rather close to our own understanding of Christ as the Logos. So as a mark of respect the Koran is kept on a special shelf in the house, for example, and even when consulted by cross-legged worshippers is kept in a low-slung cradle lectern. To read it as if it is the same as the scriptures of other religions is disrespectful, I would think, in many Muslim eyes; just as we feel the Bible is not to be equated with other sacred books, no matter how elevating their words. The Bible brings us God’s outreaching to humankind working through time and space. Nothing else is like it.
Liberals like Bishop Lord Harries often think that their scatter-gun approach appeals to people of other faiths. In fact, other religions often feel more respected by Christians who recognise the differences and observe the boundaries. Sometimes good taste and good theology coincide.
Yes, Terry Tee. Including Koranic readings in a Christian liturgy is disrespectful to both faiths. Further, the Koran, for Muslims, is properly read in Arabic. Translations are commentaries, not the real Koran.
Hey. Read it in Arabic. It will make as much sense to many there as the gospel reading in English. My bad.