Otterbein hosted a religious scholar to speak about Islam, early American politicians and women in Islam.
Students had two opportunities to hear Denise Spellberg speak during her visit to Otterbein. Spellberg is an associate professor of history and Middle Eastern studies at the University of Texas at Austin. Spellberg will present a constitutional debate about whether a Muslim could be president from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. in Roush Hall room 114 on March 31. Spellberg’s keynote lecture was about Thomas Jefferson’s political approach to Muslims in the early days of the nation in Towers Hall room 112 at 3:30 p.m. on Monday.
“I was originally a history major, but as an undergrad I took a class about Islamic religion and realized that it was a civilization I knew nothing about,” said Spellberg. “Understanding religion as a historian became essential.”
On March 30, Spellberg spoke at Church of the Master United Methodist about ideal Islamic women compared to women in the Bible’s New Testament.
Gender and religion is a key area of interest for Spellberg because women in Islam is a complex and controversial topic. “Feminism is also something that is on the rise in the modern world of Islam, and it’s fascinating to watch it take hold of such an old religion,” Spellberg said.
Spellberg has also researched Islam in American and European history and medieval Islamic history. She currently teaches classes on the history of Islam in the U.S. and the Islamic impact on Spain and northern Africa.
Glenna Jackson, associate professor of the department of Religion and Philosophy, wanted Spellberg to come to Otterbein because of her background in religion.
“Denise Spellberg has done primary research in Islam. She is a noted scholar and publisher who has happened to be on NPR, the news and she has written a book,” Jackson said.
Spellberg published “Thomas Jefferson’s Qur’an: Islam and the Founders” in 2013 and “Politics, Gender and the Islamic Past: The Legacy of A’Isha Bint Abi Bakr” in 1996.
Spellberg said that there are misconceptions about the Islamic faith that require deeper conversation to work through. “It’s only through education can there be a ground for understanding.”
Her visit to campus was an opportunity for students to listen and gain more information and understanding.
