The story of Job touches on big questions of being human. Why does suffering happen to good people? Does this suffering have a meaning? And how can it be countered? Christians and Muslims dealt with these questions at an event in the "Dialog International" series. Introductory presentations helped to get started: Islamic scholar Dilek Ucak-Ekinci spoke about Ayyub (Job) in the Koran, theologian Uwe Hummel about Job in the Bible.
Following the presentations, the participants discussed selected passages from the Bible and the Koran. In the small groups, people of different faiths got into direct conversation. This led to insights, for example, that Job directly accuses God in the Bible - in the Koran, on the other hand, there are no such complaints. The conversations also led to new questions. Is there a grand design behind all suffering? Is it necessary for personal, individual development? Some things remained open, but the discussions gave new clues. In particular, an excursus by Pastor Dr. Marie-Claire Barth-Frommel opened up new perspectives. She examined the passages in which God reveals himself to Job and showed in detail how the different translations of individual words can lead to a different understanding of the corresponding lines.
The evening ended with a look at artistic representations of Job from seven countries - and with applause for the speakers Uwe Hummel and Dilek Ucak-Ekinci, who made the joint reading and subsequent exchange possible with their expertise and contributions.
Interfaith dialogue is an important part of Mission 21's peace work - learn more about our Projects.
â–º Reading Tip: "I give up and take comfort" by Marie-Claire Barth-Frommel and Daniel Barth.
â–º Interview in DIE ZEIT about the book
Text and photos: Miriam Glass
