When someone presents himself as qualified to express an opinion in a highly specialized field of study, we apply a two-part test. In my field, which is law, we deal with expert opinions as a matter of course. I see the focus on credentials quite differently.įirst, let me address your point about diversity. It pains me to say this, but both the interview and this First Things article seem to be motivated by religious distrust.” “If by "tougher interview" Matthew Franck means "unprofessional, Islamophobic farce", I would agree. What I understand you to be saying here is that (1) demographic diversity is valuable in your field for its own sake, and (2) expressions of concern about his credentials - and reactions to his misrepresentations of same - are really expressions of Islamophobia. I am convinced that the American news media’s fascination with Christian-Muslim relations has overshadowed the merits of Aslan’s thesis… or lack thereof.” I really wish that I could endorse this book if for no other reason than to promote diversity. Sadly, I would welcome more other-than-traditional-Christian scholars in the field. “Aslan might be guilty of inflating his résumé, but this is not what made the book controversial. Respectfully, Anthony, I am not persuaded by this aspect of your position on Aslan. This will have to be in two parts due to the size limit.
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