When retired school teacher Glenn Ploegstra began using the Names of God issue of theToday devotional in his discussion group with Muslims and Christians, he found a surprisingly common connection with people of traditionally different faiths.
Every three weeks Ploegstra and other Christians from various branches of Christianity meet with a group of Turkish students, mostly committed Muslims, at Cleveland State University in Ohio.
The gatherings—called the “Bible-Qu’ran Group”—began several years ago when Ploegstra’s friend Bill Schubmehl connected with the university students from Turkey.
These students, in addition to achieving their masters or doctorate degrees, also wanted to understand western culture and the Christian faith.
The meetings begin with a potluck buffet of ethnic foods brought by the participants. Then after a time of fellowship, members spend 60-90 minutes learning about Christianity one week and Islam the next.
“Our purpose is to understand one another, not to try convert someone to the other’s faith,” Ploegstra explains. “We've learned we have the same basic understanding of God’s character. Our discussions have been richer and more lively than past sessions.”
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