USA Souvenir 1989 — Page 34
Centennial Souvenir Message It has been five and a half years since traveled to Pakistan The occasion was to attend the Jalsaa in Rabwah. I can look at the pictures that I brought back with me and still feel as though I was there only yesterday. One must wonder what remains of an expereince that, at the time, was deeply satisfying and enlightening. During those years I have had many opportunities to make small contributions to Ahmadi celebrations and meetings I have also been privilege to speak to Christian organizations about Islam in general and often about Ahmadiyyat in particular I have also, on several occasions, been involved in "Christian Muslim dialogues. " Whatever confidence I have in engaging in such activities, I believe I gained during my journeys with my Ahmadi freinds It is very difficult I realize , for most Christian to see across the threshhold into the "House of Islam " I am not sure that this is difficult to do because of irreconciable differences between the two traditions or merely because of managable psychological factors I have personally done what I cou Id at least to open the door, so that my Christian associates can feel respect for and appreciation of the religion brought to mankind by the Prophet Muhammad ( Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) Louis J Hammann Professor of Religion Gettysburg College 34