Lecture about The Model of Ethnic and Religious Cohabitation was conducted on August 10, 2021, by Giorgi Lobzhanidze, professor specialized in theology, Arabic language and literature, author and translator.

As Mr. Lobzhanidze lived in various oriental countries, his speech included practices of religion and connection between social and religious, as well as political lives in near east and major Muslim countries, as well as short overview of religious life in Georgia and when and how first Arabs(Muslims) arrived in here. A historical discussion consisted of beginning of Islam and what changed in it during centuries, as well as what are the basic religious transcripts teaching preachers and how they are interpreted today.

The subject of interpretation was discussed more broadly as Koran is often interpreted in wrong ways and particular political or social groups can use these interpretations for their own goals and institutional growth. Same can be considered for Bible and false Christians as well. Another interesting case is how the practices of religion changed during times and what’s the difference between the religious lives spoken in holy books and in real lives.

The importance of religion, as a weapon, was mentioned and main aim of almost every widespread confession – peace, was explained in terms of religious activities. Participants of the webinar, along with the speaker, came to a conclusion that education can cause positive changes, however it’s not enough and social activism should play its role while facing ethnic or religious radicalization.

The lecture was held in the framework of the project Youth for Pluralism and Democracy, which is conducted by the Civil Council on Defense and Security and Max Planck Foundation, with the financial support of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany.

 

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