“There is seldom a religious prejudice that is not somehow stoked and encouraged by political conflicts. And you and I and all of us together can solve political conflicts,” said Edward Curtis to the first-year class of Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Read more here. Continue reading Challenging Islamophobia

Originally published in the Indianapolis Star, July 18, 2016: “We should frankly test every person here who is of a Muslim background,” former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich declared during a recent television program. “And if they believe in Sharia they should be deported.” On the one hand, it is difficult to believe that Gingrich really means what he says. This kind of religious … Continue reading Curtis to Gingrich: Sharia is not what you think

The story of Black Muslims in the U.S. is as old as the story of its founding. But much of it is forgotten– a lapse that can make room for falsehoods and fear. Some in Omaha are working to weave the stories together again and spark discussion… “Oftentimes enslaved African Americans aren’t thought of as being educated people,” said Dr. Edward Curtis, a professor of … Continue reading Talking Muslim American History on Nebraska Public Radio

I wonder what Malcolm X himself would think of his own framing as an American icon. A thoroughly international-minded leader, he would likely wince at the ongoing association of the term “Black Muslims” with the U.S.-based Muslims such as himself and Muhammad Ali… Today, the descendants of African Muslim ancestors in Asia, Europe, and the Americas have been joined by more recent African immigrants to … Continue reading The Other Black Muslims (Besides Malcolm X)

Originally published in the New York Daily News, Dec. 10, 2015: First the Paris terrorist attacks. Then, San Bernardino. Terrorists who subscribe to an abnormal and repugnant interpretation of Islam are killing innocents in Europe and America. And just like after 9/11, ordinary Muslim Americans have been shot, hit and threatened. This is retributive violence. It is ugly, and it betrays our deepest American values. … Continue reading “Daily News”: We’re Part of the Same Civilization

It may be tempting for religious studies scholars to take advantage of this historical moment by deploying one-dimensional explanations of religion to justify our own usefulness to the academy and to the nation. But even if we have to admit our ignorance, or just say that it’s complicated, it is better to resist further propagating or reinforcing simplistic conceptions of Islam, or of religion in … Continue reading Self-Criticism of a Public Scholar

Interview with Steve Shoemaker on Muslims in America here. Continue reading Extended Interview on Illinois Public Media’s WILL 580AM

Listen to Indianapolis’ Member of Congress, who happens to be Muslim, and Edward Curtis talk about Islamophobia on NPR: Muslims Mark End Of Ramadan Amid Tensions In The U.S.   Continue reading Rep. André Carson and Edward Curtis on Michel Martin’s “Tell Me More”

Thanks for joining me to talk about my Sunday Outlook piece, “Five Myths about Mosques in America.” Like anything regarding Muslims today, the article generated lots of interest, support, and condemnation. I appreciate the chance to expand on my comments and take your questions. Continue reading “Washington Post”: On-Line Chat about U.S. Mosques