The lecture by Dr. Khoury was presented to senior high school students (12th Grade) at the Melkite Catholic School in Shafa ‘Amr. Dr. Geries was welcomed at the school by its Principal Mr. Farouq Farhood who pointed out the many activities of Al-Liqa’, the main target and activities revolve around shared Living.
He focused on “religious fanaticism” and its negative results. He presented a sample of this phenomenon which is impacting Arab Countries and the uprooting of its native peoples: Christians, Muslims and others.
Curricula in Arab countries and Palestine in history and Arab language totally ignore the role of Christian Arabs and their constructive role in the formation of Arabic / Islamic civilization. Students are ignorant of Christian Arab’s distinguished role in history; and in return this ignorance impacts a negative influence on shared living and Arab identity. Religious education is essential to the knowing of each other, dogmatically and behaviorally.
I am surprised that this is not being done in Christian school at the 11th and 12th grades level. It should be taught at all school levels. Otherwise, these Christian schools will lose their mission and vocation.
