Warren F. Larson, Ph.D.
E-mail: wlarson@ciu.edu
Education
Certificate in Arabic Studies Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 2003
Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA 1996
Master of Divinity Trinity Western University, Langley, BC, Canada 1992
Master of Missiology Canadian Theological Seminary, Calgary, AB, Canada 1983
Bachelor of Theology Vancouver Bible College, Vancouver, BC, Canada 1973
Proficiency in Urdu Language Murree Language School, Murree, Pakistan 1970
Diploma in Biblical Education Peace River Bible Institute, Sexsmith, AB, Canada 1965
Professional Experience
Columbia International University, Columbia, SC 1996 – present
Associate Professor, Muslim Studies (1996-present)
• Direct the Master of Arts (Muslim Studies)
• Serve as academic advisor to over 30 graduate students in intercultural studies
• Serve as director and reader for dissertations on cross-cultural topics at the doctoral level
• Currently teach select courses on Islam but have developed and taught the following:
Islam through Christian and Muslim Eyes (current)
Introduction to the Qur’an
Islamic Theology (current)
The Life of Muhammad (current)
The Spirit World of Islam (current)
Approaches to Muslims
• Travel internationally, speaking and teaching courses/seminars on Islam and Muslim culture
Director, Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies (2004-present)
• Supervise and direct 6-7 intensive courses on Islam every year for over 100 students
• Oversee and manage a website in Muslim Studies for prospective students
• Supervise the growth and expansion of literary resources on Islam at Columbia International University
Editor in Chief, Zwemer Journal for Muslim Studies (2006-present)
• Publish a journal on understanding Islam (www.zwemercenter.com)
• Assists in publishing a quarterly on the activities and programs of the Zwemer Center
• Contributes to a blog on hot-button issues affecting Muslims all over the world
Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA 1993 – 1996
Teaching and Research Assistant in Islamic Studies
• Supervised graduate students in Islamic Studies
• Assisted Ph. D. students who were writing dissertations in Intercultural Studies
Christar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan 1968 – 1991
Cross-cultural Missionary
• Developed a small church of Pakistani Christians in Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan
• Operated a reading room for Muslims to facilitate intercultural and inter-faith discussion
• Launched a ministry through national Urdu newspapers of disseminating Christian literature
• Started a school in Urdu for Pakistanis to study the Bible through correspondence courses
• Piloted Theological Education by Extension in South Central Pakistan
• Modeled a follow-up program in Urdu for students doing theological studies
• Developed a program of cross-cultural work among Muslims through literature and film
• Taught special courses in Urdu on theology at different Bible colleges in Pakistan
• Trained Pakistani national Christians in theology and leadership
Awards and Honors
Book, Islamic Ideology and Fundamentalism in Pakistan: Climate for Conversion to Christianity, was chosen as one of the most significant books on mission, 1998
Award for outstanding research, Islamic Studies, Fuller Theological Seminary, 1995
Recognized for fluency and giftedness in the Urdu language, Pakistan, 1968-1991
Award for excellence in the study of Greek, Vancouver Bible College, 1974
Publications (partial listing)
– “Should Christians keep the Fast of Ramadan”? Christianity Today, November, 2009
– “The 5 top books on Islam,” Christianity Today, September, 2009
– “Current Trends in Islam,” chapter of book, Fuller Theological Seminary, publication date, TBA
– “Islam According to Gallup,” Christianity Today, November, 2008
– Book Review, “Pilgrims of Christ on the Muslim Road,” Evangelical Missions Quarterly, July, 2008
– “Jesus in Islam and Christianity: Discussing the Similarities and the Differences,” Missiology, July, 2008
– “Talking to Muslims about God: What are the Issues?” The Pilgrim’s Protest, November, 2007
– Book Review, “Missiological Models of Ministry among Muslims,” Evangelical Missions Quarterly, October, 2007
– Book Review, the Great Theft: Wrestling Islam from the Extremists, Christianity Today, March, 2007
– Book Review, “Warrant for Terror: Fatwas of Radical Islam and the Duty to Jihad,” The Middle East Journal, winter, 2007
– “Unveiling the Truth about Islam,” Christianity Today, June 2006
– Book Review, “Encountering the World of Islam,” Evangelical Missions Quarterly, October, 2006
– “A Christian Response to Islam in America” Evangelical Missions Quarterly, January, 2005
– “Islam’s Appeal to America,” Intercede, May-June 2004
– Book Review, Guide for Pilgrims to the Heavenly City, by G. L. Cockerill, Centre for Islamic Studies Newsletter (London), winter 2003
– “How Islam sees itself: A Closer Look,” Evangelical Missions Quarterly, fall, 2002
– Islamic Ideology and Fundamentalism in Pakistan, Lanham, MD: UPA, 1998
Invited Presentations
Taught three seminars for the military, including two at Fort Jackson, on relating cross-culturally in Islamic contexts in North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East
Regularly gives lectures and messages in North America and around the world to help Christians understand Muslims and more effectively share the Gospel cross-culturally in Muslim contexts
Professional Media Coverage (Partial Listing)
• Interview, Stan Guthrie, Editor at Large for Christianity Today, “Warren Larson looks at Islamic Extremism in Pakistan,” Upward, Winter, 2010.
• Interview, “Is Islam a threat to America?” The Tennessean, December 6, 2009
• Interview, Moody Radio, “Remembering 9-11,” PrimeTimeAmerica.org, September 9, 2009
• Interview, “Professor says Americans can relate to Iranians,” WIS-TV (NBC), June 22, 2009
• Interview, Compassion Radio, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Islam, March 20, 2009
• Interview, Moody Radio, “Islamic Law in Swat Valley, Pakistan,” February 17, 2009
• Interview, Faith Radio, “Pakistani Militants,” NW College and Media, February 17, 2009
• Interview, “Muslim-Christian Misunderstandings,” Chicago Tribune, May 14, 2006
• Interview, “Tension over Pope’s Comments,” NW College and Media, September 22, 2006
• Interview, “Understanding Islam, Trends and Directions on Growing Religious Tensions,” NW College and Media, January 24, 2006
• Interview, “Waging Peace on Islam: A missionary Veteran of Asia Proposes One Way to Defuse Muslim Anger about the Crusades,” Christianity Today, June, 2005
• Interview, “Doors into Islam,” Christianity Today, September 9, 2002
• Interview, WRCM-Radio, Charlotte, NC, January 15, 2002
• Interview, “Sunrise Show,” WIS-TV (NBC), November 15, 200.
• Interview, “Hank Irwin Show,” WYDE-Radio, Birmingham, AL, October 12, 2001
• Interview, “Sunrise Show,” WIS-TV (NBC), October 8, 2001
• Interview on Islam and Muslims, Wall Street Journal, November 26, 2001
• Interview, “Andy Thomas Show,” Columbia, SC, October 1, 2001
• Interview, “Life and Faith,” The State, September 28, 2001
• Interview, “Vantage Point,” WMHK-Radio, Columbia, SC, September 23, 2001
• Interview, “Religion of Peace or Jihad? Islam Sends Mixed Message,” Investor’s Business
Daily September 20, 2001
• “Attack Spawns Backlash against Arabs, Muslims,” Free Times, September 19, 2001
• Interview, WMHK-Radio, Columbia, SC, September 14, 2001
• Interview, “Briefs: The World,” Christianity Today, August 6, 2001
• Interview, WFMV-Radio, Columbia, SC, June 29, 2001
Present Institutional Service
Consultant in MBU (Meetings for Better Understanding) with Muslims in Columbia , SC
Consultant of ICS-College (Intercultural Studies) that integrates cross-cultural programs for the college and seminary at Columbia International University
Consultant of MEAG (Missions Education Academic Group) at Columbia International University
Professional Affiliations
ASM American Society of Missiology, 1998-Present
APM Association of Professors of Missions, 1998-Present
COMMA Consultation for Ministries among Muslims in (North) America, 2000-Present
EMS Evangelical Missiological Society, 1998-Present
SERMEISS South East Region Middle East Islamic Studies Seminar, 2001-Present
References
Excellent references available upon request
