I am an Arab, and I am a Christian
Teacher
Lesson Summary
The class opened with an introduction of Wissam al‑Ahtawi, a former Sunni Muslim who had lived under the oppressive regimes of Saddam Hussein and later experienced the harsh realities of war and sanctions in Iraq. He shared his childhood under a secular dictatorship that later co‑opted Islam for political control, describing the spiritual vacuum that many Iraqis, including himself, felt despite outward religious observance. His narrative illustrated how the search for truth, goodness, and beauty can be distorted by cultural and political forces. The teacher connected this personal story to biblical truth, emphasizing that while humanity often pursues beauty and goodness first, the gospel presents truth as the foundation (John 14:6). The lesson highlighted Romans 12:2, urging believers to resist conforming to a world that values false promises and instead be transformed by God’s word, which serves as a guiding light (Psalm 119:105). The central message affirmed that genuine freedom, hope, and dignity are found only in Christ, who satisfies the deepest hunger that worldly religions cannot fulfill. By the end of the session, participants were encouraged to reflect on how God’s truth can break through cultural barriers and bring transformation, just as it did for the speaker, and to continue seeking the beauty that points to the ultimate goodness of the Savior.