Religious Life will host their first guest speaker for the Wilson Lecture series.
Richard McKinney served in the Marine Corps for 25 years and spent some of that time in the Middle East. When he returned home, he planned to blow up a mosque in Indiana. He visited the mosque he planned to attack, and within eight weeks he converted to Islam.
“Any time he saw a Muslim person, he was filled with rage,” said Dr. Imad Enchassi, professor of Islamic studies. “There was hate in his heart.”
Enchassi said McKinney was welcomed to the mosque like a brother.
“He was having thoughts of suicide and drinking heavily before going to the mosque,” Enchassi said. “He found that Islam was the answer to his prayers. It helped him find clarity and vision.”
Enchassi said McKinney will tell his story and speak about the psychology of Islamophobia.
“We thought we would bring him to Oklahoma City, in this time where hate and Islamophobia is at an all-time high,” Enchassi said. “It seems like there are many Richard McKinney’s around the world. Hate is often unfounded, or is based on fear and misconceptions.”
Allie McMurry, religious education sophomore, said she looks forward to McKinney’s visit.
“It’s great that we’re having someone speak about this,” Mcmurry said. “Interfaith dialogue is so important. I think it helps people grow in their own personal faith and encourages us to come together as a community.”
Taylor Downey, youth ministry junior, said she encourages everyone to go, especially those without experience with Islamic culture.
“This will be a good way for people to see that this religion and culture is not totally foreign,” Downey said. “There’s nothing to lose, but everything to learn.”
Enchassi said he encourages others to invite friends, colleagues and peers, especially those with little understanding of, or negative feelings towards, Islam.
Richard McKinney will speak 7-9 p.m. on Sept. 20 at the Kerr-McGee auditorium in Meinders School of Business.
Leave a Reply