Alabamian first to earn new Islamic studies degree

FORT WORTH, Texas — An Alabama Baptist is the first recipient of a degree in Islamic studies from a Southern Baptist seminary.

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, awarded the master of arts degree during a Dec. 15 ceremony.

“The degree has afforded me the opportunity to study in more depth Muslim culture, religious traditions and the Arabic language,” degree recipient Alabama Baptist Gregory S. Self said in a statement.

Self said extensive study was necessary “to effectively share Christ with Muslims both in our nation and overseas.”