These two articles radically clarified some misconceptions I had about the divide in Islam between Shi’ites and Sunni’s. As someone who is about as informed as the average American on Islam (read: greatly uninformed), I knew that the split between the two sects had to do with Mohammad’s successor. Additionally, I figured that the two shared major beliefs. I didn’t know, however, that those differences have impacts that are more than history–they’re how they view theology.
I was particularly struck by the acknowledgement of reason, seen as God’s gift. This viewpoint, along with the guidance and authority of an imam secured by succession, doesn’t turn the law into a sensitivity towards bid’a and further divisions on interpretation. Rather, it changes the viewpoint altogether, providing a unity under a common framework, as opposed to fractions sourced in small distinctions.
Given these large distinctions, I’m curious what the path to Islamic inter-ecumenism looks like. Is such progress possible? One article mentioned a Shi’ite seminary opening to Sunnis for the first time only a few years ago. Are the distinctions minimizing or are the two sides working towards establishing a common ground and understanding, specifically around the Imamate?
Islam & Christian-Muslim Relations, Hamaty 
Andrew, thanks for these thoughts. Your question about intra-Islamic dialogue is interesting; is there real possibility of convergence, especially since Shi’ite beliefs are tied up with an eschatological hope for the Mahdi?
–Stephanie
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Good point Stephanie and thanks Andrew! I think Andrew is right to underline the importance of reasoning in Shi`ite Islam. Of course, as we saw from Prof. Sirry’s lecture reasoning is also important in Sunni jurisprudence. Most Shi`ite scholars however, have a sense of the ability of reason — *independently from divine revelation* — to achieve an understanding of goodness and justice. This may be a key difference.
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