Exploring Islam and Conversion in America: A Conversation with Patrick, Independent Scholar

In this compelling conversation, we sit down with Patrick, a passionate independent scholar whose research focuses on the history of Islam and conversion in the United States — especially among white, Latino, and African-American communities. Patrick’s journey into this field is deeply personal and intellectually driven, sparked by a lifelong interest in religion and identity in America.

Patrick’s academic path was shaped in the post-9/11 cultural landscape of the United States. Initially not focused on Islam in his undergraduate years at the University of Colorado Boulder, it wasn’t until graduate school — at the University of Denver and the Iliff School of Theology — that he began formally researching the history of religious conversion, with a special focus on Islam.

His story resonates with many scholars who feel torn between pursuing intellectually fulfilling work and managing the professional challenges of academia. Patrick candidly reflects on his career decisions and the systemic limitations in the academic study of religion. While his work hasn’t yielded the financial security often hoped for in academia, his deep passion for understanding religious conversion and identity formation continues to drive his research.

One particularly fascinating theme Patrick explores is the lack of scholarly attention given to white and Latino converts to Islam, which led him into the broader history of African-American Islam. His work fills an important gap in religious and cultural scholarship, highlighting the diversity and complexity of American Muslim identities from 1800 to the present day.

Patrick also offers a critical lens on how Western academia has historically framed “religion” through a predominantly Christian lens, often marginalizing other faiths. He emphasizes the importance of studying Islam on its own terms, especially in a religiously pluralistic society like the United States.

This episode is a must-watch for those interested in Islam in America, religious conversion, and academic challenges in religious studies.

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube here:

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