But first we will establish some ground rules for enquiry and give ourselves permission to ask some difficult questions in the face of charges of "Islamophobia". We will introduce our discussion of Islam's ideologies, key people and history – mostly from Islam's primary sources.
On the second night, we will consider the basic differences between Islam and Christianity. We will find that the God of the Koran and of the Bible have very different natures.
Islam considers itself to be the final religion, the corrected revelation of two corrupted Monotheisms – Judaism and Christianity. All main biblical characters, including Jesus, are considered to be Muslim prophets.
In Islam, God does not make covenants and is only called holy twice throughout the Koran, whereas these are often repeated and fundamental characteristics of the Biblical God. Allah cannot be called father as the biblical God wishes to be known.
According to Islamic scripture Muhammad engaged in torture, warfare, slavery and decapitated prisoners of war. The contrasts to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ are stark.
Thirdly we will look at Islamic Shariah law, the basis of historic, orthodox Islamic practice which seeks to have every believer pattern their life on that of the perfect believer, Muhammad.
Finally we will be ready to look at Jihad, particularly as understood by the Islamic State and consider the serious implications of their beliefs and what their success may mean for us.
Why are these Muslims doing what other Muslims are not? What is the Islamic State's long-term goal? How can non-Muslims assist our moderate Muslim friends in combating extremism?
New Zealand society has become increasingly secularised and religiously illiterate – large swathes of us no longer understand what strong religious convictions can mean to people.
I hope many will come to the talks, weigh the evidence and be encouraged to freely pursue their own studies in this area.
If you have any questions/queries arising from these talks, please feel free to comment by clicking on the COMMENTS at the top right.