Questions About God: Overcoming Some Theological Barriers in Muslim Christian Dialogue

Abstract

Belief in and worship of one God is the most basic tenet of both Muslim and Christian faith. This might be seen as a significant area of common ground, and yet there are theological barriers within sections of both communities that unnecessarily widen the gap between the two faiths.

Some Christian leaders and writers have asserted the view that Muslims and Christians do not worship the same God. This paper will argue that it is unhelpful to think in terms of Christians and Muslims worshipping two completely different entities. It will respond to the two main forms of argument, (1) theological differences in the attributes and character of God, and (2) Muslim denial of the doctrine of the trinity.

Among Muslims there is often suspicion that the monotheism of Christians is severely compromised by their belief in the trinity and the divinity of Christ. This paper will argue that ‘mainstream’ Christianity, is a truly monotheistic faith and will seek areas of common understanding in moving forward in dialogue, while recognising continued differences.