I. Introduction: The Art of Disagreeing Deeply Interfaith dialogue is frequently reduced to a polite exchange of platitudes or a superficial clash of “proof texts.” However, when pursued with intellectual rigor, these conversations reveal a fundamental epistemic conflict. The impasse often lies in the fact that two people can use the same words to describe entirely different realities. To understand the friction between Islam and Christianity, one must examine the underlying “grammar” of their respective faiths. Central to this is the understanding of the biblical Trinity, illustrating how divergent definitions of justice, personhood, and textual integrity shape the search for truth. II. Takeaway 1: “Textual Variance” is Not “Corruption” A primary point of friction concerns the reliability of the Bible. The Muslim perspective often operates on a “letter-for-letter” benchmark of preservation. Christian apologist Avery argues that for the Christian, preservation is defined by the endurance of the core revelation across… read more
Gospel Preservation
Religion is frequently a matter of inheritance rather than investigation. For many, faith consists of a collection of traditions passed down through generations, seldom subjected to the rigors of historical or textual scrutiny. However, when the primary sources of Islam and Christianity are placed in direct dialogue, a series of logical and theological crossroads emerge. This tension is often referred to as the Islamic Dilemma—a specific logical trap where the Quran’s own verses appear to undermine its authority by validating the very scriptures that contradict its core message. The following takeaways distill high-impact theological debates, highlighting the inconsistencies that arise when believers move beyond modern commentaries and engage directly with the claims of their own texts. 1. The Uncreated Nature of Jesus (The “Word” Paradox) A central pivot point in this interfaith dialogue is the ontological status of Jesus. While standard Islamic teaching classifies Jesus as a mere human prophet,… read more
