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New Paths in M uslim‐ C hristian Dialog: Understanding I slam from the Light of Earliest J ewish C hristianity
Author(s) -
Cardoza Rod
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the muslim world
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.106
H-Index - 23
eISSN - 1478-1913
pISSN - 0027-4909
DOI - 10.1111/muwo.12033
Subject(s) - dialog box , islam , christianity , judaism , alliance , citation , religious studies , interfaith dialogue , theology , philosophy , classics , history , computer science , world wide web , archaeology
Recent developments in the study of earliest Christianity provide great opportunity for Muslim-Christian dialog, enabling us to see that there is far more common ground between us than commonly assumed. New perspectives afforded by these developments are causing a growing number of Christians to rethink the message of the Qur’ān in ways they never imagined possible. Unfortunately, most are unfamiliar with the study of earliest Christianity and its theological implications. Therefore, most Christians continue to assume that the Qur’ān completely contradicts biblical revelation, thereby erecting significant barriers to dialog and peacebuilding with Muslims. Similarly, while the Qur’ān certainly brings correction and warning to Christians who persist in excessive doctrines not taught by Jesus, most Muslims believe that certain titles used for Jesus in the New Testament constitute clear evidence of its corruption, further complicating dialog and peacebuilding with Christians. This paper will demonstrate how the study of earliest Christianity can help us move beyond peacebreaking assumptions of textual contradiction and corruption by examining one particular title of Jesus used by early Jewish Christians, showing how its later usage was complicated by worldview and translation, then proposing a cooperative effort between Muslim and Christian scholars to gently and respectfully address these matters in our faith communities to build genuine understanding and greater peace between Muslims and Christians. According to the Qur’ān, humble and learned Christians will be moved to tears after hearing it recited because they will recognize its divine origin: