Echoes of Muslim-Christian Disputes in Early Islam: A Theological Exchange and Its Lasting Influence

• Main Author: Adi, Isodorus Bangkit Susetyo, SJ
• Format: text
• Published: Archīum Ateneo 2024
• Subjects: Christian-Muslim relations; theology; Nestorianism; Monophysitism; Trinity
• Online Access: https://archium.ateneo.edu/apms/vol6/iss2/9; https://archium.ateneo.edu/context/apms/article/1088/viewcontent/08_20Adi_20v1.pdf
• Institution: Ateneo De Manila University

This paper explores the theological exchanges between early Muslim scholars and Nestorian and Monophysite Christian theologians in the unique and pivotal 9th century CE. It highlights how these interactions shaped Christian and Islamic theology. First, the study examines the socio-historical context of early Islam, focusing on debates regarding the oneness of God and the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. It analyzes arguments from both sides, illustrating how Muslim critics challenged Christian theologians to express their faith and theology in a more Arabic-friendly manner. On the other hand, it will also show how the rationalistic argument used by Muslim and Christian theologians serves as an impetus for the decisive development of Islamic doctrine about the nature of the Quran. Ultimately, the paper underscores the significant impact of these theological exchanges on the development of both Islamic and Christian thought during this unique and transformative period.