Is the Father of Jesus the God of Muhammad? Understanding the Differences Between Christianity and Islam

by Timothy George

The days when western Christians could ignore the influence of Islam are over.

Today as never before, the world’s second largest religion is shaping our culture, and words such as jihad, imam, Quran, and fatwa have entered our vocabulary. While all Muslims are no more alike than all Christians are alike, there are certain fundamental beliefs that all Muslims hold in common—some of which Christians would agree with, including belief in one true God. But is it the same God? How does the God of Muhammad differ from the God of Christianity?

Written in a clear, passionate style that is conciliatory, balanced, and uncompromisingly biblical, this book describes and contrasts the distinctives of Christianity and Islam. Its author, a noted historian and theologian who has studied Islam for many years, writes with an eye on helping Christians better understand how to interact with Muslims. Beginning with an overview of Islam—what it is and how it arose—here are fascinating and relevant insights on
· the Five Pillars of Islam · the role of religious violence from the Crusades onward
· the doctrine of the Trinity and the character of God · Christian and Muslim views of Jesus Christ and salvation · what Christians can learn from Muslims · how Christians can share Christ with their Muslim neighbors . . . and more

Genres: Theology, Islam, Religion, Christian, Spirituality, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2002

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.


Timothy George is Dean at Beeson Divinity School, Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. He is also editor, together with his wife Denise, of the Library of Baptist Classics series. He previously was an associate professor of church history and historical theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky.

Reviews

[Lorrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Because Islam is not a religion of redemption, there is no need for the cross and no place for grace." Poignant words written by Dr. George. This book is a great introduction to Islam with helpful compare/contrast discussion to Christianity.

[Colby · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a fine primer on Islamic theology. It’s strength is its comparative theology proper. Certainly written for Christians without any knowledge of Islam. Easily readable. I’d recommend this to anyone who wants to get a basis on Islam and comparative religions.

[Ryan Linkous · Rating 4 out of 5]

Timothy George writes a helpful Christian introduction to Islam that is respectable and peaceable. His main comparison is the doctrine of God, Christ, and salvation in Christianity versus those in Islam. He writes in mind of Christians who are unfamiliar with Islam and want to share the gospel with their Muslim neighbors and for those who may be tempted to think they are different religions following the same God. His comparisons and contrasts deal primarily with the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. He even seems to hope to teach Christians a little about the Trinity as they learn about Islam.

Though the depth of this book is not great, T. George works remarkably well within the parameters he sets for himself. I think this is a great starting place for most Christians who are interested in learning about Islam. I don't believe this book is intended to be one to hand to Muslims to show them points of separation with Christianity (although it may be effective that way), it's for Christians.

What you won't find in this book are positive or negative charicatures of Muslims, discussion of current Islamic nation-states, lengthy discussion on jihad, or an all-inclusive apologetic intending to dispute with Islam's every truth claim (although he does clarify that Islamic teachings from the Quran are at odds with Trinitarian-Christian doctrine).

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book – clear, insightful, well-written, and irenic. There is a fine balance of history and theology here, without being either technical or reductionistic. George explores the things Christianity and Islam share in common (such as monotheism), but focuses most of his attention on how the Trinity (Christians believe in a complex oneness to the nature of God), incarnation (Christians insist that God can and has “come down” in the person of Jesus the Son, which is shirk to the Muslim), and redemption (Christians proclaim that more than revelation/guidance is necessary to deal with the mess of humanity) irreconcilably divide these historic faiths. George’s best quality is his careful and gracious manner. I highly recommend this book for a first-read on Christianity and Islam.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is written by a Christian with the purpose of examining Christianity and Islam, and seeing similarities and key differences among these faiths.

I appreciated the tone of the author, not to bash or put down Islam, but to genuinely examine what these faiths believe. I believe he concisely presents a fair description of Islam and some key differences in Christianity, focusing on things such as the nature of God (including the Trinity), the concept of salvation, and the person of Jesus.

I think this is a great book for introducing Islam to Christians who want to be able to lovingly engage in witness and conversation with Muslim friends.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is definitely not an apologetic book (as the author points out at the beginning). I believe the book had a wealth of good information, but I just couldn't see how the author was connecting all this information to be able to converse with a Muslim. Honestly, the book is best read as just an information guide on the similarities and differences among Christianity and Islam.

[WilliamTellSix · Rating 5 out of 5]

A balanced, readable, and scholarly work on Christianity and Islam. Christians will not disagree with what Timothy George has to say about Christianity. Muslims will not disagree with what Timothy George has to say about Islam. A good place to start becoming informed.

[John Reas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written comparative analysis between the two faiths, I recommend this for reading by all Christians who desire a better understanding of not only the faith of Muhammad but our own Christian belief as well.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book both for reviewing the basic theology of orthodox Christianity, but also to pinpoint exactly how Christian theology differs from Islam.

[Julie Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a fascinating book that I learned a lot from. however, it is written from a slanted Christian view

[David Hile · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good comparison if Christianity and Islam. It is from a Christian point of view but is quite simpathetic to Islam. It will take several more rounds to full digest it.

[Saz Jibson Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clear and interesting explanation of the differences and similarities of the two religions. George highlights Christ's promise of "redemption, not merely revelation [and] grace, not simply guidance."

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informational, and helpful for understanding the differences beyond the superficial things.

[James Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charitable discussion of the similarities and differences between Islam and Christianity. I found it very enjoyable and helpful.