Christian responses to Islamic Christology: a critique of surahs three. four, and nineteen of the qur'an

Abstract

The aims of this study are to present and to evaluate the Quranic portrayal of Jesus as found in surahs three, four, and nineteen. Chapter one incorporates a brief introduction leading to the presentation of what the Qur'an says about Jesus within the prescribed limits, and in the light supplied by Christian and Muslim exegetes. The second chapter appraises, in relation to the Qur'an, the relevant Biblical and apocryphal views of Jesus, noting the parallels, differences and additions afforded by the canonical and non-canonical accounts. Chapter three examines, from a wide Christian perspective, a number of different Christological viewpoints. Subsequently, each Christology is examined in relation to Islamic Christology. The pertinent points are discussed in detail, noting similarities and differences. Chapter four examines the Quranic material relating to the question of the death of Jesus and this involves an appraisal of various Muslim traditions which prove to be contrary to the Qur'an. Chapter five presents an evaluation of Islamic Christology. It is argued that there is substantial agreement between the Qur'an and the Bible with regard to Jesus. From the Unitarian and Liberal Christian viewpoints, Islamic Christology is an acceptable Christology. On the other hand, it is argued that Islamic Christology, from the orthodox Christian perspective, is not worthy of consideration as a legitimate Christology because it does not incorporate the concept of Incarnation.