The 10 Most Common Questions Posed by Muslims and How to Respond - Jay Smith

Introduction

This tutorial aims to equip you with effective responses to the ten most common questions posed by Muslims regarding the Bible and the divinity of Jesus Christ. By understanding these questions and learning how to respond appropriately, you can engage in meaningful conversations that introduce the gospel message while addressing misconceptions about Christianity.

Step 1: Understanding Common Questions

Familiarize yourself with the most common questions Muslims ask about Christianity. The key questions include:

1. Are Yahweh and Allah the same?
2. Can God be one yet three simultaneously?
3. Is Jesus the Son of God?
4. Where does Jesus say I am God?
5. Is Jesus the true prophet compared to Muhammad?
6. Was Jesus crucified?
7. Is Islam a religion of peace?
8. Why is Islam growing so rapidly?

Knowing these questions will help you prepare thoughtful responses.

Step 2: Responding to the Question of God

When discussing whether Yahweh and Allah are the same, emphasize the following points:

• Different Understandings of God: Explain that while both names refer to God, their attributes differ significantly. Yahweh is depicted as a triune God, while Allah is not.
• Use of Names: Point out that having the same name does not imply the same nature or character. For example, many people share the name "Abdullah," but they are not the same person.
• Cultural Context: Discuss how the name "Allah" has roots in Nabataean history, which can lead to misunderstandings about its meaning in the context of the Bible.

Step 3: Discussing the Trinity

To address the question of how God can be one and yet three, consider these approaches:

• Scriptural Basis: Use scripture to illustrate the concept of the Trinity. Reference Genesis and the New Testament to show that the idea of a triune God is present throughout the Bible.
• Relational Nature: Explain that God's loving and relational nature is exemplified in the Trinity, as God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist in eternal relationship with one another.
• Challenge Assumptions: Engage Muslims by asking how their understanding of a singular God can account for love and relationships before creation.

Step 4: Clarifying the Son of God

When discussing why Jesus is referred to as the Son of God, focus on:

• Understanding Sonship: Clarify that the term "Son of God" is not about biological descent but about relational identity and divine inheritance.
• Citing Examples: Use Arabic terms to describe that "ibn" can mean a relational son, which aligns with how Jesus refers to himself.
• Scriptural Support: Reference Matthew 26:62-66, where Jesus affirms his identity, to illustrate his divine title.

Step 5: Addressing the Crucifixion

For the question of whether Jesus was crucified, use these strategies:

• Internal Contradictions: Point out contradictions within the Quran regarding Jesus' death, such as Surah 3:55 and Surah 19:33, which affirm his death.
• Historical Evidence: Cite historical sources outside the Bible, like Tacitus and Josephus, who confirm the crucifixion.
• Moral Dilemma: Discuss the implications of a God who allows deception in the narrative of Jesus' death.

Step 6: Exploring the Concept of Peace in Islam

To discuss whether Islam is a religion of peace:

• Ask for Evidence: Challenge your interlocutor to provide verses from the Quran that promote peace.
• Contextual Analysis: Explain the context of verses that may appear peaceful and contrast them with verses that support violence.
• Abrogation Principle: Discuss the concept of abrogation in the Quran, wherein later verses can override earlier ones.

Step 7: The Growth of Islam vs. Christianity

When addressing the growth of Islam, highlight:

• Conversion vs. Birth: Explain that Islam grows primarily through birth rates, while Christianity grows through conversion.
• Openness to Discussion: Encourage discussions about faith that are based on choice rather than coercion, contrasting the apostasy laws in Islam with the voluntary nature of Christian belief.

Conclusion

Understanding and effectively responding to these common questions allows you to engage Muslims in meaningful dialogue about Christianity. By preparing thoughtful and respectful answers, you can share the gospel message while addressing misconceptions. Consider practicing these responses in conversation and continuing to learn about both faiths for deeper engagement.