Early Christian-Muslim Relations (ENREL07)

A study of the history of Arab Christianity, the Advent of Islam in the East, the cultural contributions of Arabic-speaking Christians, early Christian-Muslim theological conversations, and the beginnings of Christian theology in the world of Islam.

Course code: ENREL07

Professor: Dr. Wageeh Mikhail

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

1- summarize the historical origins of early Christian-Muslim theological conversations.

2- Identify key terms and names of Eastern Christian theology in the world of Islam.

3- Understand the structure and content of early Christian Kalām.

4- Appreciate the cultural achievements of Christians in the World of Islam

Course Content

Lesson 1: Introduction

Lesson 2: The Issue of the “Dhimmīs”

Lesson 3: Early Christian Responses to Islam

Lesson 4: John of Damascus on Islam

Lesson 5:The Patriarch Timothy I and Caliph al- al-Mahdī (I)

Lesson 6: The Patriarch Timothy I and Caliph al- al-Mahdī (II)

Lesson 7: The Patriarch Timothy I and Caliph al- al-Mahdī (III)

Lesson 8: Al-Ma’mūn and Abū Qurrah

Lesson 9: Christian-Muslim Relations in Andalusia

Lesson 10: The Mongols and the “Frankic Wars”

Lesson 11: Muslim Polemicists

Lesson 12: Cultural Achievements of Christians in the World of Islam