From Badr to Bondi: Is Islam Inherently Violent? Part 1
Once again there is terrible news of innocent people killed by terrorists associated with Islamic State (ISIS), this time 15 Jews celebrating Hanukkah on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Once again, the spectre of antisemitism and violence raised its ugly head. But is Islam to blame? Is Islam inherently violent? Part 1 of this blog looks at the causes which some Christians propose that may be said to be ‘internal’ to Islam. Part 2 will look at those which are ‘external’ and rooted in international affairs. The actual causes will always be complex but Christian writers and leaders tend to favour one or the other explanation.
Muslims, Christians and Antisemitism
Antisemitism is in the news. It’s a very sensitive topic and difficult to write about - this took me several weeks which is why it’s rather long! The blog focuses on how some Christians see Islam as being inherently antisemitic - especially in its texts - and therefore being a driver of terrorism and more. But how do Muslims interpret those texts and why aren’t all Muslims antisemitic terrorists? And what is Christianity’s track record on antisemitism? Christians need to be careful in how they speak about Islam and antisemitism if they want to gain a hearing for their own faith and avoid possibly convincing impressionable Muslims that the only way to be a good Muslim is to hate Jews.
Wearing a poppy? Take time to remember – and think
This is a rather different blog to the rest of the series. As we approach Armistice Day 2025 and remember the wars of the past, the world has become more violent and dangerous than ever. This blog will encourage you to take time not just to remember but to think. What does it mean to wear a poppy in the context of Christian-Muslim relations? What colour poppy should you wear? What will it communicate to others?
Islamization: Conspiracy, subversion and expansion?
Are Muslims seeking to take over the West? Is the current wave of immigration part of a conspiracy? Should Christians mobilize to resist the ‘Islamization’ of the West? Or is the Muslim presence in the West part of God’s sovereign purposes? Might they be allies helping to re-introduce faith into the secular public square? The growth of Muslim communities in Western countries is a controversial topic and, as with much else, Christians do not agree on an appropriate response. This blog explores some of the factors and issues around the Muslim presence in the West.
Flags, Crosses and Religious Identity
The ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rally of Saturday 13th September 2025 has already received a huge amount of comment. Over 100,000 people gathered in London to march, listen to speeches – and wave flags. Many Christians took part, and the cross was prominently displayed even as some speakers made anti-Muslim speeches. Why the flags? Why the crosses? In this blog I think about the power and importance of symbols in Christian-Muslim engagement.
Responses of Protestant Denominations and traditions
From learned conciliation documents crafted by bishops to fiery denunciations by revival preachers, there is a huge variety of responses to Islam amongst the world’s Protestant Christians. Some see Muslims as cousins, closely related believers in the One God, whilst others see them as followers of a demonic religion who pose an existential threat to Christians. This blog explores the approaches of mainline Protestant denominations as well as the divergent attitudes of evangelicals and Pentecostals.
Denominations and traditions: Roman Catholics & Orthodox
Christians are hugely diverse and respond to Islam and Muslims in many different ways. One important factor in those responses is the denomination, or tradition, which a Christian comes from. In this blog, I explore the official responses to Islam of the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches since the 20th century. It tells the stories of Vatican II, papal visits to mosques and kidnapped bishops in Syria.
‘Types’ of Christian responses to Islam
In the third blog of this series I explore typologies as a tool used by social science to simplify complex issues. It looks at polarisation within the Christian community with respect to Islam and examines the causes behind some of the reactions and the labels assigned to them.
‘What do you think of Muhammad?’
A prophet? A well-meaning reformer? A heretic? A false prophet? Even a historical fiction? These are just some of the ideas that different Christians have about Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam. The second blog in the new CMCSO blog series explores the controversial answers given by Christians to the question ‘What do you think of Muhammad?’
An Introduction to Christian Responses to Islam
To mark the publication of my book in paperback (August 2025) I am writing a series of blogs on the theme of Christian Responses to Islam which appear on the Centre for Muslim-Christian Studies Oxford website. They are broader than the book in that they include responses from non-evangelical and non-Protestant denominations wherever possible. I hope you find them helpful!