Mutual Transformation in the Early Histories of Christianity and Islam

Izak Y M Lattu

doi:10.21043/qijis.v7i1.4252

Abstract

<p>This article examines mutual relationships in the historical teachings of Christianity and Islam. Drawing on John B. Cobb, Jr’s mutual transformation theory, the article argues that early Christians and Muslims scholars have learned from other traditions in developing their religious teachings. I employ historical writings on the key figures and the early scholars of both religions. Based on documentary research, this article illustrates the mutual contact with other religious communities in the history of Christianity and Islam. Both Christian and Muslim Classical philosophers touch upon classical Greek Philosophers to develop intelectual traditons and teachings. As a result of the encounter, mutual transformation invites people to be involved in a deep dialogue and to be openhearted to learn, from the teachings of other religious traditions.</p>

Highlights

Cobb insists that mutual transformation does not stop in peaceful co-existence, but continue to transform religious followers towards open attitude and ability to learn from teaching and wisdom of other religions without losing self-religious identity (Cobb and Griffin, 1976:14; Cobb, 1998:52)
Not many scholars study religious mutual transformation in the Greek philosophical reception on Arab World during the early encounter of Christianity and Islam when Muslim scholars developed the concept of Islamic philosophy
This study explores John Cobb’s mutual transformation and examines the transformation in the history of Christianity and Islam

Summary

Introduction

Mutual Transformation in the Early Histories of Christianity and Islam | Not many scholars study religious mutual transformation in the Greek philosophical reception on Arab World during the early encounter of Christianity and Islam when Muslim scholars developed the concept of Islamic philosophy. The research argues that mutual transformation has taken place in the history of Christianity since the time of Jesus, while to prove the existence of mutual transformation in Islam, this article deals with Al-Kindi, Al Farabi and Ibn Sina’s experiences of quoting classical Greek philosophy in their works.

Results

Conclusion