The Necessity of Theology and Practice in Islamic Studies

Abstract

In his groundbreaking article “The Theological and Apologetical Dimensions of Muslim Evangelization,” Samuel P. Schlorff states that “for far too long evangelical missions have been limping along without an effective apologetic to Islam” (Schlorff, 1980, 335). Since his article was published some work has been done, yet there remains a great need for the continued development of thorough and effective Christian apologetic directed towards Islamic theology and worldview. This requires a thorough and increasing understanding of both Christian and Islamic theology, which must be developed via both theoretical study and actual interactive practice. This combination of knowledge and experience will provide an integrated education when conveyed by faculty to students. The present study provides a case where a presuppositional apologetic approach of internal and comparative critique of aspects of the Islamic doctrine of Allah are then applied interactively to highlight the necessity of understanding both Christian and Islamic theology in preparation for Christian witness and interaction. Issues of application in the field of Christian higher education are also presented.