Understanding Islam – in the light of Bullinger and Wesley

Abstract

The paper examines what Bullinger and Wesley say about Islam and elements in their theology relevant to relations with those of other faiths. Bullinger regarded Islam as a Christian heresy. He argues that Muslims do not confess a single article of the Christian faith and are guilty of inhuman cruelty. Wesley’s comments are brief, though also critical. After arguing that Scripture does not damn all heathen outside God’s people, Bullinger considers non-biblical heathen. He draws particularly on Romans 1 and 2 and Cornelius. Wesley appears not to distinguish heathen before and after Christ. He sees Muslims as not having heard the gospel, so that certain texts do not apply. Final judgment belongs to God not us. He is God of all, not of some. His attitude to all is one of mercy. He judges according to the light people have. The conclusion notes various similarities and differences.