Godsplaining Do Christians and Muslims Worship the Same God?
Apr 30, 2026
A thoughtful conversation about whether Christians and Muslims refer to the same Creator. They trace historical Catholic teaching from Aquinas to Vatican II and explain how reason reveals shared divine attributes. They contrast Islam’s focus on submission with Christianity’s emphasis on friendship and highlight how revelation like the Trinity and Incarnation creates different understandings.
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Wheaton Professor Hijab Incident Sparked The Debate
- Fr. Patrick Briscoe begins with the 2015 Wheaton College incident where a professor wore a hijab to prompt debate about Christians and Muslims worshiping the same God.
- The episode used this cultural moment to introduce the creedal question and its stakes for believers.
Catholic Tradition Says Muslims Worship The One Creator
- Catholics have historically affirmed that Muslims worship the one true Creator even while differing in understanding of God.
- Fr. Patrick Briscoe and Fr Gregory Pine cite Aquinas, Gregory VII, Bellarmine, and Vatican II (Lumen Gentium, Nostra Aetate) as consistent sources for this view.
Evangelical Objections Are Rooted In Views On Natural Reason
- Protestant and evangelical hesitancy stems partly from differing views on natural theology and human depravity, not only doctrinal differences about Jesus or the Trinity.
- The friars note Karl Barth and some evangelicals reject natural-reason proofs that Aquinas and Vatican I defend.
