John of Damascus, First Apologist to the Muslims

By Daniel J. Janosik

Book Description

In an era when understanding between Christianity and Islam feels more crucial than ever, this scholarly work offers a unique window into the earliest encounters between these two faiths. Daniel J. Janosik introduces readers to John of Damascus, a remarkable eighth-century Christian who occupied an extraordinary position as chief financial officer within the Islamic Umayyad Empire while maintaining his Christian convictions.

Writing during Islam's formative period, John of Damascus created two pivotal apologetic works that provide an eyewitness perspective on the developing relationship between Christianity and the emerging Islamic faith. His writings, "the Heresy of the Ishmaelites" and "the Disputation between a Christian and a Saracen," offer insights into fundamental theological questions that continue to shape interfaith dialogue today.

This comprehensive study examines John's life and analyzes his apologetic approach in detail, featuring the first English translation from critical texts. Readers will discover how early Christians grappled with core theological concepts including the Trinity and the nature of Christ when engaging with Islamic thought. The work explores historical questions about the Quran's composition and the influence of political leaders like Caliph Abd al-Malik on religious development.

For contemporary readers seeking to understand the historical foundations of Christian-Muslim relations, this book provides valuable context and practical insights. It equips modern believers with historical perspective and thoughtful approaches for engaging respectfully across religious boundaries in today's interconnected world.