Review: Allah - A Christian Response, by Miroslav Volf

Miroslav Volf, (Click on his name for his biography from Yale Divinity School) Professor of Theology from Yale University wrote the book Allah – A Christian Response as a way to bridge the Islam/Christian divide.  Volf is a native of Croatia that was part of the former Yugoslavia, torn apart by war (much of wish was based on religious differences).

Miroslav Volf

The main thesis that Volf makes is that the Islamic God “Allah” is the same God as the Judeo-Christian God “Yahweh.”  Volf makes it clear from the beginning that he is speaking as a Christian and is not speaking for Muslims.  Therefore, all the claims he makes are from a Christian perspective.  He does, however, invite Muslims into a dialogue about his presentation.

Volf also makes it clear that this book does not deal with issues of Salvation, eternity, or the after-life.  This book ONLY deals with this current life and our current situations.  He is clear that those issues are important, but they are not the purpose of this particular work.

Volf lays out a clear, though sometimes tedious, argument that “Allah” and “Yahweh” are the same God.  I only use the word “tedious” in that this book is probably best understood by those used to reading academic writing.  To his credit, he does attempt (and is often successful) at making this book accessible to the average reader.  He avoids complex theological terms, but rather, he uses common language to prove his points.

The Nature of God, the Definition of God, and the Knowledge of God are all included in Volv’s points.  He makes it very clear from the beginning that he is arguing that “Allah” and “Yahweh” are the same God, and then he goes on to present his proofs.  While some may find this controversial, and even blasphemous, Volf is interested in finding the commonalities of the 2 religions so that serious dialogue can take place.  He even presents a formula for engaging in Inter-Faith Dialogue. 

This book is an excellent example of Theology in Practice.  He presents his case in a systematic manner without denying that there are serious differences between the 2 religions.  But, again, that is his purpose – That in this life, we must learn to coexist rather than live in fear of one another.  And only when this bridge is gapped, can the 3 Abrahamic Faiths live in peace.