Christian-Muslim Relations

Gain an insight into the academic study of Christian-Muslim Relations

On this innovative four-week course, you’ll be introduced to the academic study of Christian-Muslim Relations with the School of Divinity at the University of Edinburgh.

You’ll explore some of its key historical moments, compare the teachings of both the Bible and the Qur’an, will learn about the everlasting theological debates that concern the study, and will also decipher how politics and societies have been directly impacted by Christian-Muslim relations.

Explore the key theological debates between Christians and Muslims

You’ll gain insight into the major events and movements which have shaped the encounters between Christians and Muslims, from the rise of Islam (610-632CE) to the present day.

You’ll then identify key areas of theological and religious commonality, and will discover what has caused disagreements and debates between Christians and Muslims throughout history.

Unpack the political and ideological contexts that have shaped Christian-Muslim relations

You’ll evaluate the role of religion and Christian-Muslim relations in different social and political contexts all around the globe, and will understand the main ideas and practices of both Christian and Muslim communities, and how social contexts can impact inter-religious encounters.

Finally, you’ll develop an understanding of the roles that inter-religious dialogue and polemics (or contentious rhetorics) function in the formation of religions.

Learn from educators at The School of Divinity at the University of Edinburgh

The School of Divinity at the University of Edinburgh has played a pioneering role in Islam and the study of Christian-Muslim relations. In fact, they’re the only university in the UK with this distinctively comparative focus on Islam and Christianity.

This course is for those interested in learning more about the two largest religions in the world. This can include the general public and prospective postgraduate students for the newly developed taught Masters in Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations at the University of Edinburgh.

It’s also suited to religious leaders, in both Christian and Muslim communities, who wish to learn more about the other tradition and the history of inter-religious encounters.

• The Bible and the Qur'an
• Introduction to FutureLearn and the Course
• Welcome
• Introduction to Christianity and Islam
• The Bible and the Qur’an: Thinking Comparatively
• Investigative Exercises
• Summary
• Jesus and Prophet Muhammad
• Welcome
• The Qur’an: Thinking Comparatively
• Jesus and The Cross
• Two Medieval Christian Perspectives on Islam
• Investigative Exercise
• Summary
• Historical encounters
• Welcome
• When Christians First Met Muslims
• Architecture and the Legacy of Conquest
• The Ongoing Legacy of History
• Summary
• Case studies
• Welcome
• The Long History of Christianity and Islam in Egypt
• Case Study: Church Buildings
• Case Study: Al-Azhar and Dialogue
• Drawing Connections
• Summary