More Common Objections When Sharing the Gospel with Muslims: Thoughtful Responses for Deeper Conversations

When engaging in conversations with Muslims about Christianity, you may encounter a variety of objections beyond the most common ones. These objections often stem from deeply held theological beliefs and cultural understandings that differ from Christian teachings. This guide will help you navigate additional objections and provide respectful and thoughtful responses to encourage open dialogue about Jesus and the gospel.

7. "The Trinity Contradicts the Belief in One God"

The concept of the Trinity—one God in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit)—is often seen by Muslims as contradictory to the Islamic belief in the absolute oneness of God (tawhid). They may view the Trinity as a form of polytheism, which conflicts with the central tenet of Islam that God is strictly one.

How to Respond:

Clarify the Christian Belief: Begin by clarifying that Christians also believe in one God. The doctrine of the Trinity does not mean that Christians worship three gods, but rather that one God exists in three distinct persons who share the same divine essence.

Use Analogies (With Caution): Analogies can help, but be cautious as none perfectly capture the mystery of the Trinity. One analogy is water, which can exist as liquid, ice, and vapor but is still one substance. Another is the sun, which consists of the star itself, its light, and its heat—all distinct, yet one.

Focus on Relationship and Unity: Emphasize that the Trinity reflects God’s relational nature. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are in perfect unity, love, and purpose, which is why Christians worship one God who reveals Himself in these three persons.

Bible Verse: Matthew 28:19 – "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

8. "Christians Believe in Original Sin, but Islam Teaches That We Are Born Pure"

Islam teaches that all people are born in a state of purity (fitrah) and that sin is something acquired through actions. Muslims reject the Christian doctrine of original sin, which teaches that humanity inherits a sinful nature due to the fall of Adam and Eve. They may see this doctrine as unjust and incompatible with God’s mercy.

How to Respond:

Acknowledge Their Belief: Begin by acknowledging that Muslims believe in the inherent purity of people at birth. You might say, “I understand that in Islam, people are seen as born pure, and that sin is a result of actions rather than a condition from birth.”

Explain the Christian View of Sin: Gently explain that Christians believe sin isn’t just about actions but also about the condition of the human heart. The doctrine of original sin teaches that humanity’s nature was affected by the fall, which is why we are inclined to sin. This doesn’t mean that individuals are born guilty, but that we all need God’s grace to be restored to the relationship He intended for us.

Highlight God’s Mercy and Grace: Emphasize that in Christianity, God’s mercy is shown through Jesus, who offers forgiveness and a new heart. The solution to our sin problem isn’t through our efforts but through God’s grace in Jesus Christ.

Bible Verse: Romans 3:23-24 – "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."

9. "Why Would God Need to Become Human to Forgive Sins?"

Muslims believe that God (Allah) is all-powerful and merciful, and that He can forgive sins directly without any need for sacrifice or mediation. The idea that God would need to become human and die on a cross to forgive sins is seen as unnecessary and incompatible with God’s greatness.

How to Respond:

Affirm God’s Mercy and Power: Start by affirming that Christians also believe in God’s mercy and power. You might say, “I agree that God is all-powerful and merciful. In Christianity, we believe that God’s mercy is shown through Jesus, who made a way for us to be forgiven.”

Explain the Concept of Justice and Mercy: Share that in Christianity, God’s justice and mercy are perfectly balanced. God’s justice requires that sin be dealt with, but His mercy provides the solution through Jesus’ sacrifice. By becoming human, God Himself took on the penalty for our sins, demonstrating both His justice and His love.

Highlight the Personal Nature of God: Emphasize that God’s decision to enter human history as Jesus shows His deep love and desire for a personal relationship with humanity. Rather than remaining distant, God chose to come close and offer a way for us to be reconciled to Him.

Bible Verse: 1 Peter 3:18 – "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit."

10. "Why Do Christians Eat Pork and Drink Alcohol When These Are Forbidden in Islam?"**

Muslims follow dietary laws that prohibit the consumption of pork and alcohol, which are seen as impure and harmful. They may view the Christian practice of eating pork and drinking alcohol as inconsistent with living a holy and disciplined life. This can raise questions about Christian morality and obedience to God’s commands.

How to Respond:

- Explain the Difference in Covenants**: Begin by explaining that the dietary laws found in the Old Testament were part of the Mosaic Covenant given to the Israelites. However, with the coming of Jesus, Christians believe that a new covenant was established, which fulfilled and transcended the old laws.

- Share the Christian Perspective on Purity**: Emphasize that in Christianity, purity is not primarily about what we eat or drink, but about the condition of the heart and living in a way that honors God. Jesus taught that it’s not what goes into a person that defiles them, but what comes out of their heart (Mark 7:18-23).

- Acknowledge the Importance of Self-Control**: While Christians have the freedom to eat and drink certain things, this freedom comes with responsibility. Self-control and moderation are important Christian virtues, and Christians are called to avoid excess and behaviors that harm their relationship with God or others.

Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 10:31 – "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

11. "Why Do Christians Believe in the Resurrection? People Don’t Rise From the Dead"

The resurrection of Jesus is a central belief in Christianity, but it is often met with skepticism by Muslims, who do not believe in His crucifixion or resurrection. They may see the idea of someone rising from the dead as implausible and incompatible with their understanding of life and death.

How to Respond:

- Acknowledge Their Skepticism: Start by acknowledging that the resurrection is a difficult concept for many people to accept. You might say, “I understand that the idea of resurrection is challenging to believe, especially since we don’t see it happen in everyday life.”

- Point to the Historical Evidence: Share that the resurrection of Jesus is not just a matter of blind faith, but is supported by historical evidence, including eyewitness accounts and the transformation of Jesus’ disciples, who were willing to die for their belief in the risen Christ.

- Explain the Significance of the Resurrection: Emphasize that the resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith because it demonstrates Jesus’ victory over sin and death. It provides hope for eternal life and is the foundation of the Christian belief in Jesus as the Son of God and Savior.

Bible Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:17 – "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins."

12. "How Can Christians Believe in the Forgiveness of All Sins, Even the Worst Ones?"

Muslims may struggle with the Christian belief that even the worst sins can be forgiven through faith in Jesus. In Islam, there are different levels of sin, and while some sins can be forgiven, others may require specific acts of repentance or punishment. The idea that God would forgive all sins, no matter how grievous, simply by grace, can be difficult to understand.

How to Respond:

- Acknowledge the Seriousness of Sin: Begin by acknowledging that Christians also take sin seriously, and that forgiveness is not about ignoring or minimizing wrongdoing. You might say, “I agree that sin is a serious issue, and in Christianity, we believe that God’s forgiveness doesn’t mean that sin is overlooked—it means that Jesus took the punishment for our sins on the cross.”

- Emphasize the Power of God’s Grace: Share that Christians believe in the power of God’s grace to cover all sins, no matter how great. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was sufficient to atone for every sin, and His resurrection provides the promise of new life. This doesn’t mean that sin has no consequences, but that God’s love and mercy are greater than any sin we commit.

- Highlight the Transformative Nature of Forgiveness**: Explain that God’s forgiveness isn’t just about wiping the slate clean—it’s about transforming lives. When someone accepts Jesus’ forgiveness, they are given the Holy Spirit, who helps them live a new life that honors God.

- Bible Verse: 1 John 1:9 – "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

Engaging Thoughtfully with Muslim Objections**

Addressing common objections from Muslims when sharing the gospel requires a deep understanding of both Christian and Islamic beliefs, as well as patience, humility, and respect. By thoughtfully responding to these objections, you can create opportunities for meaningful dialogue and deeper exploration of who Jesus is and why His message is so important.

Remember that these conversations are not about winning debates but about sharing the love and truth of Jesus in a way that invites others to consider the gospel. Trust in the Holy Spirit to guide your words and to work in the hearts of those you engage with, knowing that God is at work in every conversation.