Free online course on Christian-Muslim relations launched

Uncover important themes in the history of Christian-Muslim relations and understand the politics that continue to shape it in this new free online course.

HTML

Christian-Muslim relations

Uncover important themes in the history of Christian-Muslim relations and understand the politics that continue to shape it. 

Sign up for free, or read more about what you'll cover below. 

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

On this innovative four-week course, you will be introduced to the academic study of Christian-Muslim relations with the School of Divinity at the University of Edinburgh. You will explore some of its key historical moments, will compare the teachings of both the Bible and the Qur’an, will learn about the everlasting theological debates that concern the study, and will decipher how politics and societies have been directly impacted by Christian-Muslim relations.

Explore the key theological debates between Christians and Muslims

You will 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 will 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 will 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 Islamic communities, and how social contexts can impact inter-religious encounters. Finally, you will develop an understanding of the roles that interreligious 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. We’re one of the only universities in the UK with this distinctively comparative focus on Islam and Christianity. You'll be taught by the School of Divinity's Dr Shadaab Rahemtulla (Programme Director of the newly launched Masters in Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations), and Dr Joshua Ralston (co-founder of the Christian-Muslim Studies Network).

What topics will you cover?

  • History: Highlighting salient themes in the history of Christian-Muslim relations
  • Scripture: Comparing the roles and usages of the Bible and Qur’an in their own respective faith communities
  • Theology: Exploring some of the key theological debates between both communities, including polemical and irenic exchanges
  • Politics: Unpacking the broader political and ideological contexts that have shaped (and that continue to reshape) Christian-Muslim encounters

Who is the course for?

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-Muslim communities, that wish to learn more about the other tradition and the history of inter-religious encounters.

Enroll for free.