Why Studying Islam Makes You a Better Christian | Dr. Fitzroy Morrissey

Can studying Islam deepen your Christian faith? In this episode of The Examined Faith, Tuppy is joined by his brother Dr. Fitzroy Morrissey, Associate Professor of Islamic Studies and Law at the University of Oxford and Fellow of Pembroke College, for a wide-ranging conversation on two of the world's great Abrahamic faiths.Fitz brings a rare perspective: a committed Christian who has spent his career immersed in Islamic thought, including the rich Sufi intellectual tradition. Together they explore where Christianity and Islam genuinely converge, from the Quran's striking affirmations about Jesus (his virgin birth, miracles, and status as "Word of God") to the Sufi concept of the "Muhammadan Light" and its remarkable echoes of the Johannine Logos.They also examine where the two traditions fundamentally diverge, on original sin, redemption, and the role of law in the moral life, and how Muslims have historically understood the relationship between the Quran and the Bible, including the concept of tahrif (the corruption of scripture).As the Anglican bishop and scholar Kenneth Cragg once wrote, not to care about Islam would be not to care about Christ. It's a conviction Fitz shares, and one that shapes everything he discusses here.What we cover:Why Christians should study IslamWhat the Quran says about Jesus — virgin birth, miracles, and "Word of God"Sufism explained: the "Muhammadan Light" and the Johannine LogosOriginal sin, redemption, and law: where Christianity and Islam divergeTahrif: how Muslims understand the corruption of scriptureWhether interfaith scholarship can enable real dialogueSectionIntro & guest introduction 0:00Fitz's background / how he got into Islamic studies 1:02Why Christians should explore Islam 4:40Similarities between Christianity & Islam 10:05What is Sufism? 13:53How Christians should approach the Quran 21:29Original sin & key theological differences 28:11The Quran's relationship to the Bible 37:40Muslim views on Paul & the gospels 40:58Hope for interfaith dialogue 43:57Wrap-up & book recommendations 46:08Books & scholars recommended:A Short History of Islamic Thought — Fitzroy MorrisseyThe Renewal of Islam — Fitzroy MorrisseyKenneth Cragg, Marshall Hodgson, Gabriel Said ReynoldsFor more about Fitzroy and his work: https://www.pmb.ox.ac.uk/person/professor-fitzroy-morrissey Grow deeper in faith with the FaithWave app: https://www.faithwave.app/#christianityandislam  #interfaithdialogue  #sufism  #jesusinthequran #christianfaith