Zealots at the Gate

I have deep rooted ties to Islam, with family and friends who are Muslim. I am deeply protective of them. Listening to this dialogue helps me feel fully seen, the part that worships and loves Jesus, and the part that appreciates and respects my Muslim family and friends. I’m so thankful for this podcast for modeling a way for me to think through complex issues that no one else is talking about, especially not with such thoughtfulness and care. Too often Christians are keen to emphasize their deep differences with Muslims, disrespecting their practices and beliefs, without recognizing the good that Muslims contribute. I’m grateful to have a Christian voice actively combating this all too common and harmful approach and doing so in a theologically honest way and openly wrestling with it. Shadi’s vulnerability is refreshing, especially touching on the intersection of racism when it comes to evangelical treatment of Muslims. That is so real. Please keep it up!

I love this podcast and always look forward to new episodes. That being said, there’s a difference between Shadi’s philosophical approach to religion and Matthew’s, which doesn’t map neatly onto how Muslims and Christians think about their religion. Shadi has a more liberal, almost perennialist attitude to Islam, whereas Matthew is (as marketed) an evangelical Christian. I also see some mismatch between their background expertise on the finer points of theology. As a Muslim listener, I would love to hear from more traditionally-educated Muslim scholars with good knowledge of the Christian tradition. Shaykh Hamza Karamali comes to mind.

I am grateful for their dialogue; not necessarily agreeing, and yet, honoring each other by listening, and when speaking, showing respect for their friend. The guest have been great! Thanks for sharing with us.

Shadi and Matt’s interfaith dialogue podcast beautifully demonstrates a way of unlocking the power of religious traditions while providing inspiration in all sorts of surprising ways