Welcome to Dr. Tim Orr's blog, an independent publication created by Dr. Tim Orr in February 2024. His views do not represent the ministry he works for or the organizations he researches. I provide an Evangelical Christian perspective on Islam and Interfaith engagement to offer insights, understanding, and dialogue between faiths. My mission is to illuminate Islamic teachings and practices from a Christian viewpoint, fostering a community of believers interested in learning and sharing ideas about faith.

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About Tim Orr

Tim Orr is an Evangelical minister, conference speaker, and interfaith consultant who is passionate about sharing the gospel and fostering understanding between Christians and Muslims. With over 30 years of experience in cross-cultural ministry, Tim’s work is deeply rooted in his Christian faith, driving his commitment to building bridges across religious divides. He holds six degrees, including a master’s in Islamic Studies from the Islamic College in London, where he developed a unique perspective on interfaith engagement.

Tim taught Religious Studies for 15 years at Indiana University Columbus and is now a research associate at the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture at Indiana University Indianapolis. He has spoken at prestigious institutions, including Oxford University, and at mosques across the UK, always focusing on how Christian principles of love and reconciliation can foster meaningful dialogue. His research explores American Evangelicalism, Islamic antisemitism, and Islamic feminism, and he has published three books, reflecting his dedication to deepening Christian understanding in a complex world.

About My Blogs

Background

My journey in interfaith dialogue took a pivotal turn while studying under Muslim scholars at the Islamic College in London. One of my professors posed a challenging question: “How do you find common ground without compromising your beliefs?” This wasn’t just an academic inquiry; it became a defining principle in engaging with others across faith lines, encouraging me to remain true to my evangelical convictions while building meaningful connections with people of different religious backgrounds.

As an urban pastor, elder, university adjunct professor, and research associate, I’ve encountered countless intersections of faith, culture, and worldview. These experiences have deepened my understanding of how dialogue between Christians and Muslims can be approached with empathy and integrity, a theme that runs through much of my work and writing.

Education

Education has played a foundational role in shaping my ministry and writing. I hold six degrees spanning theology, Islamic Studies, ministry, elementary education, and organizational management. My master’s thesis in Islamic Studies, Gender Justice in Islam: An Evaluation of Ziba Mir-Hosseini’s Religious Epistemology by Examining Her Interpretation of Qur’an 4:34, allowed me to explore gender justice within Islam. This academic pursuit, along with my publications and speaking engagements, have fueled my commitment to bridging the gap between scholarly discourse and real-world interfaith engagement.

Experiences

Over 30 years in cross-cultural ministry and interfaith engagement have allowed me to navigate difficult conversations, often touching on deeply held beliefs. Whether speaking at mosques or discussing challenging topics like salvation or the nature of God, I’ve learned the importance of fostering respectful dialogue. These moments have taught me that interfaith engagement isn’t about winning debates; it’s about creating spaces where difficult questions can be explored honestly and respectfully.

Christian Worldview

At the core of my writing is a Christian worldview, which shapes how I interpret and engage with the world. My faith in Christ compels me to address cultural and contemporary issues through the gospel's transformative power. Whether I’m writing about interfaith dialogue, geopolitics, or theological topics, I aim to present a perspective grounded in grace, truth, and love, inviting readers to see faith as a bridge for understanding rather than a source of division.

Current events and cultural shifts deeply inform my writing. I aim to explore how faith intersects with modern challenges, whether addressing global antisemitism, the rise of political Islamism, or the dynamics of university campus ministry. By tackling these issues from a biblically grounded perspective, I hope to encourage thoughtful, faithful responses to the complexities of our world.

A Holistic Approach to Blogging

These five sources—background, education, experiences, Christian worldview, and current events—form the foundation of my blog. I strive to bridge academic insights with practical applications, offering perspectives that engage the mind and the heart.

Whether you’re interested in interfaith dialogue, contemporary issues from a Christian perspective, or exploring new ideas, I hope this blog is a resource that informs, challenges and inspires you. Feel free to explore, share your thoughts, and become part of this ongoing conversation.