I believe there are five types: internal, cultural, eternal, narrative, and external. Together, these give us a comprehensive way to address everything from theology to daily life to eternal destiny.
By Dr. Tim Orr
When you think about Islam—one of the fastest-growing religions in the world—you can’t help but notice how it shapes the lives of over a billion people. If you’ve ever wondered how to share the gospel with Muslim friends, you’ve likely realized it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. It takes thoughtfulness, patience, and, most importantly, a willingness to engage with respect and empathy. While building bridges through mutual understanding is a great starting point, we also need to go deeper, addressing the beliefs and cultural barriers that keep many Muslims from fully experiencing the good news of Jesus Christ. That’s where polemics comes in—the art of critiquing another worldview thoughtfully and respectfully.
I believe there are five types: internal, cultural, eternal, narrative, and external. Together, these give us a comprehensive way to address everything from theology to daily life to eternal destiny. If you’ve heard of apologetics, you know it’s about defending the Christian faith. On the other hand, Polemics goes a step further—it’s about challenging the ideas and assumptions of different worldviews, not to argue for the sake of arguing, but to invite deeper reflection. Apologetics strengthens the believer, while polemics engages the skeptic. Polemics can open doors for meaningful conversations pointing to Jesus's love and truth when used well.
Polemics play a crucial role in sharing the gospel with Muslims because Islam itself is built on a critique of Christianity and Judaism. The Quran challenges key Christian beliefs like the divinity of Jesus, the Trinity, and the crucifixion, presenting Islam as a correction to these faiths. For Christians, engaging with these challenges isn’t just about defending the truth—it’s about clarifying misunderstandings, like the idea that Christians worship three gods or that the Bible is unreliable. By addressing these misconceptions directly, we can show that the gospel stands firm and has answers to the questions Muslims often raise.
At its heart, the gospel is about transformation and hope—offering something Islam cannot: assurance of salvation and the sufficiency of Christ. Engaging with Islamic polemics lets us highlight these truths in a meaningful way. Throughout history, Christians have modeled this approach, from early theologians like John of Damascus to modern polemicists who combined respect with a firm defense of the faith. When we address Islamic claims with grace, humility, and love, we not only stand firm in our faith but also open the door for genuine dialogue that points Muslims to the life-changing power of Jesus Christ.
When it comes to Islam, a lot hinges on its foundational beliefs: the Qur’an’s supposed perfection, Muhammad’s role as a prophet, and the reliability of Islamic teachings. Internal polemics go straight to the heart of these claims. For example, did you know early Islamic history shows disagreements over how the Qur’an was compiled? Or are there ethical questions surrounding Muhammad’s life? By raising thoughtful questions like these, we can encourage Muslims to take a closer look at their faith. This isn’t about tearing someone down—it’s about inviting them to wrestle with the same questions we all face: Is what I believe true?
Another example of internal polemics is pointing out how the Qur’an refers to itself as “clear” and “well-detailed” (Qur’an 6:114, 11:1). Yet, many Islamic scholars disagree on the meanings of key passages. For instance, interpreting verses related to jihad or abrogation (where later ones replace earlier verses) remains a matter of intense debate. Highlighting these inconsistencies doesn’t have to be confrontational—it can be as simple as asking, How do you reconcile these differences? Internal polemics can gently challenge someone to examine their faith with fresh eyes by inviting curiosity rather than confrontation.
If you’ve ever talked to Muslims—or even just watched the news—you know how much culture and faith are intertwined in Islamic communities. Cultural polemics, which reflect many of my blogs, examine how Islamic teachings play out in society. What does Sharia law mean for human rights? How are women treated in Islamic societies compared to the dignity the Bible gives them? These tough, sensitive questions matter because they’re about real people’s lives. By gently pointing to the practical effects of Islamic teachings, we can show how biblical principles promote freedom, justice, and human dignity. It’s not about making a point but showing how the gospel brings hope to every area of life.
For instance, consider discussing the practice of child marriage, which is sometimes justified using Islamic texts. Muhammad’s marriage to Aisha, who was reportedly six years old at the time of their marriage, raises questions about how this example influences certain Islamic cultures today. While this is a complex topic, it opens the door to sharing how Christianity values protecting the vulnerable and elevating the dignity of every individual. By contrasting these cultural practices with the biblical view of human worth, we can help Muslims see the practical difference the gospel makes in creating a just society.
It all comes down to What happens when this life is over? This is where eternal polemics takes center stage. For Muslims, salvation is a constant question mark—did I pray enough, fast enough, and do enough good to earn Allah’s favor? The gospel offers something completely different: assurance. Through Jesus, we don’t have to earn God’s love; it’s freely given. Eternal polemics bring this incredible truth to the forefront, showing how God’s grace changes everything. Imagine sharing the parable of the Prodigal Son with a Muslim friend—how powerful it is to show that God isn’t distant or demanding but is a loving Father who runs to meet us where we are.
Another powerful way to engage in eternal polemics is to ask a simple but profound question: If Allah is merciful, how can His justice be satisfied without a perfect sacrifice? This question naturally leads to a discussion about Jesus’ atoning death on the cross. Muslims believe in a merciful God, but they lack the assurance of forgiveness because their system is based on works. Explaining how Jesus’ sacrifice fully satisfies God’s justice while extending His mercy provides a clear and compelling picture of the gospel many Muslims have never encountered.
Sometimes, the best way to share truth isn’t through debate—it’s through stories. Narrative polemics tap into the universal human love for storytelling. Think about the way Jesus used parables to teach profound truths. Stories engage the heart and mind in a way that facts and arguments often can’t. Whether it’s a personal testimony of how Jesus changed your life or a biblical story like the Good Samaritan, these narratives open up space for reflection. For Muslims who might be defensive about direct critiques, stories provide a safe and relatable way to explore big questions about God, love, and salvation.
A specific example of narrative polemics could involve sharing the story of Jesus healing the bleeding woman (Mark 5:25-34). This story demonstrates Jesus’ power, compassion, and willingness to engage with those society considered unclean. For Muslims who often feel a sense of distance from Allah, this story can paint a picture of a God who is intimately involved in the lives of His people. Stories like this invite Muslims to see Jesus not just as a prophet but as the loving Savior who meets people where they are.
Not all Muslims think deeply about theology, but many value logic, history, and science. That’s where external polemics come in. This approach looks at evidence outside of Islamic teachings, like the historical reliability of Muhammad’s life or contradictions between Islamic cosmology and modern science. These conversations aren’t about proving someone wrong but inviting someone to explore truth more broadly. By comparing Christianity’s coherence with Islam’s inconsistencies, external polemics appeal to those who value critical thinking and evidence-based inquiry. It’s another way to help someone see that faith in Jesus isn’t just spiritually fulfilling—it’s also intellectually sound.
For example, you could discuss the lack of early manuscripts supporting the Qur’an’s preservation. Unlike the Bible, which has thousands of ancient manuscripts, the Qur’an’s textual history is sparse and raises questions about its reliability. Alternatively, you might explore scientific claims in the Qur’an, such as its description of the sun “setting in a muddy spring” (Qur’an 18:86). These discussions open the door to explaining how Christianity provides a robust and evidence-based foundation for both faith and reason.
Each type of polemic serves a unique purpose, and together, they create a well-rounded approach:
When used thoughtfully, these approaches meet people where they are, respectfully and impactfully addressing their questions, doubts, and experiences.
Engaging Muslims with the gospel isn’t about winning debates or scoring intellectual points—it’s about winning hearts. It’s about listening, caring, and speaking the truth in love. The five types of polemics aren’t just tools for conversation; they’re invitations to discover the holy and loving God and merciful. Polemics can open up conversations that lead to life transformation when paired with apologetics. Ultimately, it’s not about what we say—it’s about pointing people to Jesus, the only one who can offer true hope, assurance, and joy.
These questions aim to respectfully challenge Islam's intellectual, cultural, and spiritual aspects, encouraging Muslims to reflect deeply on their beliefs. They’re not meant to oppress but to spark curiosity and open doors for meaningful conversations about truth, faith, and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Tim Orr is a scholar of Islam, Evangelical minister, conference speaker, and interfaith consultant with over 30 years of experience in cross-cultural ministry. He holds six degrees, including a master’s in Islamic studies from the Islamic College in London. Tim taught Religious Studies for 15 years at Indiana University Columbus and is now a Congregations and Polarization Project research associate at the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture at Indiana University Indianapolis. He has spoken at universities, including Oxford University, Imperial College London, the University of Tehran, Islamic College London, and mosques throughout the U.K. His research focuses on American Evangelicalism, Islamic antisemitism, and Islamic feminism, and he has published widely, including articles in Islamic peer-reviewed journals and three books.