a Christian and a Muslim are sitting across from each other in a quiet room. The the Muslim friend leans in and asks, “How can you believe in three gods?” When engaging with Muslims about faith, these tough objections arise naturally. But with grace, empathy, and thoughtful responses, these conversations can open doors to deeper relationships and spiritual growth.
1. “How Can You Believe in Three Gods?”
The Objection: Many Muslims perceive the Christian doctrine of the Trinity as polytheism. The Qur’an explicitly rejects the idea of God having partners (shirk), making this one of the most common objections.
Practical Response:
Affirm your belief in one God: “I believe in one God, just as you do.” Then, clarify the Trinity using simple, relatable analogies. Instead of abstract theology, consider saying, “Think of the sun. It gives light, warmth, and energy—different functions, but one source. God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—distinct, yet unified in essence.”
Focus on the relational nature of God. “The Trinity isn’t about math; it’s about relationship. The Father loves the Son, the Son loves the Father, and the Holy Spirit shares that love with us. This shows how deeply God desires a relationship with humanity.” Avoid using terms like God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. This is theologically inaccurate as well as confusing to Muslims. Instead say God (Father, son, and Holy Spirit).
Muslims deeply value the oneness (Tawhid) of God. Recognize this and frame your explanation to show how the Trinity doesn’t contradict monotheism but enhances our understanding of God’s love and relational nature.
2. “The Bible Has Been Corrupted.”
The Objection: Many Muslims are taught that the Bible has been altered over time, making it unreliable.
Practical Response:
Start with common ground: “Both the Bible and the Qur’an speak about God’s messages to humanity.” Then, gently challenge the assumption: “The Qur’an itself encourages people to read the previous scriptures. If they were corrupted, why would it say that?”
Offer historical evidence. “Thousands of ancient manuscripts, some over 2,000 years old, confirm the Bible’s consistency over time. It’s one of the best-preserved texts in history.”
Shift from debate to discovery. “Instead of focusing on whether the Bible is corrupted, why not explore its message? What if we read some passages together and discuss what they mean?”
3. “Jesus Was Just a Prophet, Not God.”
The Objection: In Islam, Jesus (Isa) is highly revered as a prophet but not seen as divine. Claiming Jesus is God is considered blasphemous.
Practical Response:
Acknowledge their respect for Jesus. “I respect that you honor Jesus as a prophet. I do too—but I believe He is more than that.” Invite reflection with a question: “Why do you think Jesus performed miracles, forgave sins, and even raised the dead?”
Share key scriptures like John 10:30, where Jesus says, “I and the Father are one.” But more importantly, share personal stories. “For me, Jesus isn’t just a figure from history. His love and power transformed my life.”
Muslims see prophets as sinless but still human. Highlight how Jesus’ unique authority and actions go beyond that of a typical prophet, pointing to His divine nature.
4. “How Could God Become a Man?”
The Objection: The idea of God becoming human is seen as diminishing His greatness. In Islam, God is transcendent and beyond human limitations.
Practical Response:
Affirm God’s greatness. “I believe God is so great that He can do anything, even come to us in human form if He chooses.” Use a relatable analogy: “Imagine a king who loves his people so much that he steps down from his throne to live among them. That doesn’t make him less of a king—it shows the depth of his love.”
Explain the purpose of the incarnation. “God became man in Jesus not to limit Himself but to draw near to us, experience our struggles, and offer us salvation.”
Highlight that God’s willingness to become human doesn’t diminish His power—it magnifies His love and mercy.
5. “If Jesus Died, Who Was Controlling the Universe?”
The Objection: The idea of Jesus’ death on the cross raises concerns about God’s sovereignty and power.
Practical Response:
Explain the dual nature of Christ. “Jesus is fully God and fully man. His human body died, but His divine nature never ceased to exist.” Use an analogy: “Think of the sun. Even if a cloud covers it, the sun is still shining. Similarly, Jesus’ death didn’t mean God stopped being in control.”
Focus on the purpose of the cross. “Jesus’ death wasn’t a sign of weakness but a demonstration of God’s immense love and His victory over sin. His resurrection proves His power over death.”
Muslims may view the crucifixion as dishonorable. Emphasize that the cross, while a symbol of suffering, is ultimately a testament to God’s victory and love.
6. “How Can God Go to the Bathroom?”
The Objection: The idea that God, in human form, would experience basic human functions like eating or using the bathroom seems irreverent or degrading to God’s holiness.
Practical Response:
Affirm God’s holiness and greatness. “I believe God is infinitely holy and powerful. But when He chose to become human in Jesus, He willingly took on every aspect of our humanity, including our physical needs.” Use a relatable analogy: “Think of a loving parent who gets down on the floor to play with their child. They don’t become less of a parent by doing so—it shows how much they love their child.”
Explain the significance of Jesus’ humanity. “Jesus experienced everything we go through—hunger, thirst, fatigue—so He could fully understand our struggles and be the perfect mediator between God and humanity. His willingness to embrace human limitations shows the depth of His love and His desire to connect with us on a personal level.”
Highlight that Jesus’ humanity doesn’t diminish His divinity. Instead, it reveals a God who isn’t distant or detached but deeply involved in our lives, even in the most mundane aspects.
Final Thoughts: Lead with Love and Patience
These objections aren’t just intellectual exercises—they’re deeply connected to identity, culture, and faith. Approach each conversation with humility, patience, and genuine love. Listen more than you speak, and let your life reflect the message you share.
It’s not just about having the right answers; it’s about demonstrating the love of Christ in every word and action. Trust God to guide your conversations and open hearts.
The Basin and Towel 