Christianity and Islam in History

Christianity and Islam in Historical Retrospect

Christianity and Islam has a long history of conflict and battles. Victories and defeats occured on both sides; errors and mistakes also were committed on both sides. However, despite this strained relationship, the vision of peace through interreligious dialogue, is a step and direction towards reconciliation and healing. Pope John Paul II made big steps in this direction.

Christianity gaining a foothold in the Roman Empire:

Christianity started to have a foothold in political life when Constantine [who became Emperor of Rome], achieved a brilliant victory over his opponent Maxentius, to capture the city of Rome. Constantine attributed his success to a dream, wherein he saw a cross in the sky and the words "conquer in this sign". He connected this dream with his victory over Maxentius and saw in the victory a proof of the power of Christ, and the superiority of the Christian religion. He was converted to Christianity and events soon followed that in 313 A.D., Constantine issued the rescript of Milan: a rescript which accorded the Christian faith full equality with the religions of the Roman Empire. This opened and paved the way for the Christian faith to gain more ground among the peoples of Rome.

The birth of Islam:

While Christianity strengthened for three centuries, a new religio-political movement started among the Arabs. The leader of this movement was Mohammed (571-632 A.D.). Born in Mecca, he became a reformer of his people at the age of forty. As the prophet of Allah, Mohammed preached submission to God's will ("Islam") and promised paradise as a reward after death to the Moslems ("faithful"). His preaching, and the movement that was created, spread very fast, and soon dominated all of Arabia. Mohammed's successors were then directed by this spirit, and the desire for battle and booty, toward the neighboring countries. Islam soon became a mighty power, that it eventually threatened to overwhelm Europe. It was the combination of political might and religious fervor that soon started a long and extended war between Islam and Christendom.

Charles Martel defeats Islam in Europe:

Islamic adherents started their conquest in Palestine and Syria, including the cities of Jerusalem and Antioch. As they advanced to Africa, they eventually also reached the European mainland and landed in Spain. The way was then opened for them into the territories of the Franks. However, they were shattered by the heavy infantry of Charles Martel. They were defeated at the Battle of Tours, thus saving Europe from Islam. For this, Charles Martel was honoured with the title of defender of Christendom. This happened in the year 732 A.D.

The struggle continues between the two religions:

Europe may have been generally saved, but Islam continues to battle Christendom. In 1192 A.D., although there was no reconquest of Jerusalem, Richard the Lionheart, was able to conclude a truce with Sultan Saladin. This truce guaranteed the peaceful journey of Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem. This however, did not ensure Christendom's control of Jerusalem. With Pope Urban II launching the Crusades movement, Christianity gave birth to a religious fervor that worked to regain control of Jerusalem. Though the Crusades were noble in their desire to take back the Holy Land from Islam, it tragically failed, and the Holy City of Jerusalem was lost for good in 1244 A.D.

Victories and defeats on both sides:

The battle of Christendom with Islam, and Islam with Christendom, is a battle of both victory and defeat for both sides. One great victory of Christendom against Islam, is the naval triumph of King John of Austria over the Turks at Lepanto (October 7, 1571 A.D.). This victory was attributed to the divine intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Another victory, which occured about a century earlier, in 1492 A.D., was the expulsion of the Moors [what the West calls the Arabs] from the Iberian peninsula - freeing Spain and Portugal from further encroachments into their territories. These two victories for Christianity did not however help them recover from the sad and tragic event of the fall of Constantinople to the Turks in 1453 A.D.

Not by sword alone but also by the pen:

Aside from military campaigns, a propaganda war was also waged against Islam. Staunch Christian writers and medieval biographers decried the person of Mohammmed and saw Islamic civilization as an enemy of Christendom. One such writer was the 13th century Dominican, Ricoldo da Monte Cruce. His "Disputation Against the Saracens and the Koran" is an example of the propaganda against Islam. This book was a standard text in Europe until the end of the 17th century.

Christians that opted for peace with Islam:

Some Christians loved and respected Islam. One eminent example was St. Francis of Assisi. He and his followers promoted the peace of Christ to everyone - including those who adhered to a religion against Christianity at the time. Another is the 13th century Spanish poet and mystic, Raymond Lull. One of his writings is a conversation between a Muslim, a Christian, and a Jew searching for common ground. Then there is also St. Thomas Aquinas. Aquinas at one time realized that Arabic philosophy was superior to anything that developed in Europe during his time.

The interreligious vision of Vatican II:

All the military evil done to Islam and all writing of propaganda against them was indeed unfair. The reason was really the fear of the immense religious power that the followers of Mohammed was building. But in reality, faults were committed on both sides; for there were Crusades on both sides too, as was the existence of propaganda on both the Christian side and the Muslim side. The differences between these two great world religions only found a good direction of healing in the vision of reconciliation, unity, friendship, solidarity, and peace that the Vatican II Council proffers to the Catholic Church and to all world religions. When Church leaders realized that the world and the earth is a common home for all peoples, then there is no alternative and option but opt for peace and goodwill among all peoples.

The challenge of peace:

Despite a history fraught with conflict and bloodshed, the challenge of peace is one that the Catholic Church continues to take responsibility for. This mission was highlighted especially in the pontificate of John Paul II, who travelled to many Islamic countries in a gesture of peace and goodwill. Also, every year, during the 1st of January, he calls all religious leaders of all religions to come together to pray for peace. This event is called the World Day of Peace and is held annually in Assisi, Italy.

Related resources:

• "Letters to Contemplatives", by William Johnston
• "A History of the Church", by Franzen and Dolan
• "The History of the World", by Rene Sedillot
• Pope Benedict on Islam and Ignatius Bibles
• Deena Burnette, 9-11 Widow, Tells Her Story