Some people today debate whether it is all right for Christians to call God “Allah.” Those within cultures that speak Arabic (or Hausa or other languages that use this title) have a right to discuss whether there might be inappropriate connotations in some of their contexts (or where it might be against the law). But from a purely language standpoint, nobody else should be debating it.
The English word “God” did not originate as a Christian title. Nor did the Greek word that we translate God, “theos”; that was used for pagan Greek deities long before the spread of monotheism in the Greek-speaking world. Canaanites called their chief god “El” and their gods “elohim” before the patriarchs could adopt these titles for the true supreme God. “Allah” in Arabic is related to the Hebrew term for God. It makes no more sense to prohibit Arabic-speaking Christians from using an Arabic term for God, understood in a Christian way, than to prohibit English-speaking Christians from using the term “God,” understood in a Christian way, even though we recognize that others could speak of other “gods” using the same English word, or that others who believe in one God might have a different understanding of this God. I am not entering into the debate here about what Muslims and Christians mean by God–there are some significant differences. But one either adapts existing language, which is usually how we translate, or uses a new loanword and explains it. (YHWH may be “untainted,” but even biblical terms for God such as Elohim and El and theos are not.)
In English we speak of Saturday without regard for it being named after the Roman divinity Saturn, or Sunday being named for the Sun (deity), or Thursday for Thor or the like. We are often very inconsistent in what we tolerate–usually tolerating more that is under our own nose than what is under someone else’s. What might be more fruitful is getting to better understand and communicate what God is like–getting to know His heart in Jesus Christ.
Category Archives: Missiology
All about the African empire that the official in Acts 8:27 was from
Official from the African kingdom of Meroë–Acts 8:27. 6.5-minute lecture from Acts scholar Craig Keener. (Part of a larger segment.)
For 23 free lectures on Acts, see http://faculty.gordon.edu/hu/bi/ted_hildebrandt/DigitalCourses/00_DigitalBiblicalStudiesCourses.html#Acts_Keener. Craig’s Acts commentary treats the passage about this African official in vol. 2, pp. 1534-1596.
Miracles and evangelism in Acts (power evangelism)
The role of miracles in evangelism in the Book of Acts. 11 minutes by Acts scholar Craig Keener. For 23 free lectures on Acts, see http://faculty.gordon.edu/hu/bi/ted_hildebrandt/DigitalCourses/00_DigitalBiblicalStudiesCourses.html#Acts_Keener
The Great Commission
A 27-minute survey of Matthew’s Gospel:
This survey is excerpted from the introduction to Matthew’s Gospel; the entire series is available at: http://faculty.gordon.edu/hu/bi/ted_hildebrandt/DigitalCourses/00_DigitalBiblicalStudiesCourses.html#Matthew_Keener
Exorcism stories
Although scholars from various disciplines and worldviews explain the experiences differently, there are many firsthand accounts of exorcism experiences around the world. This 10-minute video excerpts material from a larger discussion on spirit possession experiences reported around the world.
It comes from a larger series available for free at: http://faculty.gordon.edu/hu/bi/ted_hildebrandt/DigitalCourses/00_DigitalBiblicalStudiesCourses.html#Matthew_Keener.
How to relate to people when you share the gospel with them–examples in Acts
Evangelism: contextualizing the message. 1 minute. (This is a sample piece of a larger lecture on evangelism in Acts by Acts scholar Craig Keener.)
For 23 free lectures on Acts, see http://faculty.gordon.edu/hu/bi/ted_hildebrandt/DigitalCourses/00_DigitalBiblicalStudiesCourses.html#Acts_Keener
Elijah and Jesus’s Ascension–Acts 1:8-11. 1.5-minute video
1.5 minutes: Jesus gives the Spirit at his ascension like Elisha received spirit of Elijah. Acts 1:8-11. 1.5 minutes by Acts scholar Craig Keener.
For 23 free lectures on Acts, see http://faculty.gordon.edu/hu/bi/ted_hildebrandt/DigitalCourses/00_DigitalBiblicalStudiesCourses.html#Acts_Keener
Finding relevant opportunities for witness–examples in Acts.
Finding relevant forums for witness in Acts. 2.2 minutes. (Part of a larger lecture on evangelism in Acts by Acts scholar Craig Keener.)
For 23 free lectures on Acts, see http://faculty.gordon.edu/hu/bi/ted_hildebrandt/DigitalCourses/00_DigitalBiblicalStudiesCourses.html#Acts_Keener
What did Acts 1:8 mean by “the ends of the earth”?
What did Acts 1:8 mean by “the ends of the earth”? 3-minute lecture clip by Acts scholar Craig Keener.
For 23 free lectures on Acts, see http://faculty.gordon.edu/hu/bi/ted_hildebrandt/DigitalCourses/00_DigitalBiblicalStudiesCourses.html#Acts_Keener; this may be especially valuable to viewers in locations where they cannot attend seminary.
Bible background matters
2-minute video on why background matters (this isn’t to give details on background–for that see other posts).