Chrislam is a syncretistic religious movement that seeks to combine elements of Christianity and Islam. The term “Chrislam” refers to attempts to reconcile or blend together Christian and Islamic theology and practices. There are several different strands of Chrislam, but some common ideas include:
- Belief that Christians and Muslims worship the same God
- Use of the Quran and Bible side-by-side in worship services
- Incorporation of Islamic practices like ritual foot washing into Christian worship
- Viewing Jesus as a prophet but not divine
- Emphasis on unity and peace between the two faiths
Proponents of Chrislam argue that many similarities exist between Christianity and Islam, such as belief in one God, respect for Jesus and other prophets, and shared values like charity and family. They claim that theological differences can be overcome by focusing on common ground. Critics argue Chrislam compromises essential doctrines of Christianity and amounts to syncretism, or a blending of different religions.
The Bible does not support attempts to blend Christianity and Islam for several reasons:
Different Gods
The Bible presents Yahweh as the one true God (Deuteronomy 6:4), who revealed himself fully in Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:15-20). However, the Quran explicitly denies the Trinity and Jesus’ divine sonship (Quran 4:171, 5:72-75, 9:30). Since Christians and Muslims do not worship the same God, Chrislam violates the first commandment against idolatry (Exodus 20:3).
Contradictory Messages
At a fundamental level, the Bible and Quran present contradictory messages about God, Jesus, salvation, and eternal destiny. For example, the Bible teaches salvation is by grace through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9), while Islam teaches salvation is by works and submission to Allah. Both cannot be true simultaneously. Attempting to merge contradictory messages compromises the integrity of God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16).
Different Views of Christ
Chrislam typically presents Jesus as just a prophet, not the divine Son of God. However, this contradicts biblical teaching that Jesus is God incarnate (John 1:1,14) and the only way to the Father (John 14:6). Reducing Christ to just a prophet essentially denies his unique claims and saving work, which amounts to antichrist spirit (1 John 2:18-23, 4:1-3).
Unequal Partnership
Blending Islam and Christianity results in an unequal partnership that compromises essential Christian doctrine. For example, the Islamic shahada (“There is no God but Allah…”) would be recited in a Chrislam service, yet the biblical confession of Christ as Lord and Savior may be omitted so as not to offend. Chrislam submissions to Islamic prayers and rituals undermine the exclusive claims of Christ and the Christian faith.
Betrayal of the Gospel
Attempts to reconcile Islam with Christianity can often betray the radical exclusivity and scandal of the gospel message itself. Jesus taught that he is the only way to salvation (John 14:6). Yet proponents of Chrislam will often compromise on this core truth or avoid mentioning it in order to establish “common ground” with Islam. This amounts to being ashamed of the gospel message (Romans 1:16).
False Unity
Chrislam presents itself as a way to unify different faiths and achieve peace between Christians and Muslims. However, this is a false, surface-level unity not based on God’s truth. The Bible calls Christians to peace, yet also to radical commitment to Christ and his gospel (Matthew 10:34-39). True unity can only be found in Christ (Ephesians 4:4-6), not in a compromise of God’s revelation.
In summary, while well-intentioned, Chrislam fundamentally compromises the core truths of Christianity and should be rejected on biblical grounds. Christians should relate lovingly to Muslims but avoid unbiblical blending of theology for the sake of “unity.” God takes truth and falsehood seriously, and his people must do the same by standing firm on his Word against counterfeit gospels, even under pressure to compromise (Galatians 1:6-9).
History of Chrislam
The modern Chrislam movement emerged in the 1980s in Nigeria, although some trace its origins to the 1960s. Its early proponents include Tela Tella, founder of the Chrislamic Church Aladura in Nigeria, and Dr. Ishaq Oloyede of the Association of African Universities. In 2011, the Chrislamic Movement International was established to further spread the theology.
Some key events and figures in Chrislam’s relatively brief history include:
- 1977 – The First Christian-Muslim Seminar held in Ilorin, Nigeria, leading to increased dialog between faiths
- 1980s – Tela Tella begins establishing Chrislamic congregations in Nigeria blending Christian and Muslim beliefs
- 1993 – Dr. Ishaq Oloyede hosts a Chrislam conference, leading to the establishment of the Association for Christian-Muslim Mutual Relations in Nigeria
- 2011 – The Chrislamic Movement International is founded in Nigeria to promote Chrislam theology globally
- 2014 – The Oasis Church of the Chrislamic Religious Organisation of Nigeria is established by Archbishop Haastrup in Ibadan
- 2016 – Chrislamic leaders attended the World Muslim League conference in Abu Dhabi, networking with Muslim leaders
- 2021 – Online criticism mounts against Chrislam from Christian leaders concerned about theological compromise
The majority of Chrislam congregations worldwide exist in Nigeria, though it has spread to parts of North America and Europe. While still a relatively small religious movement, its growth and influence concerns many Christians due to its compromised theology and potential for deception.
Beliefs and Practices
Chrislam incorporates a variety of teachings and practices blending Christianity and Islam:
- Belief in “Ibrahimic faiths” – The view that Judaism, Christianity, and Islam share a common origin in Abraham
- Use of “Chrislamic” scripture – Combining verses and texts from both the Bible and Quran
- Observance of Islamic rituals – Incorporating salat prayer, ritual foot washing, Eid celebrations, etc.
- Emphasis on monotheism – Focus on the shared belief in one God in both faiths
- Belief in Jesus as prophet but not divine – Jesus is respected but not considered the Son of God
- Shahada recitation – Saying the Islamic confession “there is no God but Allah and Mohammed is his prophet”
- Mecca pilgrimages – Chrislam followers incorporating Hajj pilgrimages into their practice
Critics argue many Chrislamic beliefs fundamentally contradict biblical teaching. Core biblical doctrines like Christ’s divinity, the Trinity, salvation through Christ alone, and God as Father are diminished, compromised, or rejected for the sake of finding “common ground” with Islam.
Prominent Figures and Denominations
Chrislam is an eclectic religious movement involving various leaders and denominations rather than one centralized organization. Here are some notable Chrislam teachers and denominations:
- Tela Tella – Nigerian founder of the Chrislamic Church Aladura movement in the 1980s
- Ishaq Oloyede – Nigerian theologian who promoted Chrislam at the Association of African Universities
- Pope John Paul II – Some cite his 1986 prayer meeting with Muslims promoting unity as evidence of Chrislamic theology
- Rick Warren – American megachurch pastor accused of Chrislamic teaching in some interfaith outreach efforts
- Yusuf Estes – American Muslim preacher who advocates forms of Chrislam and “Islam-based Christianity”
- Ibrahim Emre – Turkish religious leader who founded the first Chrislamic church in the United States in 2016
- Oasis Church of Nigeria – Chrislamic denomination established in 2014
- Chrislamic Movement International – Global Chrislam organization with chapters in Europe, Asia, and America
Most of these churches and leaders portray themselves as promoting peace, unity, and understanding between Christians and Muslims. However, critics argue they mix dangerous false teaching with legitimate dialogue and interfaith outreach.
Reasons for Popularity
Chrislam, though still small, has gained some influence and popularity in recent decades for several reasons:
- Desire for peace – Many are attracted to Chrislam’s emphasis on peacemaking between warring faiths
- Focus on religious similarities – Chrislam highlights surface similarities between the two religions
- Rejection of exclusivity – Pluralism and fear of “offending” can make Chrislam appealing
- Syncretism – Blending religious beliefs is a major trend in global religion
- Flawed theology – Poor biblical knowledge makes Christians vulnerable to deception
- Compromise – Avoidance of discomfort, conflict, and persecution tempt compromises
- Universalism – All religions viewed as equally valid paths to God
Promoters leverage noble motives like peace and unity to propagate Chrislam. However, Christians affirm truth and Christ’s exclusive claims have priority over comfortable compromise.
Response from the Church
Many Christian leaders and denominations worldwide have strongly condemned Chrislam as heresy, compromised theology, blasphemy, and dangerous false teaching. Examples include:
- Statement against Chrislam – World Evangelical Alliance representing 600 million evangelicals
- Chrislam declared heresy – Nigerian Christian Association
- Ecumenical compromise condemned – Indian bishop Persram Masih
- Betrayal of the gospel – “Chrislam” book by Brian Richardson in 2021
- Rejecting religious pluralism – Vatican document “Dominus Iesus” in 2000
- Guarding biblical doctrine – Books like “Chrislam: How Missionaries are Promoting an Islamized Gospel” by Joshua Lingel, Jeff Morton, Bill Nikides in 2011
The widespread theological condemnation reflects how most Christian churches and leaders consider Chrislam incompatible with essential biblical truths and view it as promoting serious compromise and deception. While some more liberal denominations may embrace forms of religious pluralism that open the door to Chrislam, historically orthodox Christianity stands strongly against such syncretism.
Dangers and Concerns
Several significant dangers and concerns surround the Chrislam movement:
Undermines Biblical Doctrine
Chrislam rejects or reinterprets foundational biblical doctrines like Christ’s divinity, the Trinity, the authority of Scripture, and salvation through Christ alone. This amounts to dangerous false teaching that can lead people astray (2 Peter 2:1).
Promotes Syncretism
In blending incompatible faiths, Chrislam promotes syncretism – the combining of different or opposing beliefs. This contradicts biblical warnings against adding to or subtracting from Scripture (Deuteronomy 4:2, Revelation 22:18-19).
Prioritizes Tolerance over Truth
In attempting not to offend, Chrislam will often fail to declare the exclusive claims of Christ and hard truths of the gospel. It elevates tolerance and unity over fidelity to biblical truth claims.
Creates Confusion
The contradictory blend of teachings, rituals, and practices promotes confusion over vital spiritual truths. This can especially deceive or discourage new believers and youth.
Downplays Biblical Mission
Chrislam overemphasizes unity at the expense of the Great Commission to make disciples of all peoples (Matthew 28:18-20). This can diminish biblical evangelism and gospel proclamation.
Omits the Cross
Chrislam typically avoids Christ’s substitutionary atonement on the cross, which Islam rejects. Yet the cross is at the heart of the biblical gospel (1 Corinthians 1:18-25).
Promotes Religious Pluralism
Proponents claim all religions are equally valid paths to God. But Jesus taught he alone is the way, truth, and life (John 14:6).
Creates False Unity
Chrislam may create surface-level relationships and agreements, but true spiritual unity can only happen in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:10, Ephesians 4:3-6).
In summary, Chrislam represents a dangerous compromise that threatens essential biblical doctrines and the exclusivity and scandal of the gospel itself. It must be avoided and opposed.
How Should Christians Respond?
How should Christians and the church respond to the Chrislam movement?
With Biblical Discernment
Christians must exercise biblical discernment to recognize Chrislam’s dangerous blending of contradictory faiths, guard against deception (1 John 4:1), and heed Scripture’s warnings not to add to God’s Word (Proverbs 30:5-6).
With Humility and Love
While humbly defending truth, Christians should also respond with Christlike love – engaging Muslims relationally, understanding their beliefs, looking for common ground, and being quick to listen (Proverbs 18:13; Ephesians 4:15).
With Theological Clarity
Loving Muslims well requires graciously but firmly clarifying contradictions between Bible and Quran regarding the nature of God, Christ, the gospel, and other key doctrines.
By Affirming Christ
While seeking peace, Christians must prioritize boldly proclaiming Christ as mankind’s only hope, upholding the biblical gospel as the supreme message needed in every culture.
With Renewed Theological Depth
Shallow or flawed biblical understanding makes Christians vulnerable to deception. We must continually grow in studying, knowing and obeying God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
By Exposing Falsehood
Where leaders promote outright heresy under banners like “Chrislam”, Christians must loudly expose dangerous falsehoods, while still lovingly praying for repentance (Ephesians 5:11).
With Commitment to Truth over Compromise
Chrislam ultimately represents compromise of biblical truth claims. Christians must remain committed to God’s revealed Word over all cultural, political, or religious pressure to compromise (John 14:6).
In summary, the Chrislam movement requires biblical discernment and theological clarity from Christians, but also grace, love and sincere efforts to build relationships with Muslims seeking truth. Standing for the exclusive truth of Christ does not require insulting or hating those who disagree, but instead living out the gospel we proclaim.
