Muslim-Christian Relations

CIU’s Master of Divinity in Muslim-Christian Relations

Columbia International University’s Master of Divinity in Muslim-Christian Relations will provide you with a comprehensive range of biblical-theological knowledge and practical skills for ministry leadership in a variety of contexts. You will also learn about the history, philosophy and theology of Islam as well as the history of how Muslims and Christians have interacted. For Christians, you will understand better the Christian faith by comparing it to what Muslims believe and you will be better equipped to understand and engage with Muslims in a missional way.

Half of the world’s population claims to be Muslim or Christian. Sadly, in world history, Muslims and Christians have fought in wars and remained at a place of mutual misunderstanding. From a Christian perspective, the Muslim world continues to be one of the most least reached areas for the gospel.

As a Master of Divinity student you will learn to:

• Analyze and synthesize the basic content, context, and themes of the Old and New Testaments, with an emphasis on God’s historical-redemptive mission, as revealed through Scripture’s metanarrative and exemplified in the Great Commission.
• Practice sound exegesis and exposition of the biblical text in its original languages, with an emphasis on how passages speak to contemporary issues in individual and corporate contexts.
• Engage contemporary global challenges to orthodox belief and practice based on support from key biblical passages that undergird foundational doctrines, applying insights from the history of global Christianity to 21st century issues, needs and challenges.
• Analyze cultures and worldviews from a biblical perspective as the basis for effective, biblically-contextualized ministry that equips and encourages others to grow as disciples and disciple-makers in the church, mission field and/or marketplace.
• Apply biblical principles, techniques and paradigms to the practice of leadership, pastoring, preaching, teaching and counseling.

Demonstrate proficiency in ministry and organizational knowledge, skills and attitudes gained through MDiv studies in a focused internship under the supervision of an on-site mentor and a faculty advisor.

We welcome you to join us face-to-face on our beautiful campus in Columbia, South Carolina and complete the program in one academic year.

CIU’s easy-to-use, interactive online format allows you to pursue an MDiv from anywhere in the world. Each online course is eight weeks in length and is designed to work around your schedule. You will study in a cohort with other students and be taught by a recognized expert in the field.

Your coursework will include Introduction to Islam, the Life of Muhammad, Islamic Theology, The Spirit World of Muslims, Christian Approaches to Muslims and a History of Muslim-Christian relations. You will study with recognized scholars who have lived for many years in the Muslim world.