39. Christianity was providential as preparatio evangelica.
preparatio evangelica - As far as I could discover its origins are from a book of early Christian historian, Eusebius. Translating to “The Evanglical Preperation”
From http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/jackson2/04_eus.html
“The object of this work, which is in fifteen books, is to predispose the thoughtful to receive the Christian religion by dissipating their pagan prejudices. The first six books are employed in demolishing the pagan systems of religion, which the author shatters by his learned elucidations. The pure and reasonable character of the Christian theology and the blessings which the faith has brought to the world are set forth in contrast with the absurd teachings of polytheism….
-snip-
From all this the author concludes that Christians are right in abandoning a false theology in favor of that of the Jews.”
This is a great introduction to the early Christian writings which may have envisioned a Christianity much more similar to Islam and Judaism in theology.
As far as the Shaykh’s contention, I believe it is simply indicating that the discussion of Christianity within this text is representing (at some level) the divinely sent religion of Isa (AS).
September 26th, 2005 - 1:31 pm
Could it mean that Christianity was the preparatio evangelica for Islam? The original teachings were of course divinely inspired and complete for its time. But, maybe, the Sheikh saying that Christianity prepared the world for the Universal Messenger(Peace be upon him) and hence the Universal Religion.
September 26th, 2005 - 1:57 pm
That is a good way to look at it as well!
September 26th, 2005 - 10:27 pm
Though, Anaz, I find the coincidence in that the actual preparatio evangelica work was all about removing pagan influences in Christian theology very hard to ignore as well. It seems quite islamic in nature.
Muslims like to talk about how early christians were very much like Muslims, and it seems this is one of the works which may prove the case.