Host Paul Akin speaks with Dr. Devon Provencher about the growth of Islam globally and in the United States, exploring how Christians can respond with gospel intentionality rather than fear or defensiveness. Provencher, a Southern Seminary graduate with an MA in Islamic Studies and a PhD focused on Islamic history and early Christian-Muslim dialogue, explains the distinction between Islam as a religious system and the diverse experiences of individual Muslims. Drawing on the history of the seventh- and eighth-century Arab conquests, he examines how Christians lived under Islamic rule, addresses common Muslim objections to Christianity, including the divinity of Jesus and the reliability of Scripture, and highlights how early Christians responded through biblical teaching, reason, and even arguments drawn from the Quran. The conversation challenges churches to deepen their understanding of Islam and prepare to engage Muslims thoughtfully and faithfully with the gospel.

Timestamps

00:00 Mission Podcast Intro

00:35 Islam Rising Today

01:59 Meet Devon Provencher

03:19 Why Study Islam?

05:11 Threat or Opportunity?

07:06 Islam vs. Muslims

08:04 Is the Church Ready?

09:23 History Repeats Itself

11:04 The Realities of the Arab Conquests

14:48 Core Doctrines Challenged

15:49 Common Muslim Objections

17:16 Ancient Christian Responses