1
Professor and researcher at Al-Mustafa Al-Alamiyah University
2
PhD student specializing in Shia sect, University of Religions and Denominations
3
PhD in Shia History, 3rd-level Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic History, University of Religions and Denominations
Abstract
Abstract At the dawn of the twentieth century, amid intellectual turmoil caused by Western colonialism and Christian missionary activities, the Muslim world faced unprecedented challenges in identity and thought. In this context, Allamah Mohammad Javad Balaghi, one of the guardians of reason and faith in the Najaf Seminary, played a foundational role as an influential theologian. His engagement with Christianity exemplified a scholarly, fair, and impactful encounter, defending Islamic identity as an aware theologian. This study, using a descriptive-analytical method, explores the dimensions and implications of this engagement, demonstrating that Balaghi’s approach to Christianity established a “critical-comparative theological paradigm.” The findings indicate that Balaghi’s interactions with Christianity were intellectually groundbreaking, leading to the formation of a new intellectual tradition in Shiite seminaries. This paradigm—based on textual-historical deconstruction of the Bible, rational critique of core Christian doctrines, establishment of the Qur’an as an epistemological reference, and systematic comparative methodology—elevated Islamic theology from a defensive stance to an active and critical position, leaving a lasting legacy for theologians and exegetes.
Danesh,I. , ghoreishian amiri,S. M. and Zarqani,M. (2025). Allamah Mohammad Javad Balaghi’s Engagement with Christianity; Establishing a Critical-Comparative Paradigm in Islamic Theology. Kalam Islami, 34(134), 61-80.
MLA
Danesh,I. , , ghoreishian amiri,S. M. , and Zarqani,M. . "Allamah Mohammad Javad Balaghi’s Engagement with Christianity; Establishing a Critical-Comparative Paradigm in Islamic Theology", Kalam Islami, 34, 134, 2025, 61-80.
HARVARD
Danesh I., ghoreishian amiri S. M., Zarqani M. (2025). 'Allamah Mohammad Javad Balaghi’s Engagement with Christianity; Establishing a Critical-Comparative Paradigm in Islamic Theology', Kalam Islami, 34(134), pp. 61-80.
CHICAGO
I. Danesh, S. M. ghoreishian amiri and M. Zarqani, "Allamah Mohammad Javad Balaghi’s Engagement with Christianity; Establishing a Critical-Comparative Paradigm in Islamic Theology," Kalam Islami, 34 134 (2025): 61-80,
VANCOUVER
Danesh I., ghoreishian amiri S. M., Zarqani M. Allamah Mohammad Javad Balaghi’s Engagement with Christianity; Establishing a Critical-Comparative Paradigm in Islamic Theology. Kalam, 2025; 34(134): 61-80.
