Question: The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church (Lumen gentium) of the Second Vatican Council states: “the plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator. In the first place amongst these there are the Muslims, who, professing to hold the faith of Abraham, along with us adore the one and merciful God, who on the last day will judge mankind.” I worship God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, three persons in one God; creator of all. Islam, however, worships just God the creator, absent the Son and Holy Spirit. Hardly the same. Can you explain how it can be said we worship the same God?
— Jim Flynn, Dayton, Ohio
Answer: Who God is, in himself, is revealed most fully through the Christian faith. However, not all are able to know this fully or are prevented from receiving it by worldly obstacles that are substantially beyond their control. For example, a Muslim in certain predominantly Muslim countries is not taught the Christian faith and even, in many cases, is taught that our Faith is blasphemous, erroneous and it is even illegal to preach the Gospel there. Hence, they may not reasonably be able to overcome these obstacles and come to know God as he has fully revealed himself. God, who is just, will surely take these obstacles into account in deciding on their salvation. It is not ideal that people should remain ignorant of the Christian faith, hence missionaries have sought to spread the Faith even in hostile lands. But not everyone has had the Faith effectively preached to them.
As for the Muslim understanding of God being a different god than our God, a distinction must be made. It is true that the Muslims understand God in a different and deficient way. But the understanding of God is not the same as God in himself. The Muslims do seek God as he is, even if in errors and shadows. Insofar as they seek God who is one, almighty and merciful, they seek the “same” God that we preach and seek.
