Standing Together, Listening to The Qur’anic Jesus & the Cosmic Christ

This talk, from a Catholic perspective, explores how Christians and Muslims can deepen mutual understanding by listening to the figure of Jesus as he appears in each other’s traditions. It argues that interfaith cooperation is essential for building a healthy, pluralistic society and that shared reverence for Jesus offers a powerful foundation for that work. Drawing on concepts like Krister Stendahl’s “holy envy,” the text highlights how encountering the faith of others can enrich one’s own spiritual life.

The author examines the Qur’anic portrayal of Jesus—honored, compassionate, and a healer—and shows how Islamic traditions contain a rich body of teachings about him. This shared admiration is echoed in modern interfaith efforts such as the 2007 A Common Word letter, which emphasizes love of God and neighbor as common ground between Christians and Muslims.

The reflection then turns to the Christian understanding of the “Cosmic Christ,” a vision of Christ present not only in history but woven into the very structure of the universe. This expansive view underscores the unity of all creation and the spiritual responsibility to heal a fractured world.

Ultimately, the text calls for Muslims and Christians to act together—drawing inspiration from their respective visions of Jesus—to confront injustice, cultivate peace, and help bring about a more unified and compassionate human community.