Muslims and the Virgin Mary

(Via Katolic Shinja). Mustafa Aykol, "a political scientist, journalist, and freelance writer from Istanbul, Turkey" takes two contemporary French Catholic(?) authors to task for denying the virgin birth (In Defense of Mary the Virgin. IslamOnline.net, January 18, 2005):

Christians be Christians! -- In a world where dedicated atheists come to realize the existence of "a super-intelligence" that shaped the natural world, it is surprising to see “Christians” who deny that the “super-intelligence” in question has intervened in history.

Here, then, we have mainly a theological problem, but also a practical one. As a Muslim, I see Christianity as my ally in the effort to redeem this misguided world—misguided by many forms of materialism, hedonism, lust, and arrogance. But I want to see my allies firm in their faith. And, of course, many of them are. But for those who are not, may I point out what the Qur’an says about Christians:

[The people of the Gospel should judge by what God sent down in it. Those who do not judge by what God has sent down, such people are deviators/] (Al-Ma’idah 5:47)

The denial of the virgin birth and other miracles is such a deviation. We Muslims have to—and definitely will—stand against it.

I wonder if this Muslim has heard of Hans Kung or the Episcopalian Bishop John Shelby Spong?

• Islam Sees Mary as a Model for All Believers, Archbishop Francesco Gioia. Zenit. May 29, 2003.
• "Our Lady and Islam: Heaven's Peace Plan", by Fr Ladis J. Cizik. Soul Magazine Sept/Oct 2001.
• How Mary Holds Muslims and Christians in Conversation, by Cardinal William Keeler. Origins. CNS Documentary Service, 25, 36 (February 29, 1996): 610-12.