Timothy I describes a theological conversation with al-Mahdi
About this date: The date of the conversation is debated; the linked early translator argues for 781. The map range avoids presenting an exact day or a verbatim court transcript.
Timothy I, patriarch of the Church of the East, recounts a discussion with the Abbasid caliph about Christian belief. Scripture, Christ's identity, and the Trinity become subjects of sustained argument.
Historical context
The literary dialogue shows a Christian leader articulating his faith under Muslim rule and engaging questions drawn from a different scriptural tradition.
Key points
- Timothy answers objections to Christian language about God.
- The text preserves arguments through the Christian participant's account.
- Courtly courtesy and disagreement appear together.
People
- Timothy I
- Caliph al-Mahdi
Sources and further reading
- Apology for Christianity
Public-domain translation; chronological note explicitly proposes 781.