On worshiping the same God: What exactly is the question?

Abstract

Although the question “Do Christians and Muslims worship the same God?” has been widely discussed, it is an ambiguous question that can be interpreted in various ways. Some complex theological, linguistic, philosophical, and cultural issues are embedded in the question. I distinguish a number of these implicit questions, especially as they pertain to reference to the same God, suggesting possible answers to them. I conclude that although it makes sense to say that Muslims and Christians are referring to the same God, they understand this God in different ways.