About us
The Admitted Truth website is produced by a learning community which has gathered together ideas and resources which will open the worlds of the Bible and the Qur'an and their interpretation to all who want to learn more.
We network individuals and local hubs in many locations, and offer both online and in-person learning opportunities.
Many of us work on producing resources. Our world-wide networks include researchers and writers who work at both academic and popular levels.
This website will introduce you to some really interesting people and inform you about their work. You can invite us to send a team to speak to your group.
Admitted Truth International (ATI) is the agency which governs and funds this Admitted Truth Hub. Its purpose is to promote the concept of 'Admitted Truth' by carrying out research, writing and teaching programs that build bridges of respect between Christians and Muslims. People of other faiths and of no faith are also welcome to join our studies, and our activities actively include Jewish participants as appropriate.
ATI is built on the perception that effective communication between Muslims and Christians and Jews is built on foundations of ‘Admitted Truth’ – that is, on mutual recognition of truths which are stated in both the Qur’an and the Bible. 'Admitted Truth' gives a basis on which the bridges of respect between people can be built; it gives starting points and directions for seeking truth together; and it necessitates the research, writing and teaching activities which characterize ATI.
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There are plenty of interfaith initiatives which seek to make bridges of respect – that is, respect of human beings. Of course, we affirm that, but we affirm it on a basis. There is admitted truth here - the Bible teaches that all human beings are created by God, made in His image and answerable to Him, and the Qur’an agrees that we are all created by God and answerable to Him.
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‘Admitted truth’ is not the same thing as the ‘common ground’ that characterizes some other Muslim-Christian and Abrahamic initiatives. That is because the admitted truths are understood in different contexts. In the above example, the agreement about being created by God and answerable to Him is in the context of the Bible’s description of humans as being made in the ‘image of God’ and the Qur’an’s description of Adam being made as khalifah.
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‘Admitted truth’ does not require anyone to assume the authority or authenticity of the ‘other’ scripture. Rather, it assumes a desire for truth and a commitment to study.
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In particular, the ‘admitted truth’ basis calls us to careful study and comparison of the Bible and the Qur’an. This includes study of the ways in which the books are and have been interpreted alongside our interactions with people. It is this that then necessitates study of history, communities etc. In short, the ‘admitted truth’ basis implies that the study of scripture is central to ATI's vision.
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Our distinctive study includes Muslims and Christians (others are welcome too!) studying together in a hospitable environment: that is, we develop learning community. This follows the example of Jesus the Messiah, who called his learners (disciples) to be with Him, and whose teaching was often given in the context of a meal.
Our Foundations
Our vision
Of course, we would like to see people of different faiths living at peace and in mutual respect. Of course, we would like to see people studying together, understanding each other, respectfully dealing with disagreement, effectively calling each other to faith . . .
But more important than all this is the glory of God. We want to see God glorified through our study of and obedience to His truth. We want all peoples to admit that He is the Truth.
The founders of Admitted Truth are compelled by a vision of Jesus the Messiah. They want to conform to His vision for the world, however partially they may understand it.
Meet the Team
Dr David Coffey
Ph.D. (Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies), Edinburgh
coffeycan@hotmail.com
Married for 21 years
Dr Ida Glaser
M.Phil. (Theoretical Physics), Imperial College, London. Ph.D. (Comparative Theology), Durham.
i.glaser@cmcsoxford.org.uk