The same God?
Wheaton College’s suspension of associate professor Larycia Hawkins has sparked debate on several fronts (see "Professor suspended for saying Christians, Muslims 'worship the same God'"). The political scientist attracted attention for wearing a headscarf in solidarity with Muslims. Before this, Hawkins—the first black woman on Wheaton’s tenured faculty—had clashed with administrators over questions related to sexuality and black liberation theology.
Perhaps most contentious is the reason the college gave for suspending Hawkins: her claim that Christians and Muslims “worship the same God.” Wheaton suggested that this stance conflicts with the college’s statement of faith.
Does it? Wheaton’s statement of faith includes the core elements of historic orthodox Christianity along with items more particular to American evangelicalism. It doesn’t mention Islam. Is it fair to say that a full-throated affirmation of the Christian God implicitly excludes the God worshiped by Muslims?
