CHRISTIAN THEOLOGIANS APPROACH TO PROPHET MUHAMMAD'S IMAGINATION, FROM THE MIDDLE AGES TO THE NOWADAYS: PERCEPTION AND FACTS

Christians and Muslims encounter began during prophet Muhammad, its theological relations and discussions gradualy increased from second century. Muhammad prophethood's was one of the main topic in mutual theological relations and debates. In Christian environment, prophethood of Muhammad is refused in accordance with the Christian beliefs and conception of history. However some theologians have more positive statements about Prophet Muhammad. In this study, from the middle ages to the modern period, Christian Theologians two aproach to Muhammad's envision is evaluated. These two aproaches described as traditional and moderate is represented by prominent representatives such as John of Damascus, Patrik Timothy and Montgomery Watt. There is a lot of work about Prophet Muhammad conceived in the Christian world. In this article the issue is discussed in theological perspective. Consequently, especially moderate aproach which is increased in modern period how was the perception among muslims, how this perception is consistent with the facts and is this approach means to accept the prophethood of Muhammad. In this study these truths is evaluated.