This research paper by Matthew T. Duraski, submitted to Dr. James Anderson for 03ST504 – Christian Encounter with Islam at Reformed Theological Seminary – Charlotte, examines how the Qur’an incorporates material from apocryphal New Testament writings. Duraski argues that the Qur’an borrows stories and themes from late, noncanonical Christian texts—particularly the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, the Protoevangelium of James, and the Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew—treating them as authoritative alongside canonical scripture. This reliance, he contends, undermines the Muslim claim that the Qur’an is eternal, uncreated, and free from historical influence.
Through close textual comparison, Duraski traces how key Qur’anic passages mirror apocryphal sources: Jesus breathing life into clay birds (Sura 3:49) parallels the Infancy Gospel of Thomas; Mary’s temple upbringing (Sura 3:37) echoes the Protoevangelium of James; and the palm tree episode during Mary’s labor (Sura 19:22–26) reflects the Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew. He also explores the influence of Docetic traditions and heretical sects on the Qur’an’s denial of Jesus’ crucifixion in Sura 4:157–158, suggesting a theological dependence on works like the Acts of John.
Duraski concludes that these parallels reveal the Qur’an’s historical indebtedness to earlier Christian and heretical traditions. Far from being a direct, divine revelation detached from human sources, the Qur’an demonstrates literary and theological borrowing that challenges its claim to divine origin. He urges readers to confront this evidence with honesty and turn to the Bible, which he presents as the true, historically grounded revelation of God.
Course and semester: 03ST504 Christian Encounter with Islam — Spring 2019
