Christian Claim
"Christianity spread through love and peace; Islam spread through violence and war"
Bible References
Jesus: 'I came not to bring peace, but a sword'
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Jesus: 'Love your enemies'
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Quran References
وَقَٰتِلُوا۟ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلَّذِينَ يُقَٰتِلُونَكُمْ وَلَا تَعْتَدُوٓا۟
"Fight those who fight you, but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors."
لَّا يَنْهَىٰكُمُ ٱللَّهُ عَنِ ٱلَّذِينَ لَمْ يُقَٰتِلُوكُمْ فِى ٱلدِّينِ
"Allah does not forbid you from being kind and just to those who have not fought you over faith."
Islamic Clarification
The historical record contradicts both simplifications. The Crusades, the Inquisition, the forced conversion of indigenous peoples, and colonial missionary activity at gunpoint are all part of Christian history. Islam spread to Indonesia (world's largest Muslim country), Malaysia, and most of West Africa with no military conquest — through traders and scholars alone. Both traditions permit defensive warfare. Jesus himself said 'I came not to bring peace but a sword' (Matthew 10:34) and instructed disciples to buy swords (Luke 22:36).