At the burning bush, Moses asked what is the name of the one sending him to free the slaves in Egypt. God said, “I am who I am.” It was a name that expresses his dependability and faithfulness. The frequently used phrase, “I am with you,” or, “I will be with you,” thus becomes a personal commitment from God himself. Arguments about the name of God are essentially arguments about what attributes best describe who God is. Fred’s comment that God and Allah are not the same is saying that the characteristics attributed to God and to Allah are not the same, which is demonstrably true.

Nor can Mohammed validate his claims by saying Abraham was his father. Jesus rebuked such hubris when he said, “out of these stones God can raise up children of Abraham.” St. Paul affirms this when he says, “not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.” Appeals to biological genealogy are not efficacious in establishing authority.