The Dangers of Muslim Insider Movements and Translations With Dr. Ant Greenham

Is softening the Word of God for Muslims going too far?

The Dangers of Muslim Insider Movements and Translations With Dr. Ant Greenham

What constitutes a Muslim idiom Bible translation, and why is it dangerous?

Alex and Scott sit down with Dr. Ant Greenham, a retired professor of Islamic Studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, to address the theological and missiological dangers associated with Muslim Insider Movements (MIMs) and insider Bible translations. Dr. Greenham critiques the approach where biblical terminology is replaced with alternatives like to make the gospel palatable to Muslim audiences.

Dr. Greenham explains the two major frameworks guiding missions: the theological approach, which emphasizes doctrinal faithfulness, and the anthropological approach, which focuses on cultural accessibility.

Key Topics

  • Muslim Idiom Translations (MITs) and Muslim Insider Movements
  • Theological vs. Anthropological Approaches in Missions
  • Concerns with omitting critical doctrines due to cultural accommodation
  • Ethical Concerns: “Bait and Switch” Evangelism
  • Proper Contextualization and Relationship Building

Is God calling you to missions? ABWE can help you find the opportunities and support you need to bring the gospel to the nations, plant churches, and disciple believers. Start the conversation with us today at abwe.org/sendme.


The Missions Podcast exists to equip missionaries and mobilize the church. By supporting this ministry, you help goers think and thinkers go.

Alex Kocman & Scott Dunford

Alex Kocman is the Director of Communications and Engagement for ABWE. He serves as general editor for Message Magazine and co-hosts The Missions Podcast. After earning his M.A. in Communication and B.S. in Biblical Studies, he served as an online apologetics instructor with Liberty University and a youth pastor in Pennsylvania, where he now resides with his wife and four children. Read his blog or follow him on X.

Scott Dunford is the pastor of Western Hills Church in San Mateo, Calif. Previously, Scott served as Vice President of Mobilization and Communications for ABWE and as a missionary in East Asia. Scott graduated from Northland International University (B.A. in Pastoral Studies), earned his M.A. in biblical studies from Central Baptist Theological Seminary, his M.B.A. from Cornerstone University, and is currently enrolled in Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s D.Min. program with an emphasis on missions.