Christians commonly labeled Muslims ‘pagans’ and equated the terms in medieval Latin Christendom

Evidence

When these Christian authors wish to understand Islam, they will turn only rarely to Muslims themselves, normally preferring those time-honored authorities, the Bible and the church fathers. Medieval Christians, with very few exceptions, did not use the words “Muslim” or “Islam”; instead they used ethnic terms such as “Arab,” “Saracen,” “Ishmaelite.” Information about these peoples could be found in the venerable books of old. — John V. Tolan, Saracens, 88 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Latins explained the Muslim Friday as the pagan day of Venus; Accusations of retorturing Christ were transferred from pagans to Jews; Medieval Christians labeled Muslims by ethnicity, not by religion, from biblical sources — John V. Tolan, Saracens, 88 (+3 more)

Broader Connections

• Medieval Christians labeled Muslims by ethnicity, not by religion, from biblical sources #complicates (0.78) — John V. Tolan, Saracens, 88