Peter’s polemics functioned as defensive theology against Arabic philosophy’s appeal

Evidence

Might such preference for “Arabic reason” over “Latin authority” lead such Christian scholars into doubt, even apostasy? In this light his polemics look more like a defense of Christianity than an offensive missionary effort. — John V. Tolan, Saracens, 854

Categorization

• XREF: Parallels current anxieties about ‘radicalization’ narratives where a group is the set target but the real audience is one’s own wavering faithful.