David Wood
 David Wood in his natural habitat | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Christian polemicist, apologist |
| Organization | Acts 17 Apologetics (co-founder) |
| Career | |
| Known for | Critiques of Islam, debates with Muslim scholars |
| Controversies |
|
| Personal Life | |
| Diagnosis | Antisocial personality disorder (self-admitted psychopathy) |
| Notable events | Brutal attack on stepfather with a hammer |
David Wood is an American Christian polemicist and apologist, known for his critiques of Islam and debates with Muslim scholars. He co-founded the Acts 17 Apologetics ministry with Nabeel Qureshi and has a significant presence on social media platforms, particularly YouTube, where he posts videos addressing theological and ideological differences between Christianity and Islam.
In the earlier part of his career, he was often seen together with Hassamo Shamoun. Since 2022, they have stopped associating with each other and are no longer on talking terms.
Wood's approach is controversial, with many labeling him as an Islamophobe due to his direct and often provocative style. He frequently uses Islamic texts and historical sources to argue his points, though his interpretations are contested by many who believe they lack proper context and nuance.
Criticism of Islam
David Wood’s focus on Islam often shifts from constructive criticism to what many view as an unhealthy obsession. He is frequently accused of misrepresenting scriptural verses and decontextualizing historical events to tarnish Islam's image, reflecting an approach seen as intellectually dishonest rather than scholarly. His polemics have shown a consistent trend from 2005 to 2023, with recurring claims against the Prophet Muhammad often met with established rebuttals.[1]
Wood's approach is highly controversial, with many labelling him as an Islamophobe due to his direct and provocative style. While he uses Islamic texts and historical sources to argue his points, his interpretations are widely contested for lacking proper context and nuance.
Despite the controversy, Wood's work has sparked significant discussions and encouraged deeper engagement between Christians and Muslims. However, his methods have been criticized as more inflammatory than constructive. Nonetheless, Wood has garnered a large following, making him a notable figure in religious debate and Christian apologetics.
The Dearborn Affair
David Wood’s reputation in Christian-Muslim dialogue is marred by incidents like his participation at the Arab Festival in Dearborn, Michigan. He and his colleagues from Acts 17 Apologetics were arrested for allegedly breaching the peace, with their behaviour reported as provocative and aimed at inciting reaction rather than fostering understanding.[2] This incident exemplifies Wood’s confrontational approach, often criticized for lacking nuance and sensitivity.
Financial controversies
Further complicating David Wood’s narrative is the loss of one of his children. Wood solicited funds for funeral expenses, amassing $214,702, which has led many to question the sincerity of his motives and the authenticity of his moral posturing.[1]
Personal life
David Wood's life has been marked by dramatic highs and lows. In a chilling episode from his past, Wood brutally attacked his stepfather with a hammer, which led to his institutionalization and a subsequent diagnosis of antisocial personality disorder. Wood openly admits to being diagnosed as a psychopath, offering a glimpse into his tumultuous psyche and raising questions about his role as a moral and theological guide.