What are Some Key Similarities between Christianity and Islam?

What are Some Key Similarities between Christianity and Islam?

“Whilst we can (and should) celebrate our differences, our unique cultures, let not our different beliefs set us apart as human beings, but rather let our shared humanity be what defines and unites us as common citizens of our planet.”

– me

“Peace. it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. it means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.”

– author unknown

 

“Instead of the limits of borders (of countries and of our minds) let us and our leaders expand our sense of possibility… and together let’s look at building bridges to distant horizons, far and great. Lord, help us all lift our eyes a little higher.”
– craig

 

“Whilst we can celebrate our differences, let not our varying beliefs divide us, but let the Spirit of our shared humanity define and unite us.”

“Whilst we can celebrate our differences, let not our varying beliefs divide us, but let the Spirit of our shared humanity define and unite us.”

– me

from http://www.jesusmeetsmuhammad.wordpress.com

AN “INTERVIEW” WITH JESUS ON THE STATE OF THE WORLD TODAY

‘The Real Jesus: The Jesus I Knew (and Know): “My Conversations with God” »

AN “INTERVIEW” WITH JESUS ON THE STATE OF THE WORLD TODAY

“MY CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD” through Jesus

Key words (Tags): Jesus, Jesus Christ, teachings, “inspiration”, faith, new book, ‘The Real, The True, The Living Jesus’

Submitter’s Note:

The ‘reporter’ “did this interview with Jesus” yesterday and he doesn’t know whether he’s really crazy sharing this personal “interview” publically on the net (perhaps I’ll be locked away by funny little men in white coats), but am just doing it… “impulsively” (as always).

“Be bold and unseen forces come to one’s aid.”

Craig  is currently writing a new manuscript titled ‘The Real, The True, The Living Jesus: The One I Know and Love’

“Lucky” 13th Feb 2010
*
“MY CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD” through Jesus

Jesus, why is the world such a mess and how can the world be made a better place?

It always has been, but these are particularly uncertain days in history. Still the current state of the world saddens me greatly.. especially the great divisions between nations. If people could just follow my teachings of 2000 years ago the world would be transformed. These teachings are practical solutions to the problems of the world … and they are as valid in my time on earth… today and always.

What can be done to bring unity between people, particularly between east and west, as there are so many religions (apparently conflicting), cultures and religious traditions?

A spirit of love is the well-spring of hope and brings people together… and this brings peace. Put God, the Father first, love your neighbour as yourself… and everything else, GOOD flows from that.

Is there one God and are YOU God, Jesus? There are many manifestations of God and I am but one manifestation. I have always had a very special relationship with my Father; but so can YOU, if you so choose.
I call myself “Son of Man”, in fact, more than “Son of God”, but everyone is a “child of God, the Father”. I just have and always will have a very special, intimate relationship with God, my Father.
There will be other messengers bringing God’s message after me, as our Father  works through special people on earth (those who have a special sense of ‘mission and destiny’ and are available and totally committed to me). Then they are my hands and voice, a channel for my spirit to flow through.
*
What about Allah?

As I said, there is only ONE Infinite Spirit, One God. It’s just another term for the Creator of the Universe, which stems from different cultures, another tradition. You just give the Ultimate Source, God, Allah different names, usually depending on your cultural upbringing.

So are you saying all rivers lead to the ocean?

No, not all oceans are the same. Because each person’s path is different and you all have different experiences of God (and different experiences of human consciousness, as well as your own consciousness) along the spiritual journey, depending on what you believe. And so everyperson’s experience of Heaven, the Kingdom of God will then be different… because of their unique journey of life.

So are you the only way to God?

I am quite horrified by the way the church has applied much of what I taught over the past 2000 years. I used (and use) parables to get my message across very simply, but so much of what I said is taken literally.
I said no-one comes to the Father, except through ME. Other religions don’t offer a personal relationship with God, the Ultimate Source, and don’t utilise the concept of God as “a Father figure”. So only those who follow me will have a “Christ-consciousness” (and this is different to an “Allah consciousness” of the same ONE God).

I hope, I trust that my spirit comes alive through my words… giving hope eternally…and the only way I could do that was to die as I did!

God bless you all.”

from www.jesusmeetsmuhammad.wordpress.com

13th Feb in the year 2010

“If I can throw a single ray of light across the darkened pathway of another;
if I can aid some soul to clearer sight of life and duty, and thus bless my brother;
if I can wipe from any human cheek a tear,
I shall not have lived my life in vain while here.
If I can guide some erring one to truth, inspire within his heart a sense of duty;
if I can plant within my soul of rosy youth a sense of right, a love of truth and beauty;
if I can teach one man that God and heaven are near,
I shall not then have lived in vain while here.
If from my mind I banish doubt and fear, and keep my life attuned to love and kindness;
if I can scatter light and hope and cheer, and help remove the curse of mental blindness;
if I can make more joy, more hope, less pain,
I shall not have lived and loved in vain.
If by life’s roadside I can plant a tree, beneath whose shade some wearied head may rest,
though I may never share its beauty, I shall yet be truly blest –
though no one knows my name, nor drops a flower upon my grave,
I shall not have lived in vain while here.”
– Anonymous
Today, don’t just try to make a living… try to make a difference

“If a man is called to be a street-sweeper,
he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted,
or Beethoven composed music,
or Shakespeare wrote poetry.
He should sweep streets so well,
that all the hosts of heaven will pause to say,
here lived a great street sweeper
who did his job well.
– Martin Luther King, Jr

from http://www.jesusmeetsmuhammad.wordpress.com

What Do Muslims Believe about Jesus? (from ‘Basic Principles of Islam’)

Article Title: What Do Muslims Believe about Jesus? (from ‘Basic Principles of Islam’)
Author: Mohammed F Thompson
Submitted (with permission) by: Craig Lock
Category (key words): religion, Islam, Jesus, faith, beliefs, peace, spiritual, spiritual growth, spiritual unity, unity of religion (religions)
Web site: www.voiceofislamtv.com

Submitter’s web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at

Other Articles by Craig are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig

“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”

WHAT DO MUSLIMS BELIEVE ABOUT JESUS? (from BASIC PRINCIPLES OF ISLAM)

Introduction:

Craig is studying the teachings of different religions (to find ‘common ground’/principles/ for his novel ‘A New Dawn: Let the Journey Begin’. And as he learns from his research, is sharing these notes in an attempt to ‘enlighten’ (himself and perhaps others) regarding ‘eternal and universal truths.’ And as I share these basic principles regarding the Islamic faith, I learn too. Hope this piece may be of interest to you.

*

The Miracle of the Holy Quran, the Spirit of Truth.

# Islam is a Complete Way of Life: A Muslim’s whole purpose in life is to worship Allah (God). The concept of Allah in Islam is that there is only one Allah for ALL of mankind. He is the Allah for Christians, the Jews, the Muslims, the Buddhists, the Hindus, the atheists and all human beings, whether they believe in Him or not.

# Islam rejects the idea of a chosen people

# Prayer is the foundation of Islam, which literally means “submission”

The nearest to Muslims are the Christians.
*
CHRIST IN ISLAM

Muslims believe in Jesus. The Muslim belief in Jesus Christ (pbuh) as a prophet of Allah is a fundamental article of faith in Islam. Muslims accept Jesus as one the most distinguished apostles of Allah. A Muslim believes that the greatness of Jesus (pbuh) arises from the fact that he was chosen by Allah and honoured with His word. Then he was entrusted with the revelations of Allah and commissioned to teach His message.

The Qu’ran Affirms the 2nd Coming of Jesus. It has been revealed in the Qu’ran that Jesus Christ (pbuh) will be returning to this world before the day of resurrection.

All Muslims believe, that Jesus (pbuh):

* Was one of the mightiest messengers of Allah.

* That he was the Messiah

* That he was conceived miraculously

* That he gave life to the dead with His (Allah’s) permission

* That he healed those born blind and the lepers by His (Allah’s) permission

In fact, no Muslim is a true Muslim, if he or she does not believe in prophet Jesus, his works, his teachings and his miracles.

* *

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MUSLIM AND CHRISTIAN BELIEF?

The oneness of Allah: In Islam the greatest sin is to associate partners with Allah. It is forbidden for a Muslim to adolize any person or thing, like movie stars, singers, saints or any created beings (living or dead). This is why a Muslim cannot accept either that Jesus (pbuh) could be the son of Allah, or the notion of trinity.

The rejection of trinity: “Christ Jesus, the son of Mary was (no more than) a Messenger of Allah.”

Jesus was NOT crucified. Holy Qur’an: An-Nisa (4) Ayah:157-158 157. That they said (in boast), “We killed Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah.” “But they killed him not, nor crucified him; but it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no (certain) knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture. For surely they killed him not.” 158: But Allah raised him up to Himself. And Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.”

However, Jesus (pbuh) is NOT Allah. A Muslim is not considered a Muslim, if he does not believe in Jesus (pbuh); but we believe in him as a Prophet, not as a God or the only begotten son of Allah and so on. The acceptance of Jesus Christ by Muslims is a fundamental article of faith in Islam. Muslims accept Jesus as one of the most distinguished apostles of Allah.

Islam is the way of ‘Unity’. Any relationship with Allah is direct and personal, without the mediation of a priest or Imam (learned Islam scholar). Only Allah can forgive sins.

INFORMATION SOURCED (directly with permission) from a booklet BASIC PRINCIPLES OF ISLAM by Mohammed F Thompson

(Published by Voice of Islam. Copyright C 2005
website: www.voiceofislamtv.com
* *

QUALITIES OF CHRIST IN THE QU’RAN

Sura 2.87 He is endowed with the Holy Spirit.

Surah 3:45 He is the Messiah, the Christ.

Surah 3.45-46 He is the Mediator.

Surah 3.49 He healed the sick and raised the dead.

Surah 4.158 He ascended to God.

Surah 4.171 He is a messenger of God (Allah), the Word.

Surah 5.49, 110, 111

In Surah 5.49, it says about Jesus:

‘Confirming that which came before him in the Torah, we sent him the Gospel.

He brought the gospel of guidance and light.

Surah 6.85 He is Righteous.

Surah 19.19. He is Pure and Holy.

When the angel announced to Mary the ‘gift of a holy son’ in Surah 19.19, it meant that he would be faultless, without sin.

Surah 43.61 He is coming before the hour of Judgment.

And in the Bible St Paul declares that it was actually Jesus who brought this gospel to the world.

As Paul writes in Romans 1.

16: ‘I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

and

17: For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written,

‘The just shall live by faith.”‘

website: www.voiceofislamtv.com

*

ISLAMIC WEB SITES

Listed below are some useful web sites (for you to browse), if you are interested to know more about Islam and Muslims

www.sultan.org

www.islemtoday.com

www.islamway.com

www.islamonline.net

www.islamhouse.com

* *

I hope that this information may be of interest to you…and perhaps get you thinking about these “deep and serious subjects”… and that’s my reason for sharing.

“Religion divides; whereas truth unites.”

“The way we live is far more important than what we believe.”

“Those of us who long for moderation will continue to hope for understanding of complex issues with reasoned dialogue and a spirit of understanding between different faiths.”

Humanity has far more in common than our differences, what separates us.

So isn’t WHAT UNITES US IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN WHAT DIVIDES US?

With UNDERSTANDING comes TOLERANCE and with TOLERANCE comes UNDERSTANDING.

Walk your OWN path to Highest Truth and be happy

Shared (with permission) by craig

Former Archbishop of Cape Town, South Africa Desmond Tutu once said these wise and inspiring words: “We have come to a time in the history of the world, where we need to rediscover the path to peace, and the path to peace can never be war. This pathway is lined with the concept of co-existence and co-inhabitance of the world.”

“A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends and when the soul of a nation, long supressed, finds utterance.”
– Jahrulal Nehru, first Prime Minister of India

“It is time for people of good will from every faith, culture and nation to recognise that a terrible danger threatens humanity. We must set aside the partisan bickering between nations and join together to confront the danger that lies before us. Let us seek common ground between peoples around the globe… because what unites us is far more important than what divides us.”

“There is neither east nor west, tribe nor ethnicity, male or female, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist. Christian nor Jew. There is only a God-filled humanity.”

“Let each one of us build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls. Let us look at distant horizons together in a spirit of acceptance, helpfulness, co-operation and peace. Let our leaders look at the future with a vision – to see things not as they are, but what they could one day become.”

Let us build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls. Rather than borders, let us look at distant horizons together…in the common spirit of the value and dignity of a shared personhood – our common humanity as citizens of planet earth.”

– craig

“When people’s hearts are full of love, the world is filled with hope.”

“With passion and purpose in our individual lives we can touch others and in so doing illuminate the hearts and minds of humanity to make a better world (through helping raise the ‘collective consciousness’). Let us encourage our leaders towards an alternate vision for the world to embrace: one that banishes the fanatical ideology of intolerance and hatred to the darkness from which it emerged. Each one of us in our own little ways can offer (and most importantly, LIVE) this compelling new horizon: a bright future of justness and justice, tolerance, respect for other traditions and values. Especially a vision of hope and thoughts of peace fuelled by the eternal flame of love, which can light the darkest night… always “
– me

“God, The Essence of Life, the Ground of All Being, is leading us to the light. What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light.”

“Nothing that I can do will change the structure of the universe. But maybe, by raising my voice I can help the greatest of all cause – goodwill among men and peace on earth.”

– Albert Einstein

“What we believe is not nearly as important as how we relate, interact with each other… and how we live. Only when we can say, ‘I am first and foremost a human being, and second a Jew, Muslim, Shi’ite, a Sunni, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, or a Sikh …’ will we progress and break down barriers between peoples, nations and cultures, east and west. Let not our beliefs , but our shared humanity (ALL of us) define who we really are.”

– craig

About the submitter:

In his various writings, little by little, one mind, one soul, one life at a time, Craig strives to break down social, cultural, religious and economic barriers through sharing information and “planting, then watering uplifting ideas and seeds of hope”. He truly believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share as ‘human beans’ is way more important than what divides us.

Craig’s new manuscript, ‘A New Dawn’ is set in the Middle East: In it he attempts to find ‘common ground’/principles between different religions and cultures and to try to make some difference in building bridges in an ever more dangerous, turbulent and uncertain world. A passionate story of inspiration: hope, faith, peace and especially love.

The various books that craig “felt inspired to write” (including A New Dawn’ ) are available at: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4c and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

Also http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock (ebooks) www.creativekiwis.com/index.php/books/74-craigs-bookswww.lulu.com/craiglock and https://www.xinxii.com/asresults.php?s4=craig+lock&sid=1

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at

“Together, one mind, one heart, one life at a time, today let’s plant the seeds, the hope of a better and brighter future (for tomorrow)”

“God is a mystery, the ‘mystery of life’, a Creative Presence, Who/That allows me to be who I really want to be and become.”

“God, the Essence of Life, is the great mystery in the vast unknown; yet He(??) is understandable.”

“God, The Essence of Life, the Ground of All Being, is leading us to the light.

These writings may be freely published with acknowledgment to the source (Mohammed F Thompson), thanks

What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light.

May the Grace of our loving Creator care for and watch over you all … always

 

from http://buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com and http://religiousunity.wordpress.com/

Share this:

from jesusmeetsmuhammad.wordpress.com

Jesus meets Muhammad: The LOVE of God/(and) Allah

　

　

JESUS MEETS MUHAMMAD

　

APPENDIX ONE

These thoughts just came to the writer…

AFTERTHOUGHT

　

The “writer” of this manuscript is no “great” student of religion or involved in theology. He regards himself as a “free-thinking”* follower of the teachings of Jesus Christ, who does not attend “formal church”.

* ie. he doesn’t take everything written down in the Bible literally.

The thoughts written down just came into the writers spirit. Because we all interpret words (and the context in which they are written) differently, I expect intense debate on these writings and thank goodness everyone has a right to hold and cherish their own beliefs.

No doubt there will be many differences, shades of opinion on what the names of Jesus and Muhammad mean to you, the reader personally.

However, from the reactions from “religious zealots“, “fundamentalists” and “extremists” on both sides of the “religious divide”, sometimes…

View original post 410 more words

What are Some Key Similarities between Christianity and Islam?

“Together, let’s break down walls and build bridges of understanding”

Article Title: What are Some Key Similarities between Christianity and Islam?
Shared by: Craig Lock

Category (key words): Christianity, Islam, religion, faith, beliefs, peace, spiritual, spiritual unity

Web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com

Other Articles are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig)

Publishing Guidelines:
All my writings may be freely published, electronically or in print.
# #

WHAT ARE SOME KEY SIMILARITIES BETWEEN CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM?

Submitter’s Note:
Craig is studying the teachings of different religions (to find ‘common ground’/principles/ and as he learns from his research, is sharing these notes in an attempt to ‘enlighten’ (himself and perhaps others) regarding ‘eternal and universal truths.’ These notes form part of Craig’s new novel set in the Middle East, titled ‘A New Dawn: Let the Journey Begin’. Hope this piece may be of interest to you too.
*
INTRODUCTION

The issue of RELIGION throughout history of mankind and today evermore plays a vital part in many conflicts around the world. Religion is (and was) often blamed as the cause of the conflicts; whereas it is/was people misusing religion for their own ends (often taking particular and significant interpretations out of context) that have shaped societies and cultures. I truly believe it’s critically important to emphasize the common values shared by different religions to drastically reduce tensions around the globe. So that religion (and it’s beliefs) can be turned around from being part of the conflict to be part of the SOLUTION. Instead of focusing on the differences between people, in this ‘battle of ideas/ideologies” we should focus far more on what we have in common.

So what are the foundations, what is the frame-work of the respective beliefs?

Most religions of the world espouse (nice word, eh!) good moral values as a code of conduct: the virtues of passion for liberalism, tolerance, compassion, decency and generous ideals. However, there is a fundamental doctrinal incompatibility between the major faiths of Islam and Christianity (though together with the Jews, they worship the God of Abraham). These three major religions share the common truth of the Old Testament, having many prophets in common and consequently have many “shared values” that have shaped societies over the past two millennia.

Whilst there are some major differences between Islam and Christianity, from my research (fascinating and mainly online) some of the fundamental similarities in beliefs between these two main religions (as well as Judaism) are as follows:

ISLAM

The main beliefs:

* There is only One True God: the Sovereign Ruler of the universe…
and has full control over our lives (and will meet all of our needs)

* God (Allah) is the Creator of everything and central to Muslims lives. Allah is simply beyond human thought and understanding.

* True believers are not to worship any other gods

* Allah’s goodness and benevolence is seen everywhere, because He is compassionate and merciful.

* Many Old Testament prophets were from God (ie. were sent by God as messengers to the world)

* Jesus’s strong sense of mission, unity and sense of purpose.
He was sent by God to serve humanity and being divinely inspired was a great moral teacher and prophet.

* God gave the Torah, the prophets, the Koran and the Gospel to guide our lives. ( I don’t know enough about Mohamed and his “divine destiny” to pass comment on his “mission”).

* We are to obey God’s words (as in the first five books of the Old Testament, the ‘Pentitukes’- spelling?)

* We should surrender/sacrifice ourselves fully to God
(in fact, the word ‘Islam” means ‘full submission to God’s will’)

* Jesus will return to earth one day (though in which form is uncertain). Though Jews do not believe that Jesus is the Messiah…
and I’m not sure on that point with Islam.

* Humans have free will and exercise a choice between doing good or evil in their daily lives.

* Humans only live once on this earth, then face judgment:
One day there will be a day of Judgment for how we’ve lived our lives.

* Believers who die will go to ‘heaven’ and live forever (though the concept of heaven is not precisely defined).

* Disbelievers will go to ‘hell’ (or suffer torment, which is ‘separation from God’ forever). Heaven or hell are written about in the Qur’an in poetic terms, ie. symbolic rather than actual places.

* It is important to pray to God frequently (Muslims do it five times a day) and attend a congregation at least once a week (usually mid-day on Fridays)

* We should have a spirit of charity and help the poor and those in a less fortunate position to ourselves (with money and/or works)

* A person’s allotted time on earth is predestined.

* All people are equal before the law.

and finally

* We should respect our differences and Christians, Jews, and Muslims should never be killed purely on account of their faith.

#
CHRISTIANITY

Christianity and Islam are both missionary religions. Both faiths believe they have a monopoly over the truth. Both want to share their version of truth with others and both compete in seeking converts. I am motivated to share these “truths” with others, so people may benefit and enhance their lives in a meaningful way…if they so CHOOSE.

There IS a significant difference from Islam: Christianity exists solely on the basis that Jesus Christ is the ‘son of God’ (ie. the fact is taken literally); whereas the faith of Islam exists purely on the basis that God dictated his laws to Mohammed and that the Koran contains God’s actual words. Most “informed” Christians, however, do not believe the Koran is the un-intermediated word of God. Most followers of Christ know very little about Mohammed being perceived as a ‘messenger of God.’ They can, therefore, only think that Mohammed was deluded, if not a liar. (Of course, most Christians are far too polite to say such a thing!).

The Bible teaches that Jesus is the son of God/God incarnate (“the human face of God”) and that he dies on a cross to reconcile mankind and God. Then he was resurrected after three days and now lives in heaven. The gospel message teaches that reconciliation with God is to be found through the redemptive work of Jesus only.

Good works as “entry” to heaven count for nothing, in the absence of acceptance of Jesus.

And as regards Christianity, it’s the notion of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit as one), which rationalists find to be the most implausible aspect of Christianity. If Jesus was not the Son of God, then he too was deluded, crazy … or perhaps even a “liar”. And if he – as opposed to He – was either of those things, then the Resurrection is also a lie and Christianity, as a faith rather than as a philosophy is utterly null and void.

Christianity is based on the concept of FAITH and God’s Infinite Grace. We are “saved for eternity” (so our soul lives on) through our faith in Jesus and are not solely judged for the ‘hereafter’ by our good works during our lifetime. (And these good works are inspired by our faith and the ‘divine spirit’ at work through God’s Infinite Grace). This is a battle of ideas. Cardinal Ratzenberger: “Islam simply does not have the separation of the political and religious spheres which Christianity had from the very beginning. The Koran… insists that the whole order of life be Islamic (ie. no separation of religion/church and state). One must understand that Islam is not simply a denomination that can be included in the free realm of a pluralistic society.”

True Muslims cannot accept either the separation of powers or the freedom under the law (ie. “democracy”), which are the hallmarks of Western civilization.

* extracted from an article (excellent) in ‘The Independent’ by Dominic Lawson.

As we are what we believe yourself to be (You are what YOU believe), I believe that Jesus genuinely believed himself to be a ‘Son of God’, divinely ordained with a specific mission, a unique purpose which he CHOSE to fulfil in his short life. Christians say that the tradition of Jesus of Nazareth points us to a new life and new thoughts, as well as new possibilities… as a community and as a nation. Still you may or may not CHOOSE to believe in Jesus Christ and follow his teachings as YOUR pathway to connect to God, a Higher Power, ‘the Ground of all Being, the Essence of Existence’, your spiritual self.
#

Whilst we can celebrate our differences, we should love God (whatever we understand the concept to be) with all our hearts, minds and souls and our neighbour as we love ourselves (common teachings from both faiths of Islam and Christianity). Simple, eh!

It’s not such a matter of conflicting ideologies, the great ‘battle of civilizations’ is it?

So
Isn’t WHAT UNITES US IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN WHAT DIVIDES US!

and

God’s greatest gift to us is allowing us to find, then choose to follow our own truths.

Craig Lock

Former Archbishop in South Africa Desmond Tutu: “We have come to a time in the history of the world, where we need to rediscover the path to peace, and the path to peace can never be war. This pathway is lined with the concept of co-existence and co-inhabitance of the world.”

“A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends and when the soul of a nation, long supressed, finds utterance.”
– J.Nehru, first Prime Minister of India

“It is time for people of good will from every faith, culture and nation to recognise that a terrible danger threatens humanity. We must set aside the partisan bickering between nations and join together to confront the danger that lies before us. Let us seek common ground between peoples around the globe…
because what unites us is far more important than what divides us.

“In our own little ways in our individual lives we can touch so many others and share our common humanity. And in so doing we can illuminate the hearts and minds of humanity. We must offer a compelling alternate vision for the world: a bright future of justice, tolerance, respect for other traditions and values and especially a vision of goodness and hope fuelled by the flame of love – one that banishes the fanatical ideology of intolerance and hatred to the darkness from which it emerged.”
– craig (as inspired by and adapted from the words of Abdurahman Wahid, former President of Indonesia)

“What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light.”

“What we believe is not nearly as important as how we relate, interact with each other… and how we live. Only when we can say, ‘I am first and foremost a human being, and second a Jew, Muslim, Shi’ite, a Sunni, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu ,or a Sikh…’ will we progress and break down barriers between peoples, nations and cultures, both east and west. Let not our beliefs , but our shared humanity (ALL of us) define who we really are. “

“Let us build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls. Rather than borders, let us look at distant horizons together…in the common spirit of the value and dignity of a shared personhood – our common humanity as citizens of planet earth.”

– craig
“God’s greatest gift to us is allowing us to find, then choose to follow our own truths.”

About the submitter:
Craig is “a passionate ‘extremist’ about respect for religious tolerance and moderation”. In his various writings Craig strives in some small way to break down social, cultural, religious and economic barriers. He truly believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share is way more important than what divides us.
http://www.craiglockbooks.comhttp://www.selfgrowth.com/experts/craig_lock.html

Craig’s new manuscript ‘A New Dawn’ is set in the Middle East: In it he attempts to find ‘common ground’/principles between different religions and cultures and to try to make some difference in building bridges in an ever more dangerous, turbulent and uncertain world. A passionate story of inspiration: hope, faith, peace and especially love.

Craig’s booklet ‘Jesus Meets Muhammad’ is available at http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Meets-Muhammad-Real-ebook/dp/B005H86TPU/

The various books that craig “felt inspired to write” are available at: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

Also http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock (ebooks) www.creativekiwis.com/index.php/books/74-craigs-bookswww.lulu.com/craiglock and https://www.xinxii.com/asresults.php?s4=craig+lock&sid=1

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”

“A good book should take you from your everyday life to another place entirely.”

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com

Together, one mind, one heart, one life at a time, let’s plant the seeds, the hope of a better and brighter future.

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED, electronically or in print

“Peace. it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. it means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.”
– author unknown

from http://breakdownwalls.wordpress.com/ http://religiousunity.wordpress.com/and http://jesusmeetsmuhammad.wordpress.com/