religious tolerance – WHO IS "THE REAL, THE TRUE, THE LIVING" JESUS?

A Book “Review”: Building Bridges: Christianity and Islam (by Fouad Elias Accad)

“THE RELIGION OF ISLAM”: A Comparison Of Islam And Christianity

To end off… I love these inspiring words, so will share with you…

“It is time for people of good will from every faith and nation to recognise that a terrible danger threatens humanity. We must set aside our international and partisan bickering and join to confront the danger that lies before us. Our goal must be to illuminate the hearts and minds of humanity, and offer a compelling alternate vision for the world: a bright future that banishes the fanatical ideology of intolerance and hatred to the darkness from which it emerged.”

– Abdurrahman Wahid, former President of Indonesia, in the ‘Wall Street Journal’

Former Archbishop 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.”

– Jahrulal Nehru, first Prime Minister of India (1947)

I hope that this information may be of interest to you (as it is to me)…
Those of us who long for (and are passionate about) the ideals of moderation and religious tolerance will continue to hope for a better understanding of complex issues between people of different cultures and faiths through reasoned and ‘informed’ dialogue in a spirit of mutual tolerance and respect. God’s greatest gift to us is to find, then follow our own truths. We can ALL nurture the real values common to ALL humanity: those highest ideals of tolerance, righteousness, justice, mercy and respect for all of life must surely triumph.

“Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one’s own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.”

– John F. Kennedy

With UNDERSTANDING comes TOLERANCE and with TOLERANCE comes MORE UNDERSTANDING.

So Let each one of us in our own ‘little ways’ attempt to build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls. Let us look at distant horizons together in a spirit of openness, acceptance of our differences, helpfulness, co-operation, mutual tolerance, respect, trust, peace and especially in a spirit of love, the most powerful force in existence. Let our leaders and each ONE of us look at the future with a vision – to see things not as they are, but what they could one day become. What divides us as fellow citizens on planet earth is not nearly as powerful as the force, the divine spirit that UNITES us: The Spirit of God, the Ultimate Source that let’s us accept and even celebrate our differences … and let’s the Love of humanity within EACH one of us to conquer anything at all.

“People fight and die for religion but they seldom LIVE for religion”.

– Jahrulal Nehru, former Prime Minister of India”

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

“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

“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.”

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

“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.”
“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.”

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

“God is leading us to the light. 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

Article Title: “THE RELIGION OF ISLAM”: A Comparison Of Islam And Christianity
Submitted by: Craig Lock
Category (key words/tags): Islam, The Koran, Christianity, religion(s), faith, beliefs, religious tolerance, spiritual unity, unity of religions

Web site: http://executableoutlines.com/islam/islam_05.htm

Submitter’s web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html
Craig’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.sharefaith.wordpress.com .wordpress.com www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com http://religiousunity.wordpress.com www.peacepursuit.wordpress.com http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com + so many others I can’t keep track (obsessive or WHAT!)

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 articles may be freely published. If tghis article is published, please acknowledge the source, thanks. As I share, I learn myself.

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

“THE RELIGION OF ISLAM”

A Comparison Of Islam And Christianity

Sourced from: http://executableoutlines.com/islam/islam_05.htm

INTRODUCTION

1. In previous studies, we have directed our focus on Islam…

a. The beginnings and early history of Islam

b. The origin, importance and content of the Qur’an

c. The faith and practices of Islam

d. The issue as to whether Islam is a religion of peace

2. It may be beneficial to look at Islam in comparison with Christianity…

a. What might they have in common?

b. How do they differ on fundamental issues?

[In this study, we shall consider what the two religions believe on various issues as we seek to gain a better understanding of Islam. We begin with…]

I. GOD

A. ISLAM…

1. Teaches there is one God – Qur’an 3:64

2. Rejects the concept of the Trinity

B. CHRISTIANITY…

1. Teaches there is one God – 1Co 8:6

2. Reveals that the Godhead is composed of three distinct personalities – Father, Son, Holy Spirit; one in essence and substance – cf. Jn 1:1-5; Php 2:5-8; 2Jn 9; Mt 28:19

[Closely related to any concept of God is one’s view regarding…]

II. JESUS

A. ISLAM…

1. Considers Jesus a prophet, like Noah, Abraham, Moses (and Muhammad)

2. Rejects the divinity of Jesus, denies his pre-existence – Qur’an 4:171

3. Believes in the virgin birth, however

4. Does not believe Jesus died on the cross nor was raised from the dead – Qur’an 4:157

B. CHRISTIANITY…

1. Declares that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God – Mt 16:13-18

2. Teaches the pre-existence of Christ – Jn 1:1-5; Col 1:16-17

3. Proclaims that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and was raised from the dead

[What one believes regarding Jesus certainly has a bearing on one’s understanding of…]

III. SALVATION

A. ISLAM…

1. Salvation comes by works

2. Personal righteousness is weighed against personal sin, which ever is greater determines salvation – Qur’an 23:101-103

3. A Muslim can be forgiven by repenting of sin – Qur’an 39:53-54

4. Paradise is assured for one who dies as a martyr for Islam

5. One becomes a Muslim by confessing “There is no other god but God; and Muhammad is the Prophet of God” (la ilaha ill’Allah, Muhammad rasul Allah) from the heart

B. CHRISTIANITY…

1. Salvation is by grace through an obedient faith – Ep 2:8-9; Ti 3:4-7

2. Jesus died on the cross as atonement for our sins – Ro 3:21-26

3. He is the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him – He 5:9

4. Those whose names are in the Lamb’s book of life will be spared condemnation – Re 20:11-15

5. One becomes a Christian by:

a. Believing that Christ died for your sins – Jn 8:24; Ro 10: 9-10

b. Repenting of your sins – Ac 2:38; 17:30-31

c. Confessing your faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God – Mt 10:32,33; Ro 10:9-10

d. Being baptized into Christ for the remission of your sins

– Mt 28:19; Mk 16:16; Ac 2:38; 22:16; Ro 6:3-6; Ga 3:27;

Col 2:11-13; Tit 3:5; 1Pe 3:21

[Doctrines pertaining to salvation are naturally related to views pertaining to…]

IV. ETERNAL JUDGMENT

A. ISLAM…

1. Believes in a resurrection of the dead and judgment at the Last Day

2. Paradise for the faithful, served by beautiful virgins – Qur’an 56:1-38

3. Hell for unbelievers, with eternal torment – Qur’an 56:39-56

B. CHRISTIANITY…

1. Believes in a resurrection of the dead and judgment at the Last Day

2. The eternal City, New Jerusalem, in the new heavens and new earth for those whose name is in the Lamb’s book of life

– Re 21:1-7,9-27; 22:1-5

3. The lake of fire for the unbelieving and wicked – Re 20:15; 21:8

[What one believes about God, Jesus, salvation and the judgment depends heavily upon what one considers to be…]

V. THE WORD OF GOD

A. ISLAM…

1. Believes in 4 inspired books – the Torah (5 books of Moses),

Zabur (the Psalms), lnjil (the Gospel), and Qur’an

2. The first three have been corrupted; the Qur’an provides the final revelation of God’s Word

B. CHRISTIANITY…

1. Believes Old and New Testaments contains the revelation of God’s Word – 2Ti 3:16-17

2. Believes that God’s Word cannot be corrupted, but is preserved

– 1Pe 1:23-25; Mt 24:35; Isa 40:8

3. Believes that revelation of God’s Word is fully and finally revealed – 2Pe 1:3; Jude 3

[It is of interest to note some of the differences in the two religion regarding…]

VI. PRAYER, FASTING, AND WORSHIP

A. ISLAM…

1. Has set times to offer prayers (five times per day)

2. Has set periods and procedures in which to fast (the month of Ramadan)

3. Places emphasis on ceremonial rituals such as washings, posture in prayer

B. CHRISTIANITY…

1. Calls for fervent and steadfast prayer, with no set times proscribed – 1Th 5:17; Col 4:2

2. Has a place for fasting, but left up to the individual – Mt 6:

16-18; Ac 13:2-3; 14:23

3. Places emphasis upon the spiritual aspect of worship – Jn 4:

23-24; Ep 5:19; Col 3:16

[A major difference between Islam and Christianity in spreading their faiths involve the issues of…]

VII. WAR AND VENGEANCE

A. ISLAM…

1. Allows war and vengeance for self-defense against persecution

2. Allows use of war in promoting the faith against unbelievers and idolaters

B. CHRISTIANITY…

1. Forbids war and vengeance when persecuted for righteousness’ sake – Mt 5:10-12,38-48

2. Forbids use of war to promote the cause of Christ and the gospel – 2Co 10:3-5

[Some other differences between the two faiths relate to…]

VIII. MORALS

A. ISLAM…

1. Forbids alcohol and gambling – Qur’an 5:93-94

2. Forbids eating pork

3. Allows up to four wives, may divorce and remarry them twice – Qur’an 2:229

B. CHRISTIANITY…

1. Forbids drunkenness, covetousness, and other “works of the flesh” – Ga 5:19-21

2. Allows all foods, if received with thanksgiving and prayer

– 1Ti 4:4-5 (with the exception of drinking blood and eating animals that were strangled, Ac 15:20,29; 21:25)

3. Teaches monogamy, divorce only for fornication – Mt 19:9; 1Co 7:2

[Both religions distinguish between the role of men and women, though with important differences…]

IX. TREATMENT OF WOMEN

A. ISLAM…

1. Men have more rights than women – Qur’an 2:228

2. Women do not attend public prayers at the Mosque

3. A husband may punish a wife by withholding what is due, and then beat her if necessary – Qur’an 4:34

B. CHRISTIANITY…

1. Men and women are fellow heirs of the grace of life – 1Pe 3:7; Ga 3:28-29

2. Women do not have leadership roles in the church – 1Co 11:3; 14:34-37; 2Ti 2:11-12

3. Forbids withholding what is due, and requires treating the wife with tenderness and understanding – 1Co 7:3-5; 1Pe 3:7

CONCLUSION

1. This has not been an exhaustive comparison between Islam and Christianity…

a. It has been a simple examination at some of the more notable features of comparison

b. Undoubtedly, many other similarities and differences could be noted

2. In considering such comparisons, one should note the following caveat…

a. Islam contains many different sects; not all professing Muslims might agree with some of the representations of Islamic beliefs made in this comparison

b. In a similar vein, not all professing Christians may agree with what has been offered as that which Christianity teaches

But perhaps this comparison can serve as a starting point in identifying key issues for discussions between Muslims and Christians who seek to better understand one another’s faiths….

Sourced from http://executableoutlines.com/islam/islam_05.htm

To end off… I love these inspiring words, so will share with you…

– Abdurrahman Wahid, former President of Indonesia, in the ‘Wall Street Journal’

“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 (1947)

“Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one’s own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.”

– John F. Kennedy

With UNDERSTANDING comes TOLERANCE and with TOLERANCE comes MORE UNDERSTANDING.

Shared by craig (“Information and Inspiration Distributer, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder… and a ‘passionate moderate’ for religious tolerance”)

“People fight and die for religion but they seldom LIVE for religion”.

– Jahrulal Nehru, former Prime Minister of India”

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

“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

“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.”

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

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at www.creativekiwis.com/index.php/books/74-craigs-books http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock + www.lulu.com/craiglock

Craig is currently writing true stories of life in the Middle East. And as he writes, is posting extracts on his new WordPress blogs.

Craig’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.sharefaith.wordpress.com .wordpress.com www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com http://religiousunity.wordpress.com www.peacepursuit.wordpress.com http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com + so many others I can’t keep track (obsessive or WHAT!)

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstores”

“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.”

“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.”

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

“God is leading us to the light. 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

Sharing Some Information on Religions of the World: The BAHAI Faith

Article Title: Sharing Some Information on Religions of the World: The BAHAI Faith
Submitter: Craig Lock
Category (key words):

Picture: beautiful and deserted Wainui beach, Gisborne, East Coast , New Zealand…a place where I often get my dose (“fill”) of upliftment and inspiration

Web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html and http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.sharefaith.wordpress.com .wordpress.com www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.comhttp://religiousunity.wordpress.com www.peacepursuit.wordpress.comhttp://craigsblogs.wordpress.com + so many others I can’t keep track (obsessive or WHAT!)

Publishing Guidelines:
These writings (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print.

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

INTRODUCTION:
As he analyses his own “spirituality” and “finds and follows the spiritual path” (how airey-fairey now, craig!), 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). Hope this piece may be of interest to you too.

WHAT DO BAHAI BELIEVE?

Their main beliefs are as follows:

* Oneness of Religion: All the world’s religions represent stages in the revelation of God’s will and purpose for humanity.

Prophets are teachers – not saviours. God cannot incarnate himself and reveal himself to man. Therefore Jesus cannot be God. Jesus is seen as one of God’s manifestations sent to human beings to assist in our spiritual evolution. The raising of the body of Jesus was actually the coming to life of Christ’s teachings in the disciples, the restoration of their beliefs and convictions.

Some of the main principles of the Bahai faith:

* Oneness of God: There is only ONE God

“The peoples of the world, of whatever race or religion, derive their inspiration from one heavenly source, and are the subjects of one God.”
– Bahau’uallah

* Oneness of religion: All the world’s religions represent stages in the revelation of God’s will and purpose for mankind.
“Let your vision be world-embracing, rather than confined to your own self.”
– Bahau’llah

* Oneness of Mankind – there is only one human race and we are all connected.

“The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable, unless and until its unity is firmly established.”
– Bahau’llah

* Abolition of all prejudices

* The equality of men and women

* The elimination of the extremes of poverty and wealth

* The independent investigation of truth

* that religion and science agree.

The goal of the Bahai is a world governed by order, justice; love and peace: a world culture as the basis for spiritual advancement of all that live on earth, providing a way of life for all that is truly worthy of mankind. Bahai believe that the nature of God is completely unknowable – he/she/it is trancendant to the point of total inaccessibility. Prophets are teachers – not saviours! God cannot incarnate himself and reveal himself to man. Therefore Jesus cannot be God. Jesus is seen as one of God’s manifestations sent to human beings to assist in our spiritual evolution. The raising of the body of Jesus was actually the coming to life of Christ’s teachings in the disciples, the restoration of their beliefs and convictions.

BAHAI work for world peace and believe in freedom of expression.

*
A few personal thoughts to end off..

Everybody’s truth is different, because our experiences, our environments, our cultures, our life paths are different. So every person’s faith is different (even the state of having NO faith). Finally, perhaps no religion can ever represent the Absolute Truth (because ‘Absolute Truth’ has a degree of subjectivity – at least I believe so!). Rather, religions can be different paths to the same Truth, with God, Infinite Spirit, the Grand Designer, the Essence of Life at the centre. (Like spokes leading to the hub, the Ultimate Source of Life). It’s up to YOU to CHOOSE your set of beliefs, those which fit best with YOUR truth, your being.

I am motivated to share these sets of beliefs, these “eternal truths” with others, so people may benefit and enhance their lives in a meaningful way…if they so CHOOSE. I hope that this information may be of interest to you… and that’s my reason for sharing.

With UNDERSTANDING comes TOLERANCE
and
with TOLERANCE comes UNDERSTANDING.

Walk your OWN path to Highest Truth and be happy

craig

“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.”

“The greatest good we can do for others is reveal the rich treasure inside themselves; so shine your own bright light on an often darkened world… with the highest level of humanity …and have great fun along the journey of life.”
“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.”
– craig

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

– craig

“

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available athttp://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html and http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock

“Someday, after we have mastered the winds, the waves, the tide and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love. Then, for the second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.”
– Teilhard De Chardin

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

This piece may be freely published, electronically or in print

“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.”
*

Sharing Some Information on Some Major Religions of the World

INTRODUCTION: 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). Hope this piece may be of interest to you too.

HINDUISM

The Four Holy Truths: There is pain and suffering in the world – like birth, death, sickness, old age. Root cause of suffering is DESIRE. Karma is conscious action that has spiritual results. Karma consists of a persons acts and their ethical consequences + universal justice, a kind of natural moral law, rather than through a system of divine judgement. The struggle and suffering decreases as the individual acquires merit and wisdom during their life. Release from suffering. Nirvana is a complete detachment from desires and final nirvana is attained at death. Hindus renounce worldly desires. (Release = moksha)

The 8-fold path:
right
· views
· resolve
· speech
· behaviour
· occupation
· effort
· contemplation and
· meditation.
People attain a state of perfection. Through self effort one can attain the state of peace and eternal peace called Nirvana. Buddha ignored the worship of Gods, but did not deny their existence. What was important to Buddha was not the worship of Gods or of himself, but the following of his teachings. Nirvana is not a place like heaven, but a state of being. It’s eternal – the end of suffering – no desires and individual consciousness comes to an end. It’s more of a moral philosophy, an ethical way of life.
#
BAHAI

The nature of God is completely unknowable – he/she/it is transcendent to the point of total inaccessibility. Prophets are teachers – not saviours. God cannot incarnate himself and reveal himself to man. Therefore Jesus cannot be God. Jesus is seen as one of God’s manifestations sent to human beings to assist in our spiritual evolution. The raising of the body of Jesus was actually the coming to life of Christ’s teachings in the disciples, the restoration of their beliefs and conviction.

BAHAI work for world peace and believe in freedom of expression.

#
MORMONS:
Definition of the Trinity as 3 separate individuals, God the Father and Jesus Christ being physical persons united in purpose; also a belief that human beings, can, if they live the commandments of God to the full, attain the status of godhood in future aeons.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

The main purpose of Jesus coming to earth was to let it be known that he is supreme and exercises sovereignty over the universe. Salvation is only for those who believe in Jesus.

A few personal thoughts to end off..

With UNDERSTANDING comes TOLERANCE
and
with TOLERANCE comes UNDERSTANDING.

Shared by Craig Lock (“Information and Inspiration Distributer, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder… and a ‘passionate moderate’ for religious tolerance”)

“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.”
– craig

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

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

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

Article Title: Sharing Some Information on Some Major Religions of the World
Submitter: Craig Lock
Category (key words): religion, religions, religious tolerance, religious unity, faith, beliefs, spirituality, spiritual unity, unity of religion(s)

Web sites:http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html and http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock

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

SHARING SOME INFORMATION ON SOME OF THE MAJOR RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD

HINDUISM

BAHAI work for world peace and believe in freedom of expression.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

The main purpose of Jesus coming to earth was to let it be known that he is supreme and exercises sovereignty over the universe. Salvation is only for those who believe in Jesus.
#
MUSLIMS (ISLAM)

Muslims regard the Koran as the speech of God to Mohammed, mediated by Gabriel, the Angel of Revelation. They believe that God himself, not Mohammed, is the author and therefore that the Koran is infallible. Collection of passages revealed in his prophetic life – 610-632. 114 chapters. Earliest teachings – one transcendent and personal God. Last Judgement and social and personal justice. God, he asserted, had sent prophets to other nations throughout history; but having failed to reform, these nations had been destroyed. Mohamed was the last prophet. Monotheistic. Well ordered, harmonious whole – everything has its proper place and limitations. God presides over and governs the universe, which with its orderly functioning, is the primary sign and proof of God and His unity. Mohammed’s miracle is the Koran, the like of which no human can produce. Last Judgement:

The “successful ones” will go to the Garden (heaven) and the “losers” (the evil) will go to hell; although God is merciful and will forgive those who deserve forgiveness. Besides the last judgment, which will be on individuals, the Koran recognizes another kind of divine judgement, which is meted out in history to nations, peoples and communities. Nations, like individuals, may be corrupted by wealth, power and pride, and, unless they reform, these nations are punished by being destroyed or subjugated by more virtuous nations. Islamic Beliefs: ONE God. Thus it’s a monotheistic religion. Muhammad proclaimed that Allah alone is God and that other idols were not to be worshipped. Muslims believe that the faith of Christianity has been corrupted and reject the Christian concept of the Trinity. They believe in angels, who are sinless. God’s messages were brought directly to Muhammad by Gabriel. God is believed to be too exalted to speak directly with men. Belief in God’s prohets: Adam, Noah, Abraham, etc. The Koran is believed to be the exact revelation of God to humanity. Koran is believed to have taken the place of all previous revelations of God’s will – only the Koran is considered binding. A trumpet sounds – the dead will be raised and judged for their deeds – going to paradise or hell. Only those who die as martyrs slain in the battle for Islam are considered to be granted immediate access to paradise.* (see Christianity below). Prosperous and evil nations will ultimately be destroyed by God. “Islam” means surrender or submission to the will of God. Muhammad was closest to God, so his example is to be followed. Muslims believe in and honour many of the prophets of the Old Testament. But they also say that the Bible must have been corrupted; because it points out the errant behaviour of these prophets, and since no prophet of God would ever err, the Bible must be wrong. Muslims have high respect for Jesus, but the view that Jesus is divine or the son of God is, to them, the highest blasphemy. The Koran says that God is not a man, therefore he cannot have a son. He would never stoop to enter our world. Story of Christ’s death reinforces their belief that the Bible has been corrupted over the years.

Basic tenets – the 5 pillars of Islam:
· Confession of faith
· Ritual prayer
* Obligatory alms – ‘zakat’ to help those less fortune
· The holy fast of Ramadan: a time where there is no smoking, drinking, swearing, anger, sex – use month of fasting to draw closer to God and renew their spiritual strength.
· Pilgrimage to Mecca, the “Hajj”. Every Muslim who is not sick and can afford must complete. It is a time when all are deemed equal before God, regardless of social or financial position. As part of their purification process, participation heightens their social status.

Mohamed was a prophet, yet he never performed a miracle. He was not a mystic; he had no formal schooling, consequently Mohamed had no gift with words. In addition, he did not begin his mission till he was age 40. The impetus for the rise and raid spread of Islam was three-fold: Based upon the power of words, the efficacy of prayer and man’s kinship with God.
Mohamed observed the decline of Christianity into warring sects (it’s the same today!). The archangel Gabriel appeared to him and said that he was to be the Messenger for God. Mohamed had invited the Jews and Christians to join him, for he was not building a new religion – Mohamed was calling all who believed in ONE GOD to join in a single faith….
but that vision never materialised, as the Jews and Christians did not want to pursue that path.

Mohamed’s legacy is that of persistence. Because after he had been preaching for ten years, he had nothing to show for it: but banishment, poverty and ridicule. Yet before another ten years had passed, he headed the rise of a new religion out of the Arabian desert, a faith spreading rapidly westwards, a flame which would not be extinguished.
Persistence changes the course of history

From ‘The Last Great Prophet’
Reviewed by Thomas Sugrue (as published in ‘Think and Grow Rich’ by Napoleon Hill)
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CHRISTIANITY

Christianity and Islam are 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. However, there is a fundamental doctrinal incompatibility between the major faiths of Islam and Christianity. Together with the Jews, they worship the God of Abraham. These three religions have many prophets in common and consequently have “shared values” that have shaped societies over the past two millenia.

Most “informed” Christians, however, do not believe the Koran is the un-intermediated word of God. Simply put, the faith of Christianity exists solely on the basis that Jesus Christ is the ‘son of God’*; 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.
* (And Christians may take this literally or “metaphorically”, symbolically, depending on their interpretation).

The concept of salvation (instant) coming purely through faith in Christ and not because of one’s life works is unique to Christianity (because there is no guarantee of salvation with Islam…unless one dies as a martyr). It’s the notion of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), which Islam and rationalists find to be the most implausible aspect of Christianity.

This debate of religions is really a battle of ideas, a ‘clash of ideologies and civilisations between east and west’. Catholic Cardinal Ratzinberger once said: “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. 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 which are the hallmarks of Western civilisation. *

* From an article in ‘The Independent’ by Dominic Lawson.