Christianity

1. Islam & Christianity

2. What Muslims Believe: Muslims believe that Islam is the original religion since the creation of Adam the first prophet. All people who submit to Allah are Muslims. Allah has appointed thousands of prophets throughout time to warn and guide mankind. Prominent prophets were Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus the Messiah. Muhammad was the final prophet. In 610 AD, Muhammad was sent by Allah and united the Arab tribes and turn them from idolatry to Islam. After the death of Muhammad in AD 632, Sunni Isalm spread from Arabia under the first four right guided rulers and close companions of Muhammad. Shia Islam began to rapidly spread through the teachings of “infallible” Imans from the bloodline of Muhammad. What Christians Believe: Christians also trace their religious history back to Adam, who brought the curse of sin upon all mankind. Jesus is known as the second Adam, who came to remove the curse of sin. God’s plan unfolded over history. Abraham promised the blessing to carry out God’s eternal purposes. He was blessed so he could be a blessing to all the families of the earth. Jesus is the promised seed of Eve who would crush the head of Satan and bring salvation to God’s people. Satan has twisted all good things – even religion – into weapons to discredit God. Jesus has defeated Satan, sin, and death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. He offers the blessing of eternal life to all who repent and believe in him and put their trust in him as their Savior and Lord. HISTORY

3. Religious history between Christians and Muslims is covered with blood and war, much like all of human history. God’s name has been used by both sides to justify murder and mayhem. Christians would be wise to point out to Muslims that we have a common enemy, evil and Satan, the “enemy of souls.” By recognizing the common enemy, Christians can create a context that can help them build relationships with Muslims. It is also important to point out that we, as Christians, believe God is sovereign over all of history, but we believe he is a personal God who has been involved in history in a personal way. How to Correct Misunderstandings

4. What Muslims Believe: Allah is One. The absolute oneness of Allah is primary to Muslims. The greatest sin is to associate any partner with Him. This sin is called shirk. Muhammad’s message advocating one God was courageous because idolatry was the established religion of Arabia. Muhammad challenged the system and finally prevailed with the message of monotheism. Islam is rooted in the commitment to the belief in one God. Allah cannot be compared to humans or any created thing. Allah’s character is revealed through his 99 Arabic names. The two most common are “The Merciful” and “The Compassionate.” Allah is never described as “father” or “son.” Muslims do not have a personal relationship with Allah. His will is to obey. Allah creates and sustains life. His will is absolute. He is final judge with no mediator. To please him you must be obedient and live lives in submission to Allah’s will. What Christians Believe: The bible teaches that God is One, but complex in unity. He is a unique and personal God who exists in relationship from all eternity. He is the ultimate Father, in name, character, and person. He is creator and sustainer. He is the eternal word who became flesh, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. Jesus is the only Messiah and Savior of the world who was sent by the Father. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are God, not just three parts or three names. Three in person, one is essence. God is revealed as a loving God, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. God is infallible, omniscient, omnipresent, eternal, and able to be known. WHO GOD IS

5. Most Muslims consider Christians to be polytheists because of the Trinity. A popular misunderstanding of the Trinity is that Christians believe that a Father God had sex with a Mother God to produce their “son of God.” No Christian believes this. Educated Muslims understand this false Trinity is not what Christians believe, but they still do not understand how the math can show God’s unity. To them it is simple 1+1+1=3. This is not what Christians believe. Rather than use an analogy of adding, the Trinity has been explained as multiplied wholeness, 1x1x1=1. The Quran actually sets Jesus apart as the “Word of God” and “Spirit of God” and affirms his virgin birth and miracles, even his raising the dead. Muslims also believe in the Second Coming of Jesus, because the “day of his return” is mentioned in the Quran. Muslims like to point out how the Quran honors Jesus. Yet such positive references to Jesus in the Quran are few compared to the complete story of Jesus preserved by God in the NT. How to Correct Misunderstandings

6. What Muslims Believe: According to Muslims, there is only one trustworthy Holy Scripture, the Quran. Many prophets before Muhammad were also given Allah’s word, among them: Moses given the Torah, David given the Psalms, and Jesus given the Gospel. However, Muslims are taught that all these writings were corrupted. Allah appointed Muhammad to receive the Quran in order to correct this corruption. In AD 610 Allah sent the angel Gabriel to Muhammad in Mecca, in a cave and over the next 22 years Gabriel revealed surasor chapters to Muhammad with the command the recite it to others. Muhammad could not read or write. After Muhammad died in 632, his followers gathered the suras together into the Quran. The third caliph, Uthman, had scholars compile the official Quran, in written form. The Quran is considered divine in its original Arabic. What Christians Believe: The bible is the authoritative, inspired word of God, composed of 66 different books, transmitted through at least 40 prophets, apostles, and holy men. The first 39 books are the Old Testament. The OT was written over many centuries by various authors in diverse cultures using the Hebrew and Aramaic languages. The remaining 27 books make up the New Testament. They were written in Greek, The NT contains the collections of eye-witness reports of the life and teachings of Jesus. Christians believe the bible was written by men as they were led by the Holy Spirit, God “breathed” His Word through many people. HOLY SCRIPTURES

7. Muslims feel sorry that Christians follow a corrupted book and most Muslims avoid the Bible. Even among Western educated Muslims, the great diversity of Bible versions and translations adds to their belief that the Bible is corrupted. Muhammad did not question the Bibles accuracy. The accusation that the Bible had been corrupted came centuries after Muhammad, at a time Muslim scholars realized there were contradictions between the Quran and the Bible. Yet the Quran points to the Bible as truth over 120 times. The text of the Bible is better preserved than the writings of Plato and Aristotle. Muslims believe that no man can corrupt the Word of God because God is committed to protect his Word. For Muslims, the best defense of the Bible’s integrity is the nature, power, and reputation of God. How to Correct Misunderstandings

8. What Muslims Believe: Muhammad is called the “seal of the prophets,” and the last in a line of 124,000 prophets going back to Adam. Muhammad’s name means “praised one,” and he is commended by Allah in the Quran. Muhammad warned against idol worship in Mecca in 610AD. Most rejected his message. Muhammad had to take his followers and flee to Medina in 622AD. This flight is known as hijara. Medina was receptive to Muhammad. Muhammad led his people to take over Mecca. Muslims try and follow Muhammad example known as his sunnaor his way. Everything is prescribed, from ritual washings before prayer to hygienic practices in the bathroom. The hadithgives large portions of instructions for all Muslims to follow. The hadithaccounts for Muhammad’s life, words, and behavior. What Christians Believe: NT writers proclaimed Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law of Moses and the predictions of OT prophets. These prophets are quoted in the NT. Matthew quotes various prophets concerning Jesus’ birth, his mother being a virgin, and even the killing of baby boys by King Herod. The prophets warned against idolatry and commanded God’s people to flee their evil ways and return to the Lord. Prophets detailed the coming of Jesus and his suffering, death, and resurrection. Prophets also warned against false teachers and false prophets. PROPHETS

9. It is recommended that when talking to Muslims that Christians should not insult Muhammad. Since so much is determined by imitating their prophet, to insult Muhammad is to attack their entire life and culture. It is wise to find common ground and agree that Muhammad has much in common with OT prophets. He was a political leader with multiple wives like David and Solomon. Like Moses and Joshua he united tribes and led them in battle. Like Elijah and many other prophets, he destroyed idols and confronted corruption and false worship. It is important to point out that OT prophets pointed to Jesus as the Messiah, as being greater than them. Muhammad looked back with respect and admiration for Jesus. It is most important to lift up Jesus and not tear down Muhammad. How to Correct Misunderstandings

10. What Muslims Believe: Muslims strive to follow the 5 Pillars: the ritual practices of Islam. Beliefs are important, but the accomplishment of these 5 Pillars is of the utmost importance. 5 Pillars are: Confessing the Faith (Shahada), Prayer (Salat), Fasting (Sawm), Giving of Alms (Zakat), Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj).The Muslims objective is to follow Muhammad’s pattern found in the sunna as they accomplish the pillars. Some Muslims would include a 6th Pillar, Holy Struggle (Jihad). The struggle can be internal or external. The interpretation of Jihad can determine the difference between moderate and radical Muslims. Their beliefs about the final judgment of Allah motivates their obedience to the 5 Pillars. What Christians Believe: The Bible teaches that salvation is a gift of God through faith in Jesus Christ and there are no rituals or practices that anyone can do in order to be made right with God. Even though no one can be saved by works, followers strive to serve Jesus and their neighbors (anyone according to Jesus) and do what he commanded because they are filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus said: “If you love me you will keep my commands, and my commands are not burdensome.” Christians are encouraged in scripture to study the word, take part in corporate worship, fellowship, fast, pray, and evangelize. PRACTICES & RITUALS

11. A Muslim can be confused by Christian symbols and rituals, such as the cross. The cross is considered a military symbol to a Muslim. The Lord’s Supper doesn’t make sense to a Muslim because of the use of wine. Alcohol is prohibited in Islam. A way to build a meaningful relationship with a Muslim would be to sit down, one on one and discuss the rituals and symbols related to Christianity and Islam in a respectful way. Both Muslims and Christians seek to imitate and follow the ways of their leaders. It is important to point out that Christians do not seek to justify themselves through their works and good deeds. It is understood in Christianity that we are all fallen and imperfect, unable to keep God’s law in order to save ourselves, however, a great witness to Muslims is for them to see and understand how we follow Jesus and are obedient, in daily life, to his commandments. It is also important for them to see that we have respect for the law of God. How to Correct Misunderstandings

12. What Muslims Believe: The Quran says, “For those who reject Allah, there is a terrible penalty, but for those who believe and work righteous deeds, there is forgiveness and a magnificent reward (Surah 55:7). This great reward is janna, a garden paradise, an eternal place of sensual and spiritual pleasures. In Islam there is no Savior. Salvation is earned, however, Allah can always be merciful and forgive anyone he wants. He is primary judge. They believe in hellfire and punishment in the Quran. All men should fear Judgment Day, in which each persons deeds will be weighed on a scale. “Recording Angels” keep a list of every deed, both good and bad. Extreme Muslim terrorists insist that paradise is guaranteed for jihad martyrs. Most Muslim scholars and followers reject this belief. What Christians Believe: Christians believe that after death, all people await the final judgment when both believers and unbelievers will be resurrected. All will be judged according to the deeds they have done, but believers will be saved because God removed the record that contained the charges against them. He destroyed it by nailing it to the cross of Jesus (Col. 2:14) This would remove the list of bad deeds kept by any Muslim’s “recording angel.” Even if one’s list of good deeds outweighed their list of bad deeds it would not be enough to save them. The Bible says this would only cause boasting and pride. Instead God has credited his people with the righteousness of Christ, so salvation is a gift of grace, not earned by anyone, not even martyrs, but brought with a great price, namely, Jesus’ blood. God adopts those he saves into his Covenant family so they may live with Jesus in Heaven. Salvation and Paradise

13. Thinking of Allah as Abba-Father is difficult for some Muslims. Any negative view of the earthly father role will twist one’s view of God. In the East, fathers tend to be negligent and authoritative (more discipline than love). God is a Father, who shows both love and discipline. He wants loving followers, not just slaves or spoiled children. This view of fatherhood makes it easier to relate to God as Abba and to come to Him as a humble child, ready to be loved and disciplined. Jesus said one must enter God’s kingdom as a little child. To boast of good deeds is not encouraged in the Bible because Jesus, the Lamb of God, sits upon the throne. Jesus is the Christian’s substitute sacrifice, just as God pictured beforehand when He provided a ram to die in place of Abraham’s son. The idea of God becoming man and sacrificing himself for his followers is unthinkable to a Muslim, as well as God as a Father who would send his son to live as a servant and die a criminal’s death when he was innocent. How to Correct Misunderstandings

14. What Muslims Believe: Muslim women generally consider themselves protected and satisfied within their culture. Their fulfilling social life is usually gender-separated and happens primarily within extended families and some close neighbors.Women are valued in Islam. Muhammad brought an end to the practice of female infanticide, widely practiced before his time. The honor of women is a major concern in Muslim societies. The reputation of the family is linked with the women. Islam helps maintain roles and expectations that predate Muhammad. The modest dress code is to protect women. If seen without loose clothing or a veil, men might judge a woman based on her appearance or may try to abuse her. Muslim women do not need to wear a veil or loose clothes at home or when only women are present. Islam limits men to 4 wives and requires equal treatment of each. Family is highly valued. What Christians Believe: Christians believe that the Bible teaches that both man and woman were created in God’s image, had a direct relationship with God, and shared jointly the responsibilities of bringing up children and ruling over the created order. Christian husbands and wives are to mutually submit to one another. Women are to respect their husbands, husbands are to sacrificially and selflessly love their wives, just as Jesus loves his church. Christian women are to dress modestly (1 Tim. 2:9) and all followers of Jesus are to flee from sexual immorality (1 Cor. 6:18). ROLE OF WOMEN

15. Western values conflict with Muslims regarding women perhaps more than any other category. There are several problems in Muslim societies in regard to women. However, secularism and women’s liberation have brought the “Christian” West several problems as well. Christians, often focused on the plight of Muslim women, fail to see that may Western “solutions” are more to be feared than the problems they address. Many Muslim women prefer their lifestyle to lonely singleness, sexual exploitation, and the desire for money that makes home and family unimportant. It is important for Christians to admit there are problems in Western culture with how women are perceived and treated as well, but to affirm that the Bible teaches that both men and women were created in God’s image and are to be treated with respect and sacrificial love. How to Correct Misunderstandings