Hey there! I know it's been awhile, I've been super busy. But without further delay, here is Part 3.
The next few posts are going to be about significant differences between Christianity and Islam.
"Many differences exist between Christianity and Islam. Yet before exploring those differences, we should recognize that some basic convictions are common to both faiths. Indeed, some teaching in the Quran confirms biblical truth. Note these seven truths about God embraced by followers of Islam and Christianity alike:
1. God is one. (Deuteronomy 6:4; supported in Sura 4:171)
2. God is the great and sovereign Creator. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1; supported in Sura 50:38)
3. God revealed His will through the prophets and apostles. "And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'Out of Egypt I called my son" (Matthew 2:15; supported in Sura 16:36)
4. God wants to forgive! He is full of mercy and kindness. "For the Lord your God is a merciful God" (Deuteronomy 4:31; supported in Sura 2:218)
5. All creation has the privilege and duty to worship God. "All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to you' (Psalm 66:4; supported in Sura 1:4)
6. God controls history. All men will be judged. "For God will bring every deed into judgment" (Ecclesiastes 12:14; supported in Sura 1:3)
7. We can bring our requests to God in prayer. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, be prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6; supported in Sura 2:153)
Notice the common beliefs among Muslims and Christians. We agree that God is one, God rules, God reveals His will; we believe God judges, is merciful, and forgives. Yet Muslims and Christians disagree on exactly how God creates, rules, reveals His will, judges, loves, and forgives. Indeed, the partial truth that Muslims have of God blinds them to the full truth.
THE ESSENCE AND ATTRIBUTES OF GOD:
Christianity:
- Righteousness and justice are parts of the holiness of God that are seen in His treatment of His creatures. God will never do anything that is not morally perfect. "For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice" (Psalm 11:7).
-God loves all mankind. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son" (John 3:16). "God is love" (1 John 4:8)
-God is always faithful to His covenants and doesn't change His mind. "The Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations: (Deuteronomy 7:9). "The Father...does not change" (james 1:17).
Islam:
-There is no law of righteousness in the being of Allah. He does as He pleases, guiding some men aright and others astray. Allah created some men and spirits to send them to hell: "...that I will fill hell with the jinn and mankind together' (Sura 32:13).
-Allah has no affection or feeling for any creature. Love is conditional to those who believe and do good works. "Lo! those who believe and do good works, the Beneficient will appoint for them love" (sura 19:96).
-Allah does not make covenants with man. He can and does change His mind. "And when we put a revelation in place of [another] revelation-and Allah knowest best what He revealeth" (Sura 16:101)
Even though this section does not talk much about Mohammad, I thought I'd bring this up since Easter just passed. My pastor last Sunday said this: That many Muslims come from all over the world to the place where Mohammad was buried (I think in Medina?), but his bones are still there. But Jesus has risen, and his bones aren't. Makes you think.
(Everything italicized and other quotes are from the book: "Islam and the Bible- Why Two Faiths Collide" by David Goldmann)
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Islam and the Bible- Part 2
TWO ABODES:
ABODE OF ISLAM AND THE ABODE OF WAR
"Islam divides the peoples of the world into two distinct realms or abodes: the Abode of Islam and the Abode of War. The former have submitted to the will of Allah, and the latter are still resisting. Countries under Muslim control are considered the Abode of Islam. It is the duty of all Muslims to preserve the Abode of Islam from contamination and, where possible, to enlarge it at the expense of the Abode of War, where the "infidel" rules.
Many Muslims believe that the nations of the West established Israel in the heart of the Arab world to be the outpost of their civilization, to be a sword of the West hanging over the necks of Muslims. Therefore, many militant Muslims are committed to restoring Israel's territory to Muslim control and to preserve the Abode of Islam in Palestine. Islam teaches that Muslims who die in the struggle against infidels will immediately be translated to paradise."
Jesus:
1. Jesus declared, "Blessed are the peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9)
Muhammad:
1. Allah told Muhammad: "Fight against such of those who have been given the Scripture as believe not in Allah nor the Last Day" (Sura 9:29)
Jesus:
2. Jesus said, "Believe and live." he declared, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die" (John 11:25-26)
Muhammad:
2. Muhammad said, "Convert or die." He declared, "I have been ordered (by Allah) to fight the people till they say: None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and whoever said it then he will save his life and property" (Hadith 2:483)
Jesus:
3. Jesus' mission was to conquer sin's penalty and power by His vicarious death. "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21; also 1 Peter 3:18)
Muhammad:
3. Muhammad's mission was to conquer the world for Allah. The goal of jihad, or a holy war, is to establish Islamic authority over the whole world. Islam teaches that Allah is the only authority, and all political systems must be based on Allah's teaching. Allah is important.
My personal opinion- "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26)
It sounds like Islam also believes in the "last day", as Christians believe in Judgment Day. So, what's the point of 'owning' the world? It's going to be gone one day.
Notice that much of the call to action comes in the Hadith, a companion book that amplifies on the Quran by quoting the words of Muhammad."
A Chronology of Biblical and Islamic World Events:
-2166 BC Abraham born
-1550 BC Egypt colonizes Kush
-1526 BC Moses born
-1010 BC David becomes Isreal's second king
-710 BC King Taharaq, along with King Hezekiah of Judah, defy the invading Assyrians
-330 BC Alexander the Great defeats the Persian Empire
-100 BC Julius Caesar, first emperor of Rome, born
-3 BC Jesus Christ is born
-27 AD Jesus begins ministry
-30 AD Jesus is crucified, resurrected, and ascends into heaven
-570 Muhammad is born in Mecca
-610-632 Muhammad experiences dreams/visions; Allah tells forth his words
-622 Muhammad flees to Medina with 150 followers
-630-632 He conquers Mecca; mass conversions to Islam
-632 Muhammad dies at age 62
-632-661 The four caliphs (successors of Muhammad) rule
-646 The Quran is compiled
-661-1300 Islamic dynasties rule
-732 The spread of Islam is stopped at Tours, France, by Charles Martel
-811-876 Al-Bukhari gathers authoritative collection of Muhammad's traditions (Hadith)
-1096-1291 The Christian Crusades invade the Muslim world
-1500-1920 Muslim world is under European domination
-1948 Modern Israel is founded
-2003 Muslims number 1.2 billion worldwide, four to six million Muslims in U.S.
(All quotes, charts, comparisons, etc., found in the book: Islam and the Bible- Why Two Faiths Collide)
ABODE OF ISLAM AND THE ABODE OF WAR
"Islam divides the peoples of the world into two distinct realms or abodes: the Abode of Islam and the Abode of War. The former have submitted to the will of Allah, and the latter are still resisting. Countries under Muslim control are considered the Abode of Islam. It is the duty of all Muslims to preserve the Abode of Islam from contamination and, where possible, to enlarge it at the expense of the Abode of War, where the "infidel" rules.
Many Muslims believe that the nations of the West established Israel in the heart of the Arab world to be the outpost of their civilization, to be a sword of the West hanging over the necks of Muslims. Therefore, many militant Muslims are committed to restoring Israel's territory to Muslim control and to preserve the Abode of Islam in Palestine. Islam teaches that Muslims who die in the struggle against infidels will immediately be translated to paradise."
Jesus:
1. Jesus declared, "Blessed are the peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9)
Muhammad:
1. Allah told Muhammad: "Fight against such of those who have been given the Scripture as believe not in Allah nor the Last Day" (Sura 9:29)
Jesus:
2. Jesus said, "Believe and live." he declared, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die" (John 11:25-26)
Muhammad:
2. Muhammad said, "Convert or die." He declared, "I have been ordered (by Allah) to fight the people till they say: None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and whoever said it then he will save his life and property" (Hadith 2:483)
Jesus:
3. Jesus' mission was to conquer sin's penalty and power by His vicarious death. "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21; also 1 Peter 3:18)
Muhammad:
3. Muhammad's mission was to conquer the world for Allah. The goal of jihad, or a holy war, is to establish Islamic authority over the whole world. Islam teaches that Allah is the only authority, and all political systems must be based on Allah's teaching. Allah is important.
My personal opinion- "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26)
It sounds like Islam also believes in the "last day", as Christians believe in Judgment Day. So, what's the point of 'owning' the world? It's going to be gone one day.
Notice that much of the call to action comes in the Hadith, a companion book that amplifies on the Quran by quoting the words of Muhammad."
A Chronology of Biblical and Islamic World Events:
-2166 BC Abraham born
-1550 BC Egypt colonizes Kush
-1526 BC Moses born
-1010 BC David becomes Isreal's second king
-710 BC King Taharaq, along with King Hezekiah of Judah, defy the invading Assyrians
-330 BC Alexander the Great defeats the Persian Empire
-100 BC Julius Caesar, first emperor of Rome, born
-3 BC Jesus Christ is born
-27 AD Jesus begins ministry
-30 AD Jesus is crucified, resurrected, and ascends into heaven
-570 Muhammad is born in Mecca
-610-632 Muhammad experiences dreams/visions; Allah tells forth his words
-622 Muhammad flees to Medina with 150 followers
-630-632 He conquers Mecca; mass conversions to Islam
-632 Muhammad dies at age 62
-632-661 The four caliphs (successors of Muhammad) rule
-646 The Quran is compiled
-661-1300 Islamic dynasties rule
-732 The spread of Islam is stopped at Tours, France, by Charles Martel
-811-876 Al-Bukhari gathers authoritative collection of Muhammad's traditions (Hadith)
-1096-1291 The Christian Crusades invade the Muslim world
-1500-1920 Muslim world is under European domination
-1948 Modern Israel is founded
-2003 Muslims number 1.2 billion worldwide, four to six million Muslims in U.S.
(All quotes, charts, comparisons, etc., found in the book: Islam and the Bible- Why Two Faiths Collide)
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Islam and the Bible- Part 1
The series begins!
There aren't a lot of actual chapters in this book, so each "part" will consist of so many pages that I can read at the time. (Just so you know..)
This sentence was in the Forward: "Long ago I learned that we can never make Jesus attractive to Muslims if we antagonize them." - I wish many American Christians would learn that.
"Is true Islam peaceful or militant? The answer to this opening question is not simple, for there are many faces to Islam. Muslim clerics in the U.S. say that Islam means peace and doesn't sanction terrorist acts. Yet many clerics in other countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan, and Sudan, teach that committed Muslims must fight unbelievers (Jews and Christians) until they are subdued.
... Either position can be argued by quoting specific Quranic verses. "
"Early passages in the Quran advocate a peaceful coexistence with Christianity"
We can see this 'peaceful coexistence' in Sura 2:62, Sura 2:256, and Sura 29:46.
Later on, Muhammad's power increased in Medina, and he almost changed his mind as he turned on Jews and Christians who refused to accept him as the prophet of God. (That's power for ya, we all can see this in politics and fame in today's society.)
Sura 9:5 says: "Slay the idolaters wherever ye find them, and take them captive, and besiege them and prepare for them each ambush.."
This was a complete flip. At first, they didn't mind the Christians and Jews, but as time went on, they do. I wonder why?
"According to Quranic teaching, Allah can change his mind and replace a verse with a later and better revelation."
So if he says something that isn't right the first time, he can change it?
(Sura 2:106, Sura 16:101)
"Mark A. Gabriel, former professor of Islamic history at al-Azhar University of Cairo, Egypt, notes that Muhammad, while living in Mecca, "Never spoke of jihad." He did not mention a "holy war" because he lacked the military might. While in Medina, however, where he built an army."
"Muhammad's move from Mecca to Medina changed Islam into a political movement."
Interesting change in ways, in this first section. We'll see how it works out later on in the book.
(All quotes in bold are from the book Islam and the Bible- Why Two Faiths Collide by David Goldmann
There aren't a lot of actual chapters in this book, so each "part" will consist of so many pages that I can read at the time. (Just so you know..)
This sentence was in the Forward: "Long ago I learned that we can never make Jesus attractive to Muslims if we antagonize them." - I wish many American Christians would learn that.
"Is true Islam peaceful or militant? The answer to this opening question is not simple, for there are many faces to Islam. Muslim clerics in the U.S. say that Islam means peace and doesn't sanction terrorist acts. Yet many clerics in other countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan, and Sudan, teach that committed Muslims must fight unbelievers (Jews and Christians) until they are subdued.
... Either position can be argued by quoting specific Quranic verses. "
"Early passages in the Quran advocate a peaceful coexistence with Christianity"
We can see this 'peaceful coexistence' in Sura 2:62, Sura 2:256, and Sura 29:46.
Later on, Muhammad's power increased in Medina, and he almost changed his mind as he turned on Jews and Christians who refused to accept him as the prophet of God. (That's power for ya, we all can see this in politics and fame in today's society.)
Sura 9:5 says: "Slay the idolaters wherever ye find them, and take them captive, and besiege them and prepare for them each ambush.."
This was a complete flip. At first, they didn't mind the Christians and Jews, but as time went on, they do. I wonder why?
"According to Quranic teaching, Allah can change his mind and replace a verse with a later and better revelation."
So if he says something that isn't right the first time, he can change it?
(Sura 2:106, Sura 16:101)
"Mark A. Gabriel, former professor of Islamic history at al-Azhar University of Cairo, Egypt, notes that Muhammad, while living in Mecca, "Never spoke of jihad." He did not mention a "holy war" because he lacked the military might. While in Medina, however, where he built an army."
"Muhammad's move from Mecca to Medina changed Islam into a political movement."
Interesting change in ways, in this first section. We'll see how it works out later on in the book.
(All quotes in bold are from the book Islam and the Bible- Why Two Faiths Collide by David Goldmann
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Islam and the Bible Series
Hey everyone~
I'm starting to read the book: "Islam and the Bible- why two faiths collide" by David Goldmann. It was recommended by my church, and I just find it a very curious subject to study. So, since most of you haven't read this, won't read it, or just don't have time to read it, I'm going to do a blog-post series on it. I'm going to read a chapter, then blog about it. I will be quoting from the book, writing my personal comments down, and just overall discussing what each chapter covers. In this age, the Muslim community has grown greatly in America. I'm not going to be putting that religion down, I'm just going to be discussing our likenesses and differences. But I will warn you- I am biased towards Christianity, because that's my religion and what I believe. But I will appreciate it if you share this blog with others, and if you comment on it with your opinions. If I say something that isn't true (on either side), please tell me. I encourage a discussion either via comments or in the Chat Box.
I will NOT keep you updated on new blog posts via facebook. I have had many complaints lately on how I have been posting too much, both status updates and ChaCha links, so I have cut back all postings. (But keep in mind, every time you click on a ChaCha link, I make money. That's why I do it.)
I WILL keep you updated on Twitter, for those of you who follow me. The new posts will not come out on a set day, or every so often. I have work and school, so by the time I read a chapter and blog about it it might be a few days. I'll try my best to get at least 3 or 4 blog posts a week. But like I said above, I will post it on Twitter when a new one comes out.
I hope this will educate Christians, Muslims, and others that we do have similarities, but I also hope it clarifies what both religions truly believe. So, thank you for your time in reading this and future posts. Look for the first chapter soon.
-Austen
I'm starting to read the book: "Islam and the Bible- why two faiths collide" by David Goldmann. It was recommended by my church, and I just find it a very curious subject to study. So, since most of you haven't read this, won't read it, or just don't have time to read it, I'm going to do a blog-post series on it. I'm going to read a chapter, then blog about it. I will be quoting from the book, writing my personal comments down, and just overall discussing what each chapter covers. In this age, the Muslim community has grown greatly in America. I'm not going to be putting that religion down, I'm just going to be discussing our likenesses and differences. But I will warn you- I am biased towards Christianity, because that's my religion and what I believe. But I will appreciate it if you share this blog with others, and if you comment on it with your opinions. If I say something that isn't true (on either side), please tell me. I encourage a discussion either via comments or in the Chat Box.
I will NOT keep you updated on new blog posts via facebook. I have had many complaints lately on how I have been posting too much, both status updates and ChaCha links, so I have cut back all postings. (But keep in mind, every time you click on a ChaCha link, I make money. That's why I do it.)
I WILL keep you updated on Twitter, for those of you who follow me. The new posts will not come out on a set day, or every so often. I have work and school, so by the time I read a chapter and blog about it it might be a few days. I'll try my best to get at least 3 or 4 blog posts a week. But like I said above, I will post it on Twitter when a new one comes out.
I hope this will educate Christians, Muslims, and others that we do have similarities, but I also hope it clarifies what both religions truly believe. So, thank you for your time in reading this and future posts. Look for the first chapter soon.
-Austen
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