Open question for all believers. Do we have a chance?

Question

It seems clear to me that if Christians and Muslims continue to argue, there can never be peace and I am afraid that we will destroy one another. This is my first real step.
I am a person who loves God. I see wisdom in the Bible and I see wisdom in the Quran. People on both sides seem to feel that the other person's scriptures have been badly corrupted. Is there anyone who can see the word of God in spite of the mis-interpretations of men? Does some of the real message of God still exist in these sources? I'm going to try to keep this question open for as long as I can in the hope that an open question can help open minds. It's a challenge: Muslims, what part of the Bible is still the word of God? Christians, what part of the Quran is wisdom from God? Or does one mistake by men negate the whole truth? Hide your identity if you want, get mad at me if it helps you tell the truth, do anything you need to do. The stakes are high. It'sthe future of the world where everyone's children will.

25 minutes and I'm still all alone. Oh well.
Being an American is the hardest job in the world, having to respect all of my neighbors. The person who said judge not took a page from my script. That's what I always say. I still can't believe that there are people who think they have a monopoly on God. God is beyond human understanding, but so many of us think we know the whole truth and that others are all liars. 2+2 does indeed equal 4, but what does God+human=? You can't possibly know because one of the terms is not quantifiable to our limited understanding.
Oh, and I'm not an atheist in case you missed that part.

One hour into my experiment. The score so far: 9 responses, hate is up by 5 points.
God personifies love. What was it again that personifies hate?

3 hours, 2 new answers. Intelligent people, both. 1 Muslim, 1 scholar who doesn't specify his religion. Zero new votes for tolerance. It doesn't look good. One person has even gone so far as to say that God and Allah are two different beings- in effect that he believes that there is more than one God. It doesn't look good at all. I am trying to see religion as a good thing in the world, but if it makes people hate, it can't be good. In another hour, I will review the answers again, but it doesn't look like I'll be able to choose a best answer and I'll have to leave it to a vote. I would want to vote in favor of not destroying the world with hatred, but maybe I'm all alone in that wish.

4 hours. One new answer. I mean one truly new answer. I have a renewed sense of hope. People can know God. All hope is not lost. According to my survey, one person in twelve believes that God can speak and that men cannot forever refuse to hear. God bless you Nel. I will do as I promised and extend the deadline of this question and I sincerely hope that there will be something to learn here.

Answer 1

I have not read all of the Quran. I have not read all of the Bible, though I would say I have read most of it and studied parts of it. Comparing the two, I see the Quran being very similar to the Old Testament of the Bible in many ways. It even covers many of the same topics. The Quran also contains many parables, just as the Bible does. Both were written many years ago when times were very different. Both were written by men claiming divine inspiration. This is what I feel is probably the most important thing to realize. I sometimes feel God is telling me something. In fact I'm sure that I know he (I will use that term here for God, but insert what ever pronoun you would like.) has given me his word on many occasions. However, there have also been times when my own will has interfered with hearing clearly the word of God. I also believe that is true with both the Quran and the Bible. Men are not infallible. Interpretations vary.

The Koran even says:
[3.7] He it is Who has revealed the Book to you; some of its verses are decisive, they are the basis of the Book, and others are allegorical; then as for those in whose hearts there is perversity they follow the part of it which is allegorical, seeking to mislead and seeking to give it (their own) interpretation. but none knows its interpretation except Allah, and those who are firmly rooted in knowledge say: We believe in it, it is all from our Lord; and none do mind except those having understanding.
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Some say the Quran is the epitome of hatred.

Some of my interpretations from the Quran:

2.224 Calls for peace between men and says that you should not make Allah an excuse for not doing good.

Actual translated text:
[2.224] And make not Allah because of your swearing (by Him) an obstacle to your doing good and guarding (against evil) and making peace between men, and Allah is Hearing, Knowing.
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[2.225] Says Allah is forgiving.

Actual translated text:
[2.225] Allah does not call you to account for what is vain in your oaths, but He will call you to account for what your hearts have earned, and Allah is Forgiving, Forbearing.
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A prayer from the Quran - does this not sound like many of the Psalms from the Bible?

[2.286] Allah does not impose upon any soul a duty but to the extent of its ability; for it is (the benefit of) what it has earned and upon it (the evil of) what it has wrought: Our Lord! do not punish us if we forget or make a mistake; Our Lord! do not lay on us a burden as Thou didst lay on those before us, Our Lord do not impose upon us that which we have not the strength to bear; and pardon us and grant us protection and have mercy on us, Thou art our Patron, so help us against the unbelieving people.

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Both the Quran and the Bible's OT have detailed instructions on what to do in many situations - divorce, sexual relations (especially during menstruation *see note at the end of this paragraph), taking care of children/orphans, of women whose husbands have died, incest, indecency, mode of dress, and many other subjects. These were appropriate for the time the books were written. However, they are no longer appropriate in most situations. I think those detailed instructions were necessary for the time in which they were written, and the writers were trying to give the guidelines for a productive and healthy life style. But things have changed since then. For instance: *men were advised to refrain from having sexual relations during a woman's period of menstruation, and right after. This was at time when hygiene was not like it is today. Men didn't take daily showers (far from it). There were no antibiotics or drugs to cure infection. During a woman's period and directly after, she is more prone to infection. If a man were to "enter her" it could cause infection, and death. Today, we are more aware of cleaning ourselves, and if we get sick, we go to the doctor and get medicine. No big deal. But back then it was. So while those things were important when the Bible and the Quran were written, we do not need to adhere to them today. That is true with many of the instructions of both books.

I think we can read the Bible, the Quran, and any other book and take from them what means something to us. I do believe both the Bible and the Quran teach that God/Allah, is love and that we are to also be love. They both teach responsibility for caring for others.

I think that is the basis of religion in general. All religions. Love each other, be kind to each other, take care of each other.

I believe we need to stop fighting, and make nice (a term a friend of mine used with her children). If we (countries at war) cannot agree on things, we need to respect the others beliefs and let them go do their own thing and we do ours. I also feel we can begin to practice on a personal level at home. Love one another as God loves you. Love your spouse, love your parents, love your children, love your friends. If you cannot get along with someone, cut the ties with them and love them from afar. But don't be constantly at war with them.

While I do feel the Quran holds some truths, especially the basics, I am Christian, and find more truths in the Bible. But I am careful to gather the general idea from what is said, and not take each and every statement literally.

Robert D. I thank you for this question, and I believe you are right - the future of the world is at stake if we are so blind that we cannot see others point of view and we continue to argue. That is a no win situation.

Answer 2

Not many Americans will choose to read the Qu'ran, but it is much different than the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His kingdom. The Qu'ran teaches love, and peace like the New Testament, but it also teaches hatred and physical domination of infidels and even "people of the Book" (specifying Christians.) It is true that both are instructed to spread their religion and spirituality to all nations. But, the Christian is instructed universally to do it with love and charity, particularly for those in dire need. The Muslim is often instructed to do it with destruction and death. You won't hear these verses from moderate Muslims in the U.S. But these are the verses that radical fundamentalist Muslims depend on and teach in their schools. Osma Bin Laden really does have a basis in his holy book to do what he does. Find a Qu'ran in a library or on the web and check the following verses in their context.

Sura 2:191-193; Sura 9:29; There are many others related to jihad (holy war) and killing for Allah. Do a Yahoo search.

For other issues commanded by Allah through his messenger, Mohammed, which supposedly wrote the last words from God sealing us from any further commandments...

Sura 2:223,228,282; 4:3,11,34; 5:51; 9:12,29; 24:2

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Find anything remotely similar in the New Testament. One might consider that Muhammad was more influenced by the Old Testament than the New. But, I think he was more influenced by his miitary power than anything. He was weak in Mecca and wrote messages of peace and reconciliation. In Medina he was strong and wrote messages of death and destruction for his enemies. That's just one interpretation of course.

Answer 3

First of all, the Bible is the inspired infallible word of God. The Koran, or Quran as some write, is not the word of God. The Bible clearly states in the Book of Revelation that whoever adds to what is written in the Bible, to them will be added the plagues that are listed in the Bible. This includes the Koran and the book of Mormon. As the Koran is not inspired by God, the only wisdom in there is from the person who wrote it. There is no wisdom from God in the Koran.

Answer 4

The problem is that people never seem to be able to agree to disagree on issues. It's not just Christians vs Muslims. Christians get angry at other Christians who don't agree with their beliefs. Muslims get angry with other Muslims who don't agree with their beliefs. People tend to be very sensitive about what they believe. Wars have been fought over beliefs in the past, and wars will continue to be fought over beliefs in the future.

One mistake people make is the belief that truth is relative. Truth is not relative to the individual. For example, no matter how much you want to believe that 1+1=3, it doesn't change the fact that 1+1=2.

Personally, I believe that things like violence and hate are evidence that a religion is not grounded in truth.

Answer 5

We Muslims believe that there are still words of Allah in the Bible but since it has some 50,000 errors in it, we do not accept as a law or reference.

All the allegations about Quran by non-believers are wrong. You can check them one by one yourself. I am sure 100% that all of them will be proven false. People who do proper research on Islam are accepting Islam as their way of life. As you already know, Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world with a 1.5 billion followers.

Answer 6

How can you find wisdom in both places? If you are a beliver in GOD you can not turn a round and believe in allah and the Quran. A musslim believes that we are all bad their allegence is to allah and mecca where they turn to pray 5 times a day. Their moon god is not kind and loving he says to hate us all, when a christian bible teaches us that our God is kind and loving and to care for and love everyone. How can you believe you are going to heaven (we are taught nonviolence) when you also believe that we have to hate and kill to get to heaven? They are taught to marry four women and beat and scourge them if they are disobediant, they must submit to the mullah (spiritual leaders) who teach annihilation of Isreal and America. I don't belive all muslims are infact out to kill us all, but that is what they are taught. And I hope that nobody took any offense to this I did not mean any just trying to show the differences and make you understand that you can not believe in both.

Answer 7

The problem is that people think the wicked is an enemy without,. It is the wicked within that should be burning away.. seperate from ego-mind, "killing" the enemy is killing the ego-self. People look too much outside, while we need to do the work within. It is by freeing our true selves that is chained in our hearts that we reach God// It is by looking back at your life, truely forgiving and asking for forgiveness (karma clearing if you will) and (as my experience has been) long hours of prayer we can get these chains out. Many religious texts try to convey this same message, that maybe has not reached us fully.... We have alienated from God by chaining our true selves and need to clear His name, which is our name: I AM// and need to strive to regain consciousness, by climbing the ladder.. Going within is far more important then pointing out others errors, in fact pointing out others errors could be a huge error...(judge not)

Answer 8

if people don't come together under Christ as ONE. there will be no future.

we are already beaten by our own government by it taking the middle of the road stance, instead of keeping publicly viewable to all who live here, that this land belongs to God, and enforcing it.

without our own government protecting what is right. we will lose the battle, and are just a laughing stock to some of the other countries.

Answer 9

Good thoughts, but this is nothing new. It has been going on since Mohammed. It just gets more publicity today.

Answer 10

HI THERE...AM A HINDU...BUT AS UR QUESTION ABT MUSLIM V/S CHRISTIAN...HERE'S AN INTERESTING REVELATION THAT I CAME UP WITH...READ THIS....

CHRISTAININTY OR THE WESTERN WORLD PREDOMINANTLY CHRISTIAN IS TO DO WITH THEIR AIM TO SPREAD THEIR RELIGION....
TIME AND AGAIN WE SAW MANY PPL BEING CONVERTED TO CHRISTAINITY IN INDIA WHO ARE BACKWARD AND DISCRIMINATED AS LOWER CLASES..AM NOT SAYING THAT THEY DO SOMETHING WRONG..BUT ITS TO DO WITH CHRISTIAN FOREIGN MISSIONARIES TRYING TO SPREAD CHRISTIANITY..
SIMILARLY ISLAM SAYS ALL BE CONVERTED TO MUSLIMS...MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD!!AFTER PARTITION MANY HINDUS IN PAKISTAN CONVERTED TO ISLAM ...BUT NO MUSLIM IN INDIA WAS FORCED TO ACCEPT HINDUISM....

SO ITS WITH THEIR WANTING TO SPREADING OF RELIGION THATS CAUSE OF CONFLICT..
IN HINDUISM THERE IS NOTHING LIKE THAT..WE SPREAD OUR KNOWLEDGE ABT OUR VEDAS..YOGA..AYURVEDA..CULTURE... NEVER TRY TO CONVERT BORN IN DIFFERENT RELIGION TO HINDUISM.

PROOF:WHILE ISLAM AND CHRISTAINITY IS WIDELY SPREAD..HINDUISM 3RD LARGEST RELIGION IS PRACTISED MAINLY INDIA ...

AND U KNOW HOW MANY GODS/GODESSES DO WE HAVE..!!! ...ABT 3200.....SO WE DONT MINDADDING 2 MORE AND PRAYING SOMETIMES TO ALLAH OR JESUS!!..WE ONLY WANT BLESSINGS FROM GOD..DONT CARE WHERE THEY COME FROM....SEE SO DIVINE YET SO INTELLIGENT AND PRACTICAL