(Non-Sarcastic replies please.) Follow up question to what is the difference between God and Allah...?

Question

Our Islamic friend copied a really nice thread of which 90% of the material cut and pasted had some good substance. See the link if you are interested:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Avj4D4mvgGP27q8iOLHqhuNIzKIX?qid=20070215133222AAB6z94

If the Christian God and Allah are the same "god", why bring us two completed different paths to eternal life?

The Qur'an says that Christ was a prophet of God. If His testimony is valid in the Muslim's eyes, then how can they accept both the Qur'an and the Bible simultaneously? The two doctrines do not match. Yes, there are some moral values that can be intertwined, but in general the two paths are parellel to each other.

I would prefer this question to be answered by those who can accurately defend this argument, because at present, I cannot see a coorelation between the two, although they are seemingly defended as such.

Just for clarity, I am a strong believing, relatively well-versed, evangelical Christian, so while I could get some answers stating the obvious from my fellow brothers and sisters, I would appreciate the obvious not being stated - unless you have knowledge as to why the Islamic doctrine can accept both books simulataneously.

(Rather accept both paths that Allah and God as coming from the same Being. Forgive the incorrect wording as accepting the bible would not be the point of this question.)

J.P. - I think yours is the first answer that has some element of background and truth to my question. This would make to be a very logical conclusion, because as you clearly mentioned, Christ never said "I am God", however this is inferred throughout the four gospels, that anyone missing this has missed His entire point. Thank you for your answer.

Lost and Found - By your statement, does this mean that Muslims accept the teachings of Mohammed because it was "written by his own hand" verses the teachings of Christ "which was written by someone other then He"? - Just trying to clarify the difference here.

Gary D - Thanks for your explanation. This seems to clarify the situation a little more. The difficulty would be convincing me that the book of Acts, which followed the actions after Christ's death, were a work of fiction. Over 500 witnesses experienced the resurrected Christ. I guess my next piece of research should be whether the Islamic faith accepts or denies the resurrection. Thanks again for your answer.

Marble Dog - Great reply - Appreciating the fact that you are agnostic too. I was once there as well, for many a years. You bring up an interesting fact that I was unaware of. You seems to have quoted passages of the Qur'an that quoted Jesus. Now from previous postings, we've been told that the cultic Christians essentially misrepresented the teachings of Christ and that His words were written by men. (Which is true, they were.) But how did Mohammed (or forgive me for saying, whomever penned the Qur'an), have knowledge about what Christ said over 600+ years after he died? Something doesn't add up here.

Solomon's Cry - Thank you for adding your knowledge to this discussion. You bring up key points as to the agenda behind each text. The uniformity of the Judeo-Christian writers plays a key point into why the bible was written, and how it would have been hard for any one person to gain position, either politically or socially on the basis on what was written. The other point you bring up is that the Muslim writings, similar to the Old Law Hebrew writings are not entirely adhered to today. The fact that everything that is addressed in the New Testament can be approached rationally without having to eliminate something that doesn't "fit well" into someone's faith only strengthens the support for it. Also, A+ on your explanations of the crusades. Thank you again for your insight and answer.

Answer 1

There is a differentiation between what was revealed to Jesus, and what was understood by the members of Christian religion, in Islam.

For the sake of the argument, let me explain the following.

In Islam, God chooses a unique man, one that will be like a shining light, within a nation/tribe, and one who will be able to lead the rest, from darkness into the light.

History has many examples like these, the masses, usually do not have the necessary awareness to worship the One God.So a man who has this awareness, brings a message from God, and awakens the 'sleeping' awareness of those around him.

In islam, the distinction is made between a man who is a messenger of god and who brings scripture, and a man who is a messenger of god but does not bring scripture.

Also, in Islam, scripture, is not given to ANYONE, but that particular messenger.

In this case, it would have to be Jesus.

The reason being, messengers are unique humans, who have the capacity to forward Gods message, without letting their egos interfere. They are also, so pure, they dont lie or cheat or have weaknesses like the rest.

Therefore, in islam, we accept the message of Unity of God, that was sent to Jesus Son of Mary, accept that he was a direct messenger and relayer of Truth from God, and that he was a virgin born.

However, Christian scripture, has been taken to pen by other men, who werent Jesus. Which is where God makes a distinction in Islam: They say HE is one of three, say nay, He is but One.

In other words, we believe that the original message of Jesus did not incorporate anything like the trinity. And this makes the current bible, a mixture between Gods real word and that of man who has added his own word in there.

And for the sake of the argument, in Islam, there is no concept of one messiah.

Answer 2

It is a product of the politically correct doctrine of "no one is wrong". Your Muslim friend may have a desire to worship God, but the problem is that Islam doesn't accept the divinity of Christ. Furthermore, there is a stark difference in the authorship of Islam versus Judaism/Christianity: Islam was written by a single person, whereas Judaism and Christianity were written by a plethora of authors. The Judeo-Christian religion is far more credible, and it's much less likely that the authors had malign intent (such as political power). In fact, many things in Islam seem specifically designed for that purpose, among them the paths to eternal life.

Think about it: if you have a religion based on works with a "holy war" qualifying as a good work, the political implications are enormous. As soon as the religious leaders declare jihad, you can immediately rally a huge number of people behind a cause purely on the grounds that the enemies are non-believers and therefore wicked. I know that a large number of Muslims do not adhere to the jihad principle anymore, but the fact remains that Mohammed built it into his religion.

On the other hand, you have Christianity crusades, which are almost exactly the same. What is the difference? The Crusades were purely political manipulation under the guise of religion, and the religion itself does not condone such behavior in the least. One might point out the times in the Old Testament when the Israelites were waging war; however, God commanded them to attack on a case-by-case basis, and it is highly likely that the people of this time period would have attacked the Jews anyway if they didn't strike first. Why else do you think that any self-respecting city had huge walls? It was a necessity in this time period due to the prevalence of war.

This is the difference: Islam's path is a political tool crafted by one person that tried to make his religion look like the others so that it would be more acceptable. Judeo-Christian religion has many unrelated authors, negating the possibility of authorship for political gain.

Answer 3

I agree with some of the people here. Allah is the Arabic translation for God. Therefore, the Muslim God and the Christian God is One and the Same. What changes is the fact that for Christians Jesus is not just the Son of God, but it is God in the flesh, while for Muslims and Jews, Jesus was a Prophet.

In the end, the three religions have too much in common. And the three would benefit from sharing more and being more peaceful one to another.

Answer 4

Muslims believe that the New Testament was deeply corrupted, primarily by Paul.

Jesus never out right said, "I am the Son of God." He never outright called himself HaMosiach. He never said MANY of the things that Paul claims he taught.

Pauline Tradition, in fact, goes against many of the very things Jesus taught.

Thus Muslims look ONLY at what Jesus himself said and come to rather different conclusions than those who hold to Pauline traditions (pretty much all of Christandom). Muslims DO believe that Jesus is Messiah, but since HaMosiach was never prophecied to be the Almighty Himself, they do not believe he was divine.

Answer 5

Let's just put it this way...

There is only one way to God, it is through Jesus Christ. (John 14:6).

With that said, there is no way they are the same. The living God offers the gift of salvation. It is not earned. The living God seeks us for a relationship. It's personal. He's actively seeking us.

Muslims are taught that you must do good deeds to make up for your sins. They fear their eternal life. They have no guarantee they will be sent to paradise...even if they follow the Qu`ran to the letter.

When Muhammad had the Qu`ran written, he added in some Judaism and Christianity to lend his religion credibility. He (Muhammad stumbled across his moon god when he was in Egypt.) Until Muhammad wrote the Qu`ran...it wasn't a well known religion in the Middle East and North Africa...and it didn't become well known until Muhammad brought it by the sword.

Muslims are also taught that Jesus did not die on the cross, instead they believe that Judas died on the cross in Jesus' place. Now, even Jesus said he was going to die on the cross and there were witnesses. Matthew and John...

What about what John wrote when they wen't up on the mountain with Jesus and Moses and Elijah appeared? Jesus told them not to say anything until after he had died and arose.

Answer 6

Believing that Jesus was a prophet of God is not the same as believing that every word of the Bible is true. The Qu'ran states that Jesus entered the world by virgin birth, became a prophet, and performed miracles. It also specifically states that Jesus was ONLY a prophet, and that his followers misunderstood Jesus' message when they began worshipping him as a god.

Essentially, Muslims believe that discrepencies exist between the Qu'ran and the Bible because the New Testament was written by Christians who missed the point on what Jesus was actually saying.

"He [Jesus] said: 'I am indeed a servant of God. He has given me revelation and made me a prophet; He has made me blessed wheresoever I be; and He has enjoined on me prayer and charity as long as I live. He has made me kind to my mother, and not overbearing or miserable. So peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day that I shall be raised up to life (again)!' Such was Jesus the son of Mary. It is a statement of truth, about which they (vainly) dispute. It is not befitting to (the majesty of) God that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! When He determines a matter, He only says to it, 'Be,' and it is" (19:30-35).

"When Jesus came with Clear Signs, he said: 'Now I have come to you with Wisdom, and in order to make clear to you some of the (points) on which you dispute. Therefore, fear God and obey me. God, He is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him -- this is a Straight Way.' But sects from among themselves fell into disagreement. So woe to the wrongdoers, from the penalty of a Grievous Day!" (43:63-65)

"And behold! God will say [i.e. on the Day of Judgment]: 'Oh Jesus, the son of Mary! Did you say unto men, worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of God?' He will say: 'Glory to Thee! Never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, You would indeed have known it. You know what is in my heart, though I know not what is in Yours. For You know in full all that is hidden. Never did I say to them anything except what You commanded me to say: 'Worship God, my Lord and your Lord.' And I was a witness over them while I lived among them. When You took me up, You were the Watcher over them, and You are a witness to all things'" (5:116-117).

"Christ, the son of Mary, was no more than a messenger; many were the messengers that passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth. They had both to eat their (daily) food. See how God makes His signs clear to them; yet see in what ways they are deluded away from the truth!" (5:75).

Answer 7

You're right Christianity and Islam are not the same thing at all, even though they are similiar.
Here is a page with similarities and differences:
http://www.thespiritofislam.com/text/Q02.html
They are two different religions. Christianity has the center be christ and muslims say he was "just anther prophet"

Answer 8

Allah is a Arabic Word for God God is a English word for Allah

Answer 9

They don't believe in both books. They believe the Bible and the message of Jesus (and all the other prophets) was corrupted by men for whatever reason. Probably power for the church or something else that sounds like a conspiracy.

Answer 10

As Muḥammad grew up, he questioned the religious practices of his day. John Noss, in his book Man’s Religions, states: “[Muḥammad] was disturbed by incessant quarreling in the avowed interests of religion and honor among the Quraysh chiefs [Muḥammad belonged to that tribe]. Stronger still was his dissatisfaction with the primitive survivals in Arabian religion, the idolatrous polytheism and animism, the immorality at religious convocations and fairs, the drinking, gambling, and dancing that were fashionable, and the burial alive of unwanted infant daughters practiced not only in Mecca but throughout Arabia.”—Surah 6:137.
The three major monotheistic religions of the world are Judaism, Christianity, and Islām. But by the time Muḥammad appeared toward the beginning of the seventh century C.E., the first two religions, as far as he was concerned, had wandered from the path of truth. In fact, according to some Islāmic commentators, the Qur’ān implies rejection of Jews and of Christians in stating: “Not (the path) of those who earn Thine anger nor of those who go astray.” (Surah 1:7, MMP) Why is that?
A Qur’ānic commentary states: “The People of the Book went wrong: The Jews in breaking their Covenant, and slandering Mary and Jesus . . . and the Christians in raising Jesus the Apostle to equality with God” by means of the Trinity doctrine.—Surah 4:153-176, AYA.

they trace their roots to abraham and our god is the god of abraham
The principal teaching of Islām, for utter simplicity, is what is known as the shahādah, or confession of faith, which every Muslim knows by heart: “La ilāh illa Allāh; Muḥammad rasūl Allāh” (No god but Allah; Muḥammad is the messenger of Allah). This agrees with the Qur’ānic expression, “Your God is One God; there is no God save Him, the Beneficent, the Merciful.” (Surah 2:163, MMP) This thought was stated 2,000 years earlier with the ancient call to Israel: “Listen, O Israel: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah.” (Deuteronomy 6:4) Jesus repeated this foremost command, which is recorded at Mark 12:29, about 600 years before Muḥammad, and nowhere did Jesus claim to be God or to be equal to Him.—Mark 13:32; John 14:28; 1 Corinthians 15:28.
Regarding God’s uniqueness, the Qur’ān states: “So believe in God and His apostles. Say not ‘Trinity’: desist: it will be better for you: for God is One God.” (Surah 4:171, AYA) However, we should note that true Christianity does not teach a Trinity. That is a doctrine of pagan origin introduced by apostates of Christendom after the death of Christ and the apostles