Help: what's really going on in the mind of a Muslim who talks about Jesus, salvation & baptism but no longer?

Question

He no longer believes that Jesus is the Son of God. I'm just trying to understand him better, he's going to be my brother when he marries my little sister. He "used" to practice Christianity.

I would like honest answers from Muslims, Christians, believers of any faith. What's your opinion? What's up with this?

Truth be told (maybe he's just telling me what he thinks I want to hear. I just love the TRUTH.) I have never heard a "non-Christian" talk so much about Jesus.

Oh, yes and by the way, we all have talked about the "unequally yoked" thing. That's another day, another question.

Be nice, now, people of God and unbelievers. Thanks & Blessings. Shalom.

Answer 1

While we ought to greatly respect many aspects of Islam (believing in one God, a strong code of shared morality etc), I am very uncomfortable with those who have, with good intentions no doubt, tried to suggest that Islam is practically equivalent to Christianity, and that it is a very peaceful religion; certainly in the sense that Christianity understands "peace", at least. (Here, however, it is important to emphasize an important distinction between the religion of Islam and individual Muslims who may well reject what may be termed the more ancient expression of their faith.) There are some fundamental, irreconcilable differences and problems between Christianity and Islam, as the Church has pointed out since it became aware of this new religion of Muhammad (the 600's A.D.)

Islam was the first direct, major religious contradiction of and attack on Christian revelation and belief. Islam has also been considered a Christian heresy because many of Muhammed’s beliefs appear to have been garnered from heretical Christian communities living in his area during his lifetime. God went to tremendous effort and trouble to reveal Himself to mankind through His Son. He became man, taught, healed, laughed, loved, suffered and died for us. He wanted us to know Him personally, "I and the Father are one" (Jn 10:30) and "He who has seen me has seen the Father" (Jn 14:9). He did not just dictate another book, albeit a miraculous, perfect one, again. No, that wouldn't do. He became one of us, and handed on the faith to other humans and told them to do likewise, calling us to genuinely become His children: "Through faith, you are all children of God in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:26)

On the other hand, this new purported revelation from Muhammad reverted mankind's relationship with God back thousands of years, arguably even more. Muhammad gave us another book, no Holy Spirit, and insisted we are not sons and daughters of the Father, but merely bondservants or slaves. "Islam" literally means "submission" or "slavery". It insists on pushing us away from God, holding Him at a distance, a distance He once lovingly bridged with outstretched arms. It is revealing that of all the Muslim names for God, none is "Father" or "Love".

There are also many direct and intentional contradictions of Christianity within the Koran (the Muslim holy book). For instance, Muslims do not believe that Christ was resurrected after His crucifixion. They believe he merely fainted and was revived later on. They do not believe that Christ was God. In fact, they consider Christians blaspheming idolaters for holding this belief. Muslims also do not believe in eternal punishment in hell. They believe that hell is a place of temporary punishment and purification. The Koran also teaches that it is not only acceptable, but necessary to forcefully convert non-believers, and to kill them if they absolutely refuse to convert (with the exception of Christians and Jews, who may opt to live an inferior life as “dhimmis”, paying mandatory extra taxes and foregoing the same rights as Muslims). They do not believe that Christ is the savior, the One Who opened the gates of heaven. These are a few of the major theological differences, many of which came about because Muhammad apparently learned about Christianity from heretics who lived in the region.

However, the most troubling aspect of stricter, more ancient expressions of Islam may be its view of peace..."salaam" and war..."jihad". In regard to the belief now common in the secular press, i.e. that Islam is a very peaceful religion, and only extremists who are twisting Islam resort to violence, one may wonder exactly what history books or version of the Koran they have read. Because by this view, Muhammad himself, the very founding prophet of Islam, was a violent extremist. It seems clear that histories of Islam readily acknowledge that Muhammad himself led raids on many villages and towns (some of which were Christian or Jewish) and slaughtered or forcefully converted the inhabitants. He helped to plan dozens more for other Muslims before he died. History suggest that he was more peaceful early on, when he didn't have sufficient numbers to force his will upon resistant populations. If you pick up a Koran (not one with a modernist, toned-down translation, but a traditional translation that makes a serious attempt to be faithful to the original), especially read the chapter entitled "Repentance". The call for violence against non-believers is blatant and undeniable (and in this chapter, Christians and Jews are clearly lumped in together with pagans). Some revisionists (perhaps well-meaning) have tried to tell the non-Muslim public that "jihad" is has only ever been about the interior struggle for holiness. One wishes it were true, but it appears that "jihad" is and has always been much more than that.

Answer 2

Hi Larry Weng, The thief on the cross had just realized who Jesus was and repented right before he died. We too can be saved right before our death bed w/o being baptized and be saved. But to the ones the Lord has revealed His Word to what it says we should do it as an honor, out of respect & obedience bc we love Him. He will put it in your heart's desire strongly when it is time for you to take that step. You will make that desicion w/o a doubt. Don't let anyone pressure you if you aren't ready. The Lord will show you when it's time. I hope this helps. The Lord bless you & guide you.

Answer 3

As a Muslim we believe Jesus is a prophet/messenger of God, not God or son of God. That is the basic disagreement between Muslim and Christians. The Quran have a lot of stories about Jesus which contradict the Bible.

You should talk to him to understand it better.

Answer 4

Ahoy pirate lass! Being an atheist pirate, I can impartially say, he's probably just trying to get into your good graces like Focker painting a cat's tail to impress his soon-to-be-inlaws did. Sure it was dishonest, but he meant well. Hopefully your new brother in law will turn out to be as harmless. My sister married a Muslim man, and is now planning to become a muslim too. He seems nice, but I can tell she doesn't have the same freedoms she used to enjoy, includeing clothing issues. So, I hope your sis is sure of what she's getting into. Good luck.

Answer 5

Many Muslims strive to convert Christian women, and since they do Believe that Jesus was a Prophet, they use that as a bridge for Christians to accept Islam.

The Problem is that they do not believe that Jesus was the Son of God and we do not believe that Muhammad was a true Prophet.

Good Luck and God Bless!

Answer 6

All Muslims think very highly of Jesus. He is very respected and loved. The only thing different is that they recognize the fact that he is a prophet and not the son of God.

Answer 7

Shalom,
Do U know the prospects for your little sister if & when she weds this Muslim?
Her Mian might already have 3 other Begums or may acquire them any time in future. He can simply say "talaq" thrice & throw out yr sis @ midnight without any money or clothes.
May Abraham guide U & her away from such a suicidal misadventure.

Answer 8

Muslims like Jews believe in Monotheism

In Monotheism GOD has no partners, children or wives.


,

Answer 9

It's his life and ultimately, something only he can decide for himself.
Be supportive, and let him know you love him no matter what it is he seeks.

Answer 10

hes being deceived...all you can do is show respect cuz hes an adult