Christians : What is your viewpoint on Islam?

Question

I would just like to know your viewpoint on Islam. Christians are taught to love thy enemies, or anyone for that matter (ISLAM IS NOT AN ENEMY OF CHRISTIANITY) so i would like to see if the saying is refletced in the answers...

Sum of my questions for Christians are :
-- Do you think Islam is an violent and intolerant religion?
--Have you ever met a muslim, and if so, how was he (ex: peaceful, kind generous warm, mean rude..?)
--Overall, what do you think of muslims and Islam..

I am a muslim myself, and am not trying to create any tension between both sides... i just want to know the viewpoint regarding Islam..

Thxs for all your answers everyone!!

To evolver : Your welx =]

Answer 1

'Violent and intolerant' - obviously some who claim Islam as a religion are this way, but this Christian does not think for a moment that all, or even more than a minority are this way. Many who have claimed Christian belief have not acted in any way close to the ideals stressed by Jesus Christ.

'Ever met' - yes, many. 'How was' - all I have personally known were peaceful, kind, generous, not mean or rude. These latter two conditions seem to have more to do with a human outlook that is not prescribed by Islam, Christianity or Judaism, but rather one that is tragically driven in some individuals for a variety of sad reasons.

'What do... think' - Muslims are people, like me and others I know of other faiths, and I believe mostly decent people who would not wish me or others harm. Islam - not sure except I think it is essentially built on the same perceptions of God as Christianity, excepting the nature of the Christ, and of Judaism, excepting again, the nature of Christ (in a different sense). I am perplexed as to how it is being used by some as a banner for violence against others, but perhaps I can wonder the same thing about how Christianity has been used as a war banner in times past against Jews and Muslims as well.

I can only add that I pray we can all find peace, regardless of differences in faith, and come to a time when peaceful Muslims, Christians and Jews can be tolerant and loving toward one anther (even if we go so far as to believe some among us have it "wrong"). Given human nature that's probably too much to wish for - but peace anyway.

Answer 2

Thank you for putting such thought and effort into your question.

-- Do you think Islam is an violent and intolerant religion?

I think, like with any religion, that there are many "Islams". Some - perhaps even most - incarnations of Islam are peaceful and tolerant. I remember a friend telling me about his life in Egypt, and how a Coptic Christian was his babysitter.

But just like with Christianity, there are forms of Islam that are not tolerant and not peaceful. Just as there are Christians who can find scripture to justify www.godhates****.com, Bin Laden can find some justifications and sayings in the Quran and Hadith that justify his position.

--Have you ever met a muslim, and if so, how was he (ex: peaceful, kind generous warm, mean rude..?)

Yes, there are between 60,000 and 100,000 muslims in the city I live, and I've worked and been friends with many. They're no different than anyone else - most have been warm and friendly people, but one I knew was a miserable cretin. But for the most part, Arab hospitality is legendary, and my experiences confirm this.

--Overall, what do you think of muslims and Islam..

I form my opinions about people, not groups, so I can't say one statement about all muslims. As to the religion of Islam, while there are certain things about it I admire (the devotion to charity and prayer, and the Quranic verse that killing one person is as if one killed all mankind), I find that it has a more primitive soteriology than Christianity.... Christianity's "bible in a sentence" (John 3:16) bespeaks our embrace of a larger and greater God, and yet one more accessible and transcendant; a "God with us" who saves by grace and mercy, and not via an inscrutable and faint hope that an unknowable God will be merciful on the last day.

Answer 3

Is Islam violent? I really don't know as I never read anything about the teachings of it, but with all the problems within their own tribes and social structure, I'd say "yes" they are violent and intolerant. Does Islam itself teach this? I don't know, but some of them obviously are.

Have I met a muslim? No.

I think muslims can be okay as people go. But so can anyone else. Islam obviously has some things that can be taken to mean openly slaughter people who aren't the same as you. This is a bad thing. If it teaches so much peace and such that the muslims here say it does, why are there so many who openly kill their fellow muslims? I don't see how something that provokes and encourages people to do these things can be good for anyone. (those doing it site their teaching in the book itself)

If Islam is so peaceful why are people being kidnapped from countries that have no part in the violence going on over there and then killed? Why are they killing their own children and calling it justice? It's stupid.

An enemy is anyone who wants to cause you harm. From what I see and hear, most muslims don't like what is happening, but they do nothing. Instead of getting rid of known offenders, they run and let them follow along butchering those who straggle behind. There is no peace in a religion that gives a reason to kill.

Christians teach if you are struck, to let them strike the other cheek as well. If you are commanded to carry a bag for a mile, carry it two if you are able. Obey the laws of man unless they conflict with Gods. To give whatever we can to help others and not do it for our own glory.

If you want people to take Islam seriously, you have to take a stand against those who are tarnishing it. If you want to clear your name, stop those who are ruining it and causing the fear in others. If you do not at least speak out against them openly and in unison, you will be counted amongst them for professing the same thing.

Answer 4

What does "love thy enemies mean". How you interpret that makes a hune impact on how you determine everything else. Does love thy enemies mean to be a door mat to your enemies? And technically Christians should not have enemies that they consider enemies, but that are considered enemies because the other party considers them enemies. The goal of Christianity is not to win or even start or engage in wars at all. The goal is to share the gospel. Not to force the gospel, not to coerce people into it...just to share the hope and truth of the gospel. That's our only commission as Christians. Early Christianity was spread by the Spirit of God, not the sword. Christianity became associated with hatred and violence centuries after its origin. It was never spread by warfare. And it's clear from scripture that Jesus never wanted "forced believer's" or "coereced believer's".

I come across Muslims daily. Many of them are our clients where I work. So long as the topic of religion isn't discussed, people are just people.

When sharing the gospel with Muslims out of the work context, the response is mixed. Some engage the conversation with seeminly honest inquiry. Some don't want to discuss it and I respect that. And others have cursed and totally lost all composure in rage. And I have never shared in a way that was condescending, insulting or insincere.

The only thing that scares me are the commands, clearly stated in various sura's that require a violent response by the Muslim. That should make anyone uneasy. The text of the Old Testament has violence, but it is explicity for the Jews in a certain time and setting. There is nothing in the New Testament, under the new covenant that requires or encourages any violence for the Christian. That's a significant difference from the Koran.

Answer 5

I have no problems with MOST Muslims as people. I recognize that most Muslims are not terrorists, just as I hope that people realize that not all Christians are KKK members and bomb abortion clinics.

I disagree with the doctrine of Islam. I don't believe in it. However, the Koran is beautifully written, and many parts of it flow like poetry. I also think the prayers are beautiful, though to me...they seem more like someone worshipping God from afar, rather than being in an actual RELATIONSHIP with Him.

One thing though, as far as Muslims go. I think that Christians could learn from Muslims as far as submitting to God. Isn't that what we're supposed to do? And I think something should be said for Muslims' devotion to and love for God.

Most of the Muslims I've met are very kind, thoughtful, peaceful, generous, warm people. A Muslim that I know pretty well has always called me his "sweet sister." I know that's the way they address people in Afghanistan (which is where he was raised, though he was born in India), and I think it's amazing. I wish a person in the U.S. could call everyone their brother or sister without getting socked upside the head.

So that's my take. I may disagree with Muslims doctrinally, but that has no effect on how I feel about them as people.

Answer 6

your right Christians are taught to love. Jesus said love as I have loved. Does this mean we be tolerant? I would hope we are tolerant and would gently teach and show by our love that Christ lives in us. Islam in general isn't violent the quran does say to do away with the infidels,Surah 9:5 , but I believe thats the radical side of Islam and they miss use the words. Do I believe Islam is intolerant to other views. I would have to say some are. Maybe its the radical side of Islam giving the religion a bad name. I do have Friends that practice Islam and they are peaceful, But I wonder how easy it is to get caught up in the radical version of Islam?

The people I love your no different than me we are all equal in Gods eyes. I don't agree with your religion, and I wish you would see the truth, but I won't hate you for it or not be a friend to a muslim because of religion.

Answer 7

Since you asked, here's what I think:

I have nothing against Muslims themselves. I have a lot of complaints about Islam. One of them is Muhammed's theft of the nativity story, which I read for the first time on this site. Until then, I had never experienced real anger against your religion. Muhammed has taken one of the most important points in Christianity, a beautiful and poignant story, and treated it like a cartoon. Gone are the wise men, the shepherds, the star, the angel. In short, all the elements that were in place before Muhammed was born. Instead, we get a lot of Arab blessings on Miriam (Mary's) family and a talking infant spouting things like "I am the servant of Allah". Even if you don't believe in Jesus as God, Muhammed had no right to use Him to endorse Muhammed's new "religion".

I'm sure that Muslims don't realize how insulting this is to Christians. But think about it - how would Muslims like it if someone had a new "revelation" tomorrow, and in their "holy book" there was a story of Muhammed saying things like "truely this Jesus IS the Son of God!"? To my knowledge, this is something no Christian has ever done.

The very mention of criticism of Muhammed, a human being, causes riots and death threats. Yet it's acceptable for Muhammed to treat the Christian God with disrespect and put words in His mouth just to prove a point.

I'm sure you're a very sincere person, and your intentions are good, so I apologize if anything I have said here has insulted you or your beliefs. But you did ask.

Answer 8

I think its violent and intolerant at its core. That doesnt mean every muslim lives that way though. Ive met a muslim before, but he was just muslim because his family was and he didnt really think much of it. I think Islam is a false religion. I think Muslims are deceived.

Answer 9

I am a Christian and I do not have a problem with Islam or Muslims. They are entitled to their opinion just as much as I am entitled to mine. Peace

Answer 10

Since I am assuming you want truthful answer I offer the following.
I believe there are many that call themselves Muslim that are being misled, the true agenda hidden.
I believe the agenda to be the utter destruction of Israel and Christianity.
I believe the Muslim people are basing this on the fact of Ishmael (?) being the true heir to the promise of Abraham.