Similarities in Muslims & Christians

Christians and Muslims have been in frequent conflict since the Crusades.

Christianity and Islam are the world's largest religions, according to the website, Religious Tolerance. Tensions between Christians and Muslims have been inflamed by events such as the destruction of the World Trade Center, the Iraq War and terrorism. Some Christians, such the 700 Club's Scott Ross, strongly oppose Islam. However, according to theologian Karen Armstrong, both faiths grew out of the same tradition and have many features in common.

History

Although Christianity came into existence in the first century and Islam developed in the seventh century, they formed under similar circumstances. According to the Bible, the archangel Gabriel announced the birth of Jesus. According to "A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam," Muslims believe Gabriel gave Mohammad the Koran. Jesus and Mohammed came from ordinary backgrounds. The Bible describes Jesus as a carpenter. Mohammed was a merchant. Followers of both faiths faced persecution. According to Bible, the early Christians were persecuted by the Jewish leaders and the Roman Empire. According to theologian Karen Armstrong, Mohammed and his early followers were persecuted by the merchants who feared his preaching would disrupt business. According to Armstrong, both Jesus and Mohammed drew followers from marginalized elements of society, such as women, the poor and the weak.

Creation

Both Islam and Christianity teach that God created the universe. Their creation stories share many features. For example, both the Koran and the Holy Bible describe God creating the universe in six days. They both describe God shaping man from clay or dirt and bringing him to life by breathing into him. Both the Bible and the Koran teach that Adam and Eve were the ancestors of all humankind.

Jesus

Jesus is an important figure in both religions. Christians consider him the founder of their faith, the Messiah and the literal son of God, who died for mankind's sins. According to "A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam," Muslims believe he was one of God's most important prophets and the Messiah. However, they reject the idea that he was son of God and don't believe he was actually crucified. However, they agree on some important points. The Gospels and the Koran teach that Jesus was miraculously born of the Virgin Mary. They also both teach that he lived a sinless life and performed miracles during his time on Earth. Finally, they both teach that he will return at the end of the world.

Morality

The followers of both religions are held to high moral standards. Both the Koran and the Bible contain strict moral codes. These moral codes forbid idolatry and worshiping deities other than God. They forbid murder, theft and lying. They forbid sexual behavior, such as adultery and fornication. They command people to respect their parents and their spouses. They command people to give to the poor and feed the hungry. And finally, they teach people to respect and follow society's laws and government leaders.

The Afterlife

Both Christianity and Islam teach that the world will end someday. According to both the Bible and the Koran, the end of the world will feature the anti-Christ, Christ's second coming and the Day of Judgment. According to both faiths, on the Day of Judgment, God will separate the wicked from the faithful. The wicked will be cast into hell while the faithful are rewarded with everlasting life in heaven.

References

• "A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam"; I.A. Ibrahim; 1997
• "Good News Bible"; The American Bible Society; 1993
• "The Qur'an"; translated by Ali Unal; 2008
• "Muhammad: A Prophet For Our Time"; Karen Armstrong; 2007
• Quran Reading: Similarity Between the Religions Islam and Christianity
• Religious Tolerance: The Main Founders of the Jesus Movements

Resources

• Religious Tolerance: The Religion of Islam
• "International Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences"; Muhammad; 2008
• The 700 Club: Christianity or Islam