Understanding Christianity and Islam

[Adullam]

This thread is for reaching an understanding of both Christianity and Islam.

What is the purpose of Christianity?

What is the purpose of Islam?

I realize that this is a touchy subject for many. I would ask that we would refrain from belittling comments and quick judgments. Those with hurts or prejudices are unable to discuss this subject and engage in a meaningful dialogue. To these, I would ask that you would ignore this thread...or at least to refrain from flaming posts. We must look at this as adults with as much maturity as possible. Perhaps in this way, we can get more clearly to an understanding of what God is saying and doing in these latter times.

We seem, as Christians, to have lost Paul's ability to be all things to all men. Are we afraid of looking at the truth? We must be confident of the truth having patience to calmly explain the truth. What is there to fear if one is firmly grounded in the truth?

The best defence of the truth remains the practice of the truth. Let us then speak the truth in love.

 

[whirlwind]

This thread is for reaching an understanding of both Christianity and Islam.

What is the purpose of Christianity?

The short answers for me are......

• To bring souls to God.

What is the purpose of Islam?

• To keep souls from God.

I don't mean that to belittle. I truly believe that is why it is here. As the tree of knowledge of good and evil has both good and evil....so does Islam.

 

[bodhitharta]

This thread is for reaching an understanding of both Christianity and Islam.

What is the purpose of Christianity?

What is the purpose of Islam?

I realize that this is a touchy subject for many. I would ask that we would refrain from belittling comments and quick judgments. Those with hurts or prejudices are unable to discuss this subject and engage in a meaningful dialogue. To these, I would ask that you would ignore this thread...or at least to refrain from flaming posts. We must look at this as adults with as much maturity as possible. Perhaps in this way, we can get more clearly to an understanding of what God is saying and doing in these latter times.

We seem, as Christians, to have lost Paul's ability to be all things to all men. Are we afraid of looking at the truth? We must be confident of the truth having patience to calmly explain the truth. What is there to fear if one is firmly grounded in the truth?

The best defence of the truth remains the practice of the truth. Let us then speak the truth in love.

I believe the purposes are the same and actually true Christianity cannot judge whether it is good or bad without being judged themselves. Jesus said "I judge no man", So being a Christian we can only accept those who tell us we love God and accept him. In otherwords the 1st and 2nd commandments any Christian that does not follow that way doesn't believe that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life

 

[Tina]

I believe the purposes are the same ....

I beg to differ.
The purpose of Christianity is salvation by faith alone.
The purpose of Islam is salvation by ....... ?

and actually true Christianity cannot judge whether it is good or bad without being judged themselves. Jesus said "I judge no man", So being a Christian we can only accept those who tell us we love God and accept him.

We don't judge people , we compare beliefs. And where our Bible clearly tells us what is right and what is wrong , we owe it to our good senses to deliver the true gospel accordingly.

In otherwords the 1st and 2nd commandments any Christian that does not follow that way doesn't believe that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life

Don't just quote partial scripture to suit your argument.

John 14:6
Jesus said , “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Jesus says right after "I am the way, the truth and the life" ... "No one comes to the Father except through Me."

It's impossible to separate God and Jesus ; it's impossible to separate Father and Son.

1st and 2nd commandments refer to all other gods outside Christianity, and that includes Allah.


:amen

 

[mutzrein]

What does it matter what the purpose of any religion is?

Keeping the ten commandments can't save you. Islam can't save you. Buddhism can't save you. Mormonism can't save you. Judaism can't save you. Even christianity can't save you.

Salvation is only found in and through - Christ Jesus - who came to give man life.

 

[francisdesales]

I beg to differ. The purpose of Christianity is salvation by faith alone.

Salvation by faith alone??? Doesn't the bible SPECIFICALLY say we are not saved by faith alone???

So much for being "Biblical" in describing what Christianity's purpose is... That definition is ANTI-Biblical.

Christianity is being saved by the Way, the Truth, and the Life. That includes a "way" and a "truth", of life. Not about "faith alone"...

1st and 2nd commandments refer to all other gods outside Christianity, and that includes Allah.

:P

First, the Decalogue was written for Jews, not "Christians". Secondly, I don't think you understand Who Allah is to Muslims... Has it occured to you that to Muslims, Allah IS Yahweh, understood slightly differently???

Regards

 

[Adullam]

Some have been taught that obedience doesn't justify. There is a false gospel that denies both the power of Christ...and the word. For instance...how many believe along with Paul that


"(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified." Rom. 2:13

An unbalanced view of the truth cannot abide the fact that doers of the law are justified. They disagree with the bible and cling to an erroneous understanding with all their might. Does this erroneous view justify them???

The whole purpose of grace is to empower us to be obedient to the will of God. It is the power to overcome sin, this world, and the devil.

 

[Tina]

Salvation by faith alone??? Doesn't the bible SPECIFICALLY say we are not saved by faith alone???[/size]

So much for being "Biblical" in describing what Christianity's purpose is... That definition is ANTI-Biblical.

We are discussing about Christianity here ... Don't confuse it with Catholicism .... :naughty

Christianity is being saved by the Way, the Truth, and the Life. That includes a "way" and a "truth", of life. Not about "faith alone"...

What is your understanding of "the Way, the Truth, and the Life" ?

First, the Decalogue was written for Jews, not "Christians". Secondly, I don't think you understand Who Allah is to Muslims... Has it occured to you that to Muslims, Allah IS Yahweh, understood slightly differently???

So you believe that Allah is the same God of the Bible too ? ....

 

[Adullam]

Allah is simply Arabic for God. In Aramaic it is Ellaha. Arab Christians use the word Allah for God as well. They pray to God (Allah). Different languages have equivalent words for everything. That's what makes a language different!

 

[Heidi]

This thread is for reaching an understanding of both Christianity and Islam.

What is the purpose of Christianity?

What is the purpose of Islam?

I realize that this is a touchy subject for many. I would ask that we would refrain from belittling comments and quick judgments. Those with hurts or prejudices are unable to discuss this subject and engage in a meaningful dialogue. To these, I would ask that you would ignore this thread...or at least to refrain from flaming posts. We must look at this as adults with as much maturity as possible. Perhaps in this way, we can get more clearly to an understanding of what God is saying and doing in these latter times.

We seem, as Christians, to have lost Paul's ability to be all things to all men. Are we afraid of looking at the truth? We must be confident of the truth having patience to calmly explain the truth. What is there to fear if one is firmly grounded in the truth?

The best defence of the truth remains the practice of the truth. Let us then speak the truth in love.

Islam exists to oppose God. Mohammed's "conversion" came in a shroud of darkness of agony and anguish to the point that he thought he was going insane. That's Satan. It was his wife who told him that an angel of God had visited him even though she wasn't with him nor did she see his vision. :o Satan is the father of lies who was a murderer from the beginning. So it's no surprise that Muslims believe that murder is the solution to human conflict.

In addition, before Mohammed came, the Muslims didn't believe the one true God who is the God of the bible. They thought he was a liar. Now they claim he is the same god as allah. :o So apparently they believe that god abandoned them for thousands of years until Muhammed came.

Whichever it is, there can be no unity between God and Satan. All we Christians can do is pray that the Muslims find the one true God in Jesus Christ. :amen

 

[Adullam]

This thread is for reaching an understanding of both Christianity and Islam.

What is the purpose of Christianity?

What is the purpose of Islam?

I realize that this is a touchy subject for many. I would ask that we would refrain from belittling comments and quick judgments. Those with hurts or prejudices are unable to discuss this subject and engage in a meaningful dialogue. To these, I would ask that you would ignore this thread...or at least to refrain from flaming posts. We must look at this as adults with as much maturity as possible. Perhaps in this way, we can get more clearly to an understanding of what God is saying and doing in these latter times.

We seem, as Christians, to have lost Paul's ability to be all things to all men. Are we afraid of looking at the truth? We must be confident of the truth having patience to calmly explain the truth. What is there to fear if one is firmly grounded in the truth?

The best defence of the truth remains the practice of the truth. Let us then speak the truth in love.

Islam exists to oppose God. Mohammed's "conversion" came in a shroud of darkness of agony and anguish to the point that he thought he was going insane. That's Satan. It was his wife who told him that an angel of God had visited him even though she wasn't with him nor did she see his vision. :o Satan is the father of lies who was a murderer from the beginning. So it's no surprise that Muslims believe that murder is the solution to human conflict.

In addition, before Mohammed came, the Muslims didn't believe the one true God who is the God of the bible. They thought he was a liar. Now they claim he is the same god as allah. :o So apparently they believe that god abandoned them for thousands of years until Muhammed came.

Whichever it is, there can be no unity between God and Satan. All we Christians can do is pray that the Muslims find the one true God in Jesus Christ. :amen

Actually Islam exists to oppose the lawlessness that modern Christianity seems to produce. It is an interesting phenomenon that when someone hears a general rebuke, they will always look to see how that fits on others....never on themselves. When Jesus said "one of you will betray Me"...notice that the disciples said..."is it me Lord?" The contrast is rather striking.

Islam is a chastisement of God on lawlesness. Of course I don't agree with what Islam has become. Islam is akin to the Old covenant way of dealing with sin.

We as Christians ought to go further than Islam in regards to holy living. This then would put Islam to shame. The Caliph of Jerusalem once said...if I find another Christian like you (Francis of Assissi) then I and my kingdom will become Christian.


So we are like one big dysfunctional family...nobody seeing the big picture and the purpose of God. It is very easy to hate....but we are to love even our enemies. This included Muslims. They are there for us to love into the kingdom.

The grace of Christ is a superior means to do what is right before God and men. No religion can stand up to that. A Christian is braver when facing death than any other. A Christian walks in supernatural power. No hatred can resist the love of Christ in a disciple.

This is our calling then....to surpass Muslims in devotion and holiness! It is so much easier to kill them I suppose. Is this the way of Christ?

 

[NIGHTMARE]

I beg to differ. The purpose of Christianity is salvation by faith alone.

Salvation by faith alone??? Doesn't the bible SPECIFICALLY say we are not saved by faith alone???

So much for being "Biblical" in describing what Christianity's purpose is... That definition is ANTI-Biblical.

Christianity is being saved by the Way, the Truth, and the Life. That includes a "way" and a "truth", of life. Not about "faith alone"...

1st and 2nd commandments refer to all other gods outside Christianity, and that includes Allah.

:P

First, the Decalogue was written for Jews, not "Christians". Secondly, I don't think you understand Who Allah is to Muslims... Has it occured to you that to Muslims, Allah IS Yahweh, understood slightly differently???

Regards

I have had discussions with muslims concerning the word,,,,they actually have some things right,,,they believe satan was a angel that sinned,,,they believe in Adam and Eve,,,,but there are many differences and the main problem I see is that many ,,,or most of them claim that Christ was just a prophet,,,stripping Him of the authority that is rightfuly His..... :bigfrown

 

[Adullam]

I beg to differ. The purpose of Christianity is salvation by faith alone.

Salvation by faith alone??? Doesn't the bible SPECIFICALLY say we are not saved by faith alone???

So much for being "Biblical" in describing what Christianity's purpose is... That definition is ANTI-Biblical.

Christianity is being saved by the Way, the Truth, and the Life. That includes a "way" and a "truth", of life. Not about "faith alone"...

1st and 2nd commandments refer to all other gods outside Christianity, and that includes Allah.

:P

First, the Decalogue was written for Jews, not "Christians". Secondly, I don't think you understand Who Allah is to Muslims... Has it occured to you that to Muslims, Allah IS Yahweh, understood slightly differently???

Regards

I have had discussions with muslims concerning the word,,,,they actually have some things right,,,they believe satan was a angel that sinned,,,they believe in Adam and Eve,,,,but there are many differences and the main problem I see is that many ,,,or most of them claim that Christ was just a prophet,,,stripping Him of the authority that is rightfuly His..... :bigfrown

That is because they see the powerlessness of his followers. What are we being witnesses of? What are we showing the world? Where is the authority among the brethren?

 

[Ed the Ned]

Who Allah is to Muslims... Has it occured to you that to Muslims, Allah IS Yahweh, understood slightly differently???

Once again I am stunned :shocked! When are we going to defend our faith in Christ and proclaim the Gospel. You cannot compare the two in any context. PERIOD. Its funny how we think so little of our God, and how easy we make him what we want to make him instead of Fearing him for who he is. He is a loving God and a faithful God, yet he is also a God that will pour out his wrath on the unsaved. (and that includes Muslims) Believe it or not!

 

[Adullam]

Who Allah is to Muslims... Has it occured to you that to Muslims, Allah IS Yahweh, understood slightly differently???

Once again I am stunned :shocked! When are we going to defend our faith in Christ and proclaim the Gospel. You cannot compare the two in any context. PERIOD. Its funny how we think so little of our God, and how easy we make him what we want to make him instead of Fearing him for who he is. He is a loving God and a faithful God, yet he is also a God that will pour out his wrath on the unsaved. (and that includes Muslims) Believe it or not!

The best defense of the truth is the practice of the truth. The early followers of Christ turned the world upside down. What happened?

 

[francisdesales]

Salvation by faith alone??? Doesn't the bible SPECIFICALLY say we are not saved by faith alone???

So much for being "Biblical" in describing what Christianity's purpose is... That definition is ANTI-Biblical.

We are discussing about Christianity here ... Don't confuse it with Catholicism .... :naughty

What the heck are you talking about???

:crazy

The bible very clearly says we are not saved by faith alone. There are a number of non-Catholics who are well-aware of the fact that we are not saved by Luther's "classic" definition of "faith alone".

This awareness doesn't make one Catholic, as many will no doubt state, if you asked some of them here. Becoming Catholic is more than about knowing what the Bible teaches...

Christianity is being saved by the Way, the Truth, and the Life. That includes a "way" and a "truth", of life. Not about "faith alone"...

What is your understanding of "the Way, the Truth, and the Life" ?

Jesus Christ and ALL of what He taught. Note, Jesus didn't say much about "my righteousness will cover you and so you are not bound to obey God's Laws anymore". ACTUALLY, HE NEVER STATES THAT!

QUITE the contrary. He said some interesting things, such as "UNLESS YOUR righteousness EXCEEDS the Scribes and Pharisees..." Mat 5:20.

First, the Decalogue was written for Jews, not "Christians". Secondly, I don't think you understand Who Allah is to Muslims... Has it occured to you that to Muslims, Allah IS Yahweh, understood slightly differently???

So you believe that Allah is the same God of the Bible too ? ....

He is the same BEING, but Christians, Jews and Muslims DESCRIBE Him differently. We have different ideas of the attributes of God. But Islam is a monotheistic religion that believes in one creator God, the SAME God of Abraham. Christianity does not own a monopoly on Who God is...

Nothing confusing about that... It is a matter of opening your perspective up to what other people believe, rather than being so narrow-minded. Learning about others helps us know more about ourselves.

Regards

 

[D4Christ]

Allah is simply Arabic for God. In Aramaic it is Ellaha. Arab Christians use the word Allah for God as well. They pray to God (Allah). Different languages have equivalent words for everything. That's what makes a language different!

Allah is not equivalent to the Chiristian God. Despite the fact that most Christians don't use it, God told us his name is YHVH (YHWH) which we intepret as Yahweh. According to this site Allah means:

"Allah" comes from the Arabic word "elah"a god' or something worshiped. - (Arabic) means '

This word (elah) can be made plural (gods), as in "aleha" and it can be male or female just as the word in English can be "goddess."

"Allah" comes from "elaha" but it brings more clarification and understanding.

Allah = Has no gender (not male and not female)
"He" is used only out of respect and dignity - not for gender
Allah = Always singular - Never plural
"We" is used only as the "Royal WE" just as in English for royalty
Allah = Means "The Only One to be Worshipped"

Yahweh means, I Am who I Am. And He gave this name to his Son, Yahushua, " I Am Savior." Since muslims don't believe YHWH had a Son, and has given God's name a different meaning, we couldn't possibly be talking about the same God.


Deirdre

 

[francisdesales]

Who Allah is to Muslims... Has it occured to you that to Muslims, Allah IS Yahweh, understood slightly differently???

Once again I am stunned :shocked! When are we going to defend our faith in Christ and proclaim the Gospel. You cannot compare the two in any context. PERIOD. Its funny how we think so little of our God, and how easy we make him what we want to make him instead of Fearing him for who he is. He is a loving God and a faithful God, yet he is also a God that will pour out his wrath on the unsaved. (and that includes Muslims) Believe it or not!

Ed, I am defending my faith in Christ and proclaiming the Gospel. Recognizing that Islam worships God (albeit, differently and without the idea of a divine Son) is not an abandonment of the Gospel message. Are you aware of what SOME of what Islam teaches? Submission to God, for example? Humility?? Fear of God? Sound familiar?

We must be open to people of faith and correct them where they are wrong, not tell them they worship Satan - which they clearly do not. How does this mean "I think so little of our God"???

God will pour out His wrath on anyone, including Christians who disobey the Father. God desires those who seek Him out and have faith in Him. I would say that despite errors in Islamic teaching, some are on the right path to satisfying God due to the unknown work of the Spirit within them.

Regards

 

[francisdesales]

Yahweh means, I Am who I Am. And He gave this name to his Son, Yahushua, " I Am Savior." Since muslims don't believe YHWH had a Son, and has given God's name a different meaning, we couldn't possibly be talking about the same God.

Muslims do not believe there is more than one transcendant and immutable creator of the universe. There is only one, in their mind. Thus, they worship the same ONE God we worship, the same ONE God who created the universe. This talk about a Son does not mean they worship another creator of the universe, but that their knowledge of the God Who Is is lacking.

Regards

 

[D4Christ]

Muslims do not believe there is more than one transcendant and immutable creator of the universe. There is only one, in their mind. Thus, they worship the same ONE God we worship, the same ONE God who created the universe. This talk about a Son does not mean they worship another creator of the universe, but that their knowledge of the God Who Is is lacking.

Regards

There is only one 'God' in the mind of many religions. What does that prove? If I tell you my name is important and my name is Deirdre, then I would not repsond to you if you called me Rachel or by any other name. Who do we think we are to have God tell us His name, YHWH and then have the nerve to change it? Allah is not a translation or transliteration of the name YHWH....its just a different word, with a different meaning.

But riddle me this....if we all worship the same God, then why do muslim scritpures state;
--those who broke the Sabbath were turned into apes
--worship the God of Abraham,Ismael and Issac
--The only true faith in God's sight is Islam
--deny Abraham was Jewish
--muslim believers should ony make friends with other muslim believers
--deny the crucifixton of Christ
--deny the Father had a Son
--Take neither Jews or Christians as friends
--make war on unbelievers
--paradise is full of bashful virgins and young boys?

How can two walk together unles they agree? The god who inspired the above is not the same God that inspired the Old and New Testaments.

--Deirdre