Confronting Other Faiths

Differences on the Basic Questions: What is the nature of humankind?

alandsylvia@comcast.net — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:06:00 GMT

Issue 10, Jul 2008
How does the Muslim Faith differ with the Christian Faith on the basic questions of life and death? We are exploring some of the fundamental differences. Our prayer is that we will see clearly the differences and that we will be strengthened in our Christian Faith.

This month we ask: What is the nature of humankind?

The Qur’an presents human beings as basically upright, like Adam was when he was created. Human beings are “weak” and may sin in time of testing and temptation, but Allah is merciful. He does not demand more than human beings are able to accomplish. The inner motive of what “proceeds from the heart” is not emphasized. The commandments and Allah’s justice do not demand perfection. Good deeds outweigh the bad. Allah diminishes his justice to accommodate man’s weakness. He is forgiving. Sin is softened. Allah's justice is dampened.

However, the Qur’an states repeatedly and frequently that human beings will face judgment. They must “surrender” to Allah, must observe the Five Pillars of a godly life, and must ask for forgiveness before they die. Hopefully the scales of justice will balance in one’s favor. If not, one will endure purging by fire over the bridge of hell.

The Bible presents human beings as created in the image of God. In that perfect state they reflected the glory of God. However, they fell from that state because of the temptation of Satan. They “fell” into a state of sin; henceforth all humankind is born sinful (cf. David's confession after his adultery with Bathsheba, Ps 51:5).

This explains why every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood (Genesis 8:21). It explains why it is “human nature” to be rebellious and indifferent to God; selfish and neglectful to our fellow human beings. It is not hard to sin. Sin is not a weakness, merely an inclination to disobey. One does not have to think, “Now I will think or do something that is wrong.” Sinning comes naturally. Since “out of the heart proceed evil thoughts” (Genesis 6:4-6), quite naturally. Human beings are sinful and unable in any way to rescue themselves from their predicament.

In view of this, how does God save humankind? Does he diminish his justice and accommodate himself to man’s weakness? Does he deny his love and condemn all sinners to eternal death? How does God satisfy both his love and his justice? The Bible reveals that God, in mercy, out of pure, undeserved love, came in the person of his Son. The Lord God became a human being, lived our life, died our death, and paid the price we could not pay. He atoned for our sins; thus, he fully satisfied both his love and his justice (cf. John 3:16-21).

This amazing grace of God in Jesus, his Son, has freed us from the curse of God’s holy Law; has given to us forgiveness of our sins and eternal life as gifts. God’s love met his justice in the life, death, and resurrection of his Son. God remains God. God remains merciful and righteous. Neither God’s love nor his justice are compromised, nor is humankind abandoned. In his amazing grace God found a way for humankind to have friendship and intimate fellowship with him. It is by God’s grace through faith in his Son (cf. Romans 3). _____________________________________________________

Rick Richter is the author of “The Qur’an and the Bible – A Comparison.” www.Churchpress.com.

Differences on the Basic Questions: How Can I Have The Certainty of Eternal Life?

alandsylvia@comcast.net — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:54:00 GMT

Issue 9, Jun 2008
How does the Muslim Faith differ with the Christian Faith on the basic questions of life and death? In the next months we will explore some of the fundamental differences. Our prayer is that we will see clearly the differences and that we will be strengthened in our Christian Faith.

We begin with the question: How Can I Have The Certainty of Eternal Life

The Qur’an answers that to gain paradise one is to believe in the God of Abraham, who is Allah; be a Muslim, “one who submits” to Allah; acknowledge that Allah is the living God, and that Muhammad is his prophet.

This, however, is not all that is required for certainty. According to the Qur’an, you must live the life of a Muslim. That is, you must pray, observing the ablutions and prescribed prayers; you must pay the poor dues; you must observe Ramadan, and you must attend the Hajj once in your life time, if possible. A person’s good works must out-weigh the bad deeds on the scales of justice at the final judgment (Surah 7:42). Those who take their life in Jihad will enter Paradise immediately, “if they have no outstanding debts,” or “major problem.”

The certainty of paradise is always in question. How can I be sure that the scales of justice will tip in my favor? All believers in Allah must go over the “bridge of hell” and be purged before they enter Paradise. A Muslim “submits” to the will of Allah, but what has Allah willed? Has Allah willed that I should be in paradise or hell? These questions arise in view of what the Qur’an states: “Allah sendeth astray whom He will, and whom He will He guideth” (Surah 74:31), and “If We [Allah] had so willed, We could have given every soul its guidance, but….I will fill hell with the jinn and mankind together” (Surah 32:13). The question of one’s final destiny remains doubtful.

We Christians also ask: How can I Have The Certainty of Eternal Life?

The Bible states that one may have certainty of eternal life through Jesus, the Lamb of God, who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins. The question is asked in the Book of Revelations, “These in white robes (before the throne of God) – who are they, and where did they come from?” The clear answer is given, “They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (Rev 7:13-15).

Jesus’ perfect life and sacrificial death are sufficient atonement to pay for all of the sins of the world. On the cross Christ accomplished the “great exchange.” He took my sins and in exchange gave me forgiveness. He took my condemnation and in exchange gave me his righteousness. He took my death and in exchange gave me life eternal. Through faith in him the “great exchange” becomes mine. This eternal life in Christ is a present reality that continues on to eternity. Through daily repentance and faith, “the blood of Jesus purifies us from all sin” (1 Jn 1:7). One can be certain that trusting in Jesus as Savior, he or she shall indeed enter paradise. This gives great “comfort and joy” to one presently and until his or her dying day.

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By Rev. Rick Richter, author of “The Qur’an and the Bible – A Comparison.” www.churchpress.com.

Seven Men Named Jesus

alandsylvia@comcast.net — Mon, 05 May 2008 18:06:00 GMT

Issue 8, May 2008
I ran across a most interesting Blog a few days ago on the millennialist website Grace Through Faith. The article by an unnamed author tells about Seven Men Named Jesus, the Jesus of Judaism, Islam’s Issa, Mormonism’s polygamist, the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ incarnate angel, the Master Teacher of modern Christianity, the Ascended Master of the New Age movement and finally the Jesus of the Bible. I borrow generously from that article.

The Jesus of Judaism.

Many Jews view Jesus as a mere historical figure, the illegitimate son of Miriam (Mary) who probably later married Yosef. Some speculate that the family belonged to a Jewish sect called the Essenes. There are those who still maintain the Essene way.

According to Judaism, Jesus lived in the first century of what they call the Christian Era (CE). They do not use AD, a Latin term meaning the year of our Lord. This Jesus and his disciples led many people from main stream Judaism into a cult. The cult was first called Netzirim, people of the branch (Isaiah 11). Later, beginning in Syrian Antioch, those in the movement were called Christians (Acts 11:25-27), a word that sounds like the Greek for fools. These “fools” believed Jesus to be the long-awaited Messiah. To this day, many Jews point to the sad reality that some Christians persecuted Jews unmercifully over the centuries.

The Jesus of Islam.

Muslims do believe that Issa (Jesus) was sent down as a Prophet of Allah (God), but he is not God or Lord, nor the son of God. Muslims do not believe that Jesus (Issa) died or was ever crucified. They believe that he was raised to heaven, remains there, and will descend at the appointed time to end all wars, and bring peace to the world. Like

Jesus, Muhammad is also a Prophet and Messenger, but Muhammed is the last Prophet, and there is none after him. Hence, Islam is the last religion, complete, with the Holy Qur'an as the unchanged and perfect word of God for over 1400 years.

The Jesus of Mormonism

Mormon teachings about Jesus seem to agree with historical Christianity: “We commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.” However, one must dig a bit deeper to learn what they teach.

According to Mormon theology, Jesus was born in Jerusalem (Book of Mormon, Alma 7:9,10) and is of the Tribe of Benjamin. He is the brother of all spirits born in heaven and the spirit brother of Lucifer. Jesus was married and had wives. Thus, in Heaven, Jesus will continue to be married to his wives forever.

The Jesus of Jehovah's Witnesses

He's a son of Jehovah and captain of the Lord's Host. In the Bible, he also appears as the Archangel Michael. When it came time for the savior to be born, Michael the Archangel became a human, in the form of Jesus. Jesus grew and kept all the laws of God and never sinned. Finally, when Jesus died, it was not on a cross, but on a torture stake, where he bore the sins of mankind -- but this did not include Adam's sins. Jesus rose from the dead as a spirit, not physically (his body was dissolved and taken by God) and during his visitations to people on earth, he manifested a temporary physical body for them to see and touch. Thus began the true Christian church of Jehovah's followers.

Jesus, The Master Teacher

He's a first century man who lived an exemplary life of such gentleness and grace that it was almost as if he was God. He'll see that everyone who joins their denominations gets accepted into heaven whether they've accepted him as their Savior or not. Some adherents of liberal theology also claim that he'll see that everyone who was sincere in whatever religion they practiced will get to heaven. An example of such views is the Unity Church that considers Jesus the master teacher and "way show-er," citing Jesus' frequent calls to emulate him rather than worship him, and the ability of others to be like him, such as in John 10:34 and John 14:12. Jesus is not worshiped as God, but regarded as someone who had achieved a complete connection with God the Father.

The New Age Jesus

They try to fill in the history missing in the Bible to account for his great powers and miracles. So they have stories of Jesus who traveled to spiritual centers in India and Egypt, and Tibet. He studied under spiritual masters in India. Jesus is known to them as Issa (the same as Muslims). He became a master Hindu yogi, experiencing self-realization through Kundalini yoga. He later studied and mastered Vedic and Buddhist teaching. He then attained God- consciousness. He was initiated in the Hermetic mystery school in Heliopolis, approved by a world council. When he returned to his native people in Israel, He taught a Hindu world view that was veiled in terms that the Hebrews would understand.

There are others. Every major religion and cult around today wants to have some good things to say about a man named Jesus, even if they have to redefine him to suit their beliefs.

Jesus Of The Bible

Jesus of the Bible claimed to be God in the form of man (John 10:30 and 14:9). Men who knew Him agreed. Paul taught the Deity of Jesus in Colossians 1:15-16. So did John (John 1:1). The writer of the Book of Hebrews also agreed (Hebr 1:3) and included a quote from Psalm 45:6-7 that shows God Himself addressing Jesus as God (Hebrews 1:8).

Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up? He will indeed and on the last day we will all have to stand before Him.

By Dr. Al Franzmeier

What About An Open Letter From Muslim Leaders?

alandsylvia@comcast.net — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 19:27:00 GMT

Issue 7, Apr 2008
An Open Letter entitled A Common Word between Us was sent by Muslim Leaders throughout the world to well known Christian Leaders:

Pope Benedict XVI, Batholomew I, Patriarch of Constantinople; Patriarch of Alexandria and All of Africa, Patriarchs of Antioch, Jerusalem, All of Russia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, All of Greece, Poland, etc. Also, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Presiding Bishop of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, President of Lutheran World Federation, General Secretary of World Methodist Council, Baptist World Alliance, General Secretary of World Council of Churches and leaders of Christian Churches everywhere.

A Common Word states: “Muslims and Christians together make up well over half of the world’s population. Without peace and justice between these two religious communities, there can be no meaningful peace in the world. The future of the world depends on peace between Muslims and Christians.”

The letter continues, “The basis for this peace and understanding already exists. It is part of the very foundational principles of both faiths: love of the One God, and love of the neighbour.”

The document goes on to present what it believes is a common LOVE OF GOD AND LOVE OF THE NEIGHBOUR. It is a serious appeal to the Christian Community and calls for careful response.

The Yale Divinity School Center for Faith and Culture has written “A Christian Response to A Common Word between Us and You.”

Both A Common Word from Muslim Religious Leaders and the Yale, “A Christian Response...” call for serious examination.

The Muslim A Common Word document assumes throughout that we worship the same One God. The letter from Yale Divinity School seems to accept this. The Yale response does not recognize that five times the Muslim A Common Word states that God (Allah) “has no partner.” This is a statement repeated frequently in the Qur’an (Surah 4:48; 7:173; 10:34-35, 66; 16:86; 28:62-64, 74; 30:40; 40:12; 42:21). Surah 3:64 is in fact quoted in A Common Word. Surah 3:64 boldly addresses Christians: “O people of the Scripture! Come to an agreement between us and you: that we shall worship none but Allah, and that we shall ascribe no partner (bold added) unto Him…” The Yale “A Christian Response...” ignores this obvious strong denial of Jesus as the Son of God in the Muslim A Common Word.

It is well for Christians to remember what is written on the inside of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem: “O People of the Scripture! Do not exaggerate in your religion nor utter aught concerning Allah save the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, was only a messenger of Allah, and His word, which he conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers, and say not “Three” -Cease! (it is) better for you!- Allah is only One God. Far is it removed from his transcendent Majesty that He should have a son” (Surah 4:171).

The Muslim A Common Word, in presenting “no partner” five times, makes a bold and clear denial of Jesus as the Son of God. How can we assume that Muslims and Christians worship the same God when Islam denies Jesus as His Son?

Another compelling difference concerning the love of God is presented in the Muslim document A Common Word: “Thus in the Holy Qur’an God enjoins Muslims who truly love God to follow this example, in order in turn to be loved by God (bold added): “Say, (O Muhammad, to mankind): If ye love God, follow me; God will love you and forgive you your sins. God is Forgiving, Merciful. (Aal ‘Imran, 3:31).”

Here is the defining difference in our concept of God. As quoted, Surah 3:31 teaches and Islam believes that by our loving God we are “loved by God” and receive forgiveness and mercy. Allah’s love is not a free gift. In every instance that the Qur’an speaks of Allah’s love, His love is in response to our love and obedience. For instance, “Allah loveth the steadfast” (Surah 3:146). “Allah loveth the equitable” (Surah 5:42).

The Yale Divinity School, in “A Christian Response..,” sidesteps the obvious problem and proceeds as if it were not so. It states:“We find it equally heartening that the God whom we should love above all this is described as being Love. In the Muslim tradition, God, ‘the Lord of the worlds,’ is ‘The Infinitely Good and All-Merciful.’ And the New Testament states clearly that ‘God is love’ (1 John 4:8).”

Thus the Yale response not only stops short of 1 John 4:9-10 (“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son…”), but it also distorts the love of God and avoids the fact that the Muslim document, A Common Word, describes God (Allah) as being loving toward those who “love God” and “follow me (Muhammad).” Then, in turn, “God (Allah) will love you and forgive you your sins.”

The Christian Faith teaches that before we loved God, God first loved us. He loved us while we were powerless, ungodly, sinners, and enemies (Rom. 5:6-10) “This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins" (1 Jn. 4:10). It is this awesome, unconditional love of God that moves us to repentance and faith in His Son and brings us into fellowship with the true and living God.

One final distinction is necessary when seeking understanding and common ground. The Scriptures speak of the Kingdom of Christ and the Kingdom of Caesar: “God has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves (Col. 1:13).

In distinction, there is the Kingdom of Caesar and the Kingdom of Christ. Jesus recognized the Kingdom of Caesar when he said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s” (Mt. 22:15-22) Paul calls this kingdom the “governing authority.” This authority is established by God “to bring punishment on the wrongdoer” (Rom. 13:1-7). The civil authorities are there to punish “the wrongdoer” -murderer, terrorist, extortionist, robber, abuser, etc. The civil authorities exist to restrain the sinful inclinations of human nature and reward those who keep the laws.

The Kingdom of Christ does not operate with outward force and fear. The church does the work of the Kingdom of Christ by changing hearts through the “message of Christ” (Rom.10:1-17). When hearts are changed, lives are changed.

Islam makes no distinction between these two Kingdoms. Hence, the Qur’an, Sharia law, and Jihad may be used with physical force to establish the Umma, a theocratic kingdom on earth.

While we work for peace and harmony, we need to recognize the basic differences of how order and change are brought about in the world. In our desire for further understanding in the world, let us, on the one hand, be loving people of good will. Let us be courteous and civil. On the other hand, let us remember the fundamental differences between the two world beliefs. And let us not compromise or deny our Christian faith, but look upon the dialogue as an opportunity to share and demonstrate the unconditional, undeserved, unexpected love of God in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

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By Rev. Rick Richter, author of “The Qur’an and the Bible – A Comparison.” Second Edition 2006. C 2004 @ www.Churchpress.com.

Jihad or Agape

alandsylvia@comcast.net — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 21:55:00 GMT

Issue 5, Feb 2008
Osama Bin Laden’s Sept. 7th video opens with Allah’s Law of retaliation: “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth and the killer is killed. All praise is due to Allah” (cfs Surah 5:45, Surah 2:178,179,194). He also praises the Mujahideen (“holy warriors”) who willingly give their lives in Jihad. It is this cycle of revenge and retribution that presently fuels the fires of violence.

How different are the words of Jesus in the New Covenant. In Mt 5:44 Jesus calls his followers to “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Jesus himself prayed for his enemies, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” He ordered Peter, “Put your sword back in its place (Mt 26:52) and then put the servant’s ear back in its place.

In the fatwa of Feb 23, 1998 five Islamic caliphates (including Bin Laden and Al Zawahiri) declare war against the United States quoting Surah 9:5 as justification: “Slay the idolaters wherever you find them.” In his video Ben Laden invites all people to become Muslim. Following the example of Muhammad, this is fair warning. If they do not surrender to Allah, jihad will be justified. The Fatwa states, "We -- with God's help -- call on every Muslim who believes in God and wishes to be rewarded to comply with God's order to kill the Americans and plunder their money wherever and whenever they find it."

What it boils down to is that in the Qur’an Allah is a god whose love is conditional, “Allah, loveth those who put their trust in him” (Surah 3:159), and “Allah loveth not the disbelievers” (Surah 3:32). Allah commands, “Fight those of the disbelievers who are near you” (Surah 9:123). The disbelievers must convert, submit, or be killed.

In contrast, the Lord God demonstrates his love for us in that: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6). The Bible states emphatically: “God is love” [Greek: agape] (1 Jn 4:8 and16). His agape love is unconditional, unmerited, unfathomable, and unexpected. The Lord God “So loved (with agape love)the world that he gave his one and only Son” (John 3:16). His agape love is pro-active (2 Corinthians 5:19; Romans 5:6). His agape love is passionate, [Latin passio - to suffer]. It “ached” for us and was willing to suffer for us (Isaiah 53:5). His agape love is personal, (1 Timothy 1:15).

It is this agape love of God in Christ that moves us to forego revenge and compels us to forgive our enemies. What a difference: JIHAD or AGAPE!

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By Rick Richter, author of “TheQur’an and the Bible – A Comparison.”