Comparison between Christian and Islamic Teachings
By Anthony M. Wanjohi
Christianity and Islam
are the two largest religions in the world and they have many points of
contact. Both inherited from Judaism a belief in one God who created the world
and cares about the behavior and beliefs of human beings.
This paper explores Christianity
and teachings of Islam based n various doctrinal themes. These include God,
Jesus,
2.0 Islam Teachings
versus Christianity
Islam teaches that there
is one God - Qur'an 3:64 and rejects the concept of the Trinity
Christianity teaches
there is one God - 1Co 8:6 but reveals that the Godhead is composed of three
distinct personalities - Father, Son, Holy Spirit; one in essence and
Substance. (Jn 1:1-5; Php 2:5-8;
2Jn 9; Mt 28:19)
Islam considers Jesus a
prophet, like Noah, Abraham, Moses (and
Muhammad), rejects the
divinity of Jesus, denies his preexistence - Qur'an
4:171, believes
in the virgin birth. However, Islam does not believe Jesus died on the cross
nor was raised from the dead - Qur'an 4:157
Christianity declares
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God - Mt 16:13-18, teaches the
preexistence of Christ (Jn 1:1-5; Col 1:16-17)
and proclaims that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and was raised from the dead
For Islam, salvation
comes by good works. Personal righteousness is weighed against personal sin,
which ever is greater determines salvation
- Qur'an 23:101-103. A Muslim can be forgiven by repenting of sin - Qur'an
39:53-54. Further, paradise is assured for one who dies as a martyr for Islam.
In Islam, one becomes a Muslim by confessing "There is no other god but
God; and Muhammad is the Prophet of God" (la ilaha ill'Allah, Muhammad rasul Allah)
from the heart
Salvation in
Christianity is by grace through an obedient faith - Ep 2:8-9; 3:4-7. Additionally, Jesus died on the cross as
atonement for our sins - Ro 3:21-26 and He is the source of eternal salvation
to all who obey Him.
One becomes a Christian
by:
a) Believing
that Christ died for your sins (Jn 8:24; Ro 10:
9-10)
b) Repenting
of your sins - Ac 2:38; 17:30-31
c) Confessing
your faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God (Mt 10:32,33;
Ro 10:9-10)
d) Being
baptized into Christ for the remission of your sins
Islam believes in a
resurrection of the dead and judgment at the Last Day
There is also paradise
for the faithful, served by beautiful virgins - Qur'an
56:1-38 and hell for
unbelievers, with eternal torment - Qur'an 56:39-56
Christians believe in a
resurrection of the dead and judgment at the Last Day, the eternal City, New
Jerusalem, in the new heavens and new earth for those whose name is in
the Lamb's book of life (Re 21:1-7,9-27; 22:1-5). There is also believe on paradise for good one and hell for the evil
ones.
Islam believes in 4
inspired books namely the Torah (5 books of Moses), Zabur (the
Psalms), lnjil (the Gospel), and Qur'an.
However, the first three have been corrupted; the Qur'an provides the final
revelation of God's Word
Christianity
believes that Old and New Testaments
contains the revelation of God's Word - 2Ti 3:16-17; Believes that God's
Word cannot be corrupted, but is preserved (1Pe 1:23-25; Mt 24:35; Isa
40:8) and believes that revelation of God's Word is fully and finally revealed
- 2Pe 1:3; Jude 3.
2.6 Prayer, Fasting and
Worship
In Islam, there are set
times to offer prayers (five times per day), there is set periods and
procedures in which to fast (the month of Ramadan). There is also emphasis on
ceremonial rituals such as washings and posture in prayer.
Chritianity on
the other hand calls for fervent and steadfast prayer, with no set times
proscribed - 1Th 5:17;
Col 4:2; has no particular place for fasting, but left up to the individual -
Mt 6:16-18; Ac 13:2-3; 14:23. There is emphasis upon the spiritual aspect of
worship - Jn 4:23-24; Ep 5:19; Col 3:16
Islam allows war and
vengeance for self-defense against persecution and allows use of war in
promoting the faith against unbelievers and idolaters.
Christianity forbids war
and vengeance when persecuted for righteousness' sake - Mt 5:10-12, 38-48 and
forbids use of war to promote the cause of Christ and the gospel (2Co 10:3-5).
Islam forbids alcohol
and gambling - Qur'an 5:93-94 and also forbids eating pork. The religion allows
up to four wives, may divorce and remarry them twice Qur'an 2:229
Christianity forbids
drunkenness, covetousness, and other "works of the flesh" (Ga 5:19-21), allows all foods, if received with
thanksgiving and prayer (1Ti 4:4-5) (with the exception of drinking blood and
eating animals that were strangled, (Act 15:20,29;
21:25) and teaches monogamy, divorce only for fornication (Mt 19:9; 1 Co.
7:2).
In Islam, men have more
rights than women - Qur'an 2:228; Women do not attend public prayers at the
Mosque and a husband may punish a wife by withholding what is due, and then
beat her if necessary - Qur'an 4:34
In Christianity men and
women are fellow heirs of the grace of life - 1Pe 3:7; Ga 3:28-29, Women do not have leadership roles in the church
(1 Co 11:3; 14:34-37; 2Ti 2:11-12), and forbids withholding what is due,
and requires treating the wife with tenderness and understanding (1Co 7:3-5;
1Pe 3:7).
The comparative note
explored in this paper may not an exhaustive one between the two major
religions. However, the key teachings of both religions have been
highlighted. Islam and Christianity. Undoubtedly,
many other similarities and differences could be
noted.
In considering such
comparisons, one should note the following: Islam contains many different
sects; not all professing Muslims might agree with some of the representations
of Islamic beliefs made in this comparison. In a similar vein, not all
professing Christians may agree with what has been offered as that which
Christianity teaches.
Suggested Citation in
APA
Wanjohi, A.M. (2011). Comparison
between Christian and Islamic Teachings. KENPRO Publications.Available online at http://www.kenpro.org/papers/comparison-between-christian-and-islamic-teachings.htm
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