Parallels and Distinctions: Islam and Christianity
Islam and Christianity share many customs and values, but they still have many variations. Although the two faiths share many parallels, they have opposing positions on key theological and ideological issues. This paper examines the parallels and distinctions between Islam and Christianity in terms of their traditions and values, how they became prominent, how they appear to interpret one another, their conceptions of divinity, and their approaches to worship.
Shared Beliefs and Teachings
Both Islam and Christianity are monotheistic Abrahamic religions, with Jesus Christ as a central character in both (Miner et al. 79). Besides, they both believe that there is only one God, who is the Creator, as well as and Sustainer of the Earth and everything in it (Miner et al. 80).
Both Christians and Muslims believe that God sent various prophets such as Abraham, Isaac, Noah, Moses, Solomon, David, and John the Baptist, among others to spread His teachings. Additionally, Both Islam and Christianity believe that people should follow God's holy scriptures and the teachings of the prophets. Besides, they both believe in the existence of hell and paradise and life after death, and that the day of judgment will come to pass (Miner et al. 81).
Distinct Views on Jesus
Like Christians, Muslims believe in the existence of Jesus of Nazareth, and that the Virgin Mary was His mother (Chaplin 306). However, Islam teaches that Jesus was just a prophet who followed the footsteps of Abraham, Noah, Adam, and Moses. Muslims believe in Muhammad, who they consider as the final messenger, who is superior to all previous prophets. On the other hand, Christians believe in Jesus, the Christ, as the Son of the Living God, and Christians accept Him as the Second Person of the Holy Trinity (Chaplin 308).
Beliefs about God and Creation
Both Christianity and Islam religions believe in the existence of only one God. Christianity has a belief in the Holy Trinity, which consists of God the Father, the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, while Muslims believe in only one God (Allah), who is the only True Creator (Miner et al. 83). Both religions also believe that none existed before God and that He Will exist forever. They also both believe that God cannot be seen and that He transcends both life and death. However, unlike Christians, who believe that God created man in His image, Muslims believe that no part of God's creation resembles him (Miner et al. 84).
Approaches to Salvation and Worship
Christians consider salvation as believing in the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the Christ. On the other hand, Muslims consider salvation as believing in one Allah, remembrance of Allah, repentance, as well as the fear of Allah and having hope in His mercy (Chaplin 309). Additionally, various Christianity practices include sacraments, prayers, worshiping God in churches, spreading biblical teachings, partaking of the holy communion, as well as taking part in acts of charity. On the other hand, Islam performs prayers five times each day, engage in fasting during Ramadan, provide charity to the needy (Zakat), as well as practice pilgrimage (Hajj) (Chaplin 310).
Historical Connections and Views of Each Other
Islam and Christianity form the world's largest religions and share both traditional and historical connections, with various theological differences. Both Islam and Christianity faiths originated from the Middle East, and they both consider themselves as monotheistic (Miner et al. 85). Christianity emerged during the first century CE from the Second Temple of Judaism, and its foundation based on Jesus Christ's teachings, life, death, and His resurrection. Those who follow the teachings of Jesus Christ are referred to as Christians (Miner et al. 88). On the other hand, Islam emerged during the seventh century CE and its foundation based on the teachings of Muhammad as a show of submission or surrender to the will of Allah (Miner et al. 91).
Muslims have a broad range of views regarding Christianity. Muslims see Christians as fellow monotheistic scriptures possessors and consider them to be heretics. On the other hand, Christians see Islam as a fellow Abrahamic faith, which worships the same God. Besides, Christians view Islam as an unrelated cult or heresy (Chaplin 311). Additionally, the Muslims see the Christians' biblical teachings as altered, although Christians consider the Biblical teachings as authoritative and view Quran as a later, apocryphal, and fabricated work (Chaplin 312). Due to such diverse views of one another, most Christians always see Muslims as violent and fanatical people who lack tolerance. On the other hand, Muslims have a general view of Christians as immoral, selfish, fanatical, and greedy people (Chaplin 314).
Converging Views of Divinity
The comparison between the two religions gives a clear picture of how each faith perceives divinity. From their comparison, it appears that the two faiths have converging perceptions of God. Despite Christianity and Islam having different teachings or doctrines about God, their conceptions of divinity appear to be convergent. For example, despite Christians believing in the Holy Trinity doctrine as opposed to Muslims, they both believe in only one God. Besides, both faiths agree that God or Allah is the greatest conceivable being, who is morally perfect, all-powerful, all-present, all-loving, and all-knowing. It, therefore, means that they have converging views of divinity.
Diverse Approaches to Worship
Islam and Christianity also have diverse approaches to worship. While Christians practice their worship activities in churches, cathedrals, personal dwellings, chapels, Basilica, and home Bible studies, Muslims carry out their practices of worship in mosques, masjids, or any other place which they consider clean and meets various Islamic standards (Miner et al. 92).
In Conclusion
Islam and Christianity have a broad range of similarities and differences, as well as various views about each other. It is therefore essential for the two faiths to treat each other fairly, respect each other's practices and beliefs, and allow each of other to stand on its own qualities, without the Islam judging Christianity for not being Islam, and Christianity not portraying Islam as a deficient faith. Muslims and Christians should, therefore, explore their similarities and differences positively, and with understanding.
References
Chaplin, Jonathan. “Creation, Judgement And The State In Christianity And Islam.” The Muslim World 106.2 (2016): 306-312. Web.
Miner, Maureen et al. “Spiritual Attachment In Islam And Christianity: Similarities And Differences.” Mental Health, Religion & Culture 17.1 (2012): 79-93. Web.
