Brent Hardy

English 101

Ballinger

Audience: College Students

Tone: Informative

 

Christianity Vs. Islam

 

            In post-September 11 America, many people have become more aware of the religion of Islam.  They have become more aware in the fact that they acknowledge that they do not know that much about the religion.  At first glance, the religions of Christianity and Islam look quite different.  They have different customs and different ways.  However, despite many differences, Christianity and Islam are remarkably similar.

            Christianity and Islam show a remarkable number of similarities.  Both are considered monotheistic religions, which acknowledge the existence of only one deity.  However, Christianity shows an element of polytheism in its Trinitarian approach to the Godhead.  Christians believe in the “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,” three entities which compose one omniscient deity.  Islam, however, recognizes only a single entity as deity.  In fact, the name “Allah” denotes name of the One True God, without plurality or gender.[1]  Christians also follow the teachings of Christ, who they view as the Son of God, a Messiah sent to redeem all of mankind.  Islam views Jesus as a great prophet, the predecessor of Mohammad, but not divine.  Christians believe that their holy book, the Bible, is written by man yet revealed by God.  Muslims believe that their holy book, the Koran, was written by the archangel Gabriel and the original text is kept in heaven next to the throne of Allah.  The Christian belief leaves room for interpretation, as man may have written the Bible in an erroneous manner.  However, the Koran is either true or it isn’t, as an angel wouldn’t be capable of inserting any bias into the text.  While both believe in an afterlife, Christians believe that one must be absolved of all sin before one is allowed into heaven.  Islam teaches that, beginning with puberty, an account of all good and evil deeds are kept in paradise.  For one to enter heaven, ones good deeds must outweigh one’s sins.

            Despite these differences, there are a great number of similarities in the Christian and Islamic religions.  Both are religions which promote peace, believing that God is a benevolent figure who loves all creatures in His creation.  They are both monotheistic, despite the irregularity of Christian monotheism.  Both are considered Abrahamic religions, tracing their religion back to a common forefather.  Where Jews and Christians trace their lineage back to Isaac, Abraham’s second son (and recognized heir), Muslims believe that they came from Ishmael, Abraham’s firstborn by his wife’s handmaiden.  Both recognize many of the same figures, including Moses, David, and Jesus.  They share many of the same tenets, including a formal Declaration of Faith, charity, and prayer.  Both also have some form of the Ethic of Reciprocity, or the Golden Rule. Christians have Matthew 7:12, which says: “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.”  Islam teaches that: “Not one of you is a believer until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Fourth Hadith of an-Nawawi 13)  These similarities are only a few of the positive things these two religions offer their adherents.

            Unfortunately, these religions also exhibit similarities in beliefs that aren’t so healthy.  Both recognize heaven and hell, the former a paradise where good souls dwell with their God, the latter a place of punishment for those who do not follow the teachings of the religion.  Both also teach that women are inferior to men, Islam going so far as to teach that women should cover their skin from head to toe (excepting the eyes and hands up to the wrist joint) in the presence of all men besides their husbands.[2]  Both also have a tendency to force their worldviews upon others, preaching to unbelievers, and even going so far as to harshly punish, even kill, apostates and those who follow other faiths.[3]  Both have scriptures which promote slavery, rape, execution of homosexuals, and punishment for non-marital sex.  These verses are archaic in modern times, even seen as evil in some cases.

            Christianity and Islam are two sides of the same coin.  Both can give comfort to the masses, teaching a way for humanity to cope with the world.  However, both also share many negative concepts, which are harmful to the world.  These religions, while inherently good, are often used to enslave mankind, encouraging a zealousness which can lead to atrocious behavior.  Whether one accepts religion, or denies it entirely, it is apparent that Christianity and Islam contain similarities which justify the popular conception that they both worship the same God.