The points of contention the defenders of Christianity and Islam dwell on are the validity of their religions and prophets. This is the center of the debate between Al-Kindi, a Christian apologist that argues that Islam is satanic, and ‘Abd al-Jabbar, a Muslim who argues that Christianity is hypocritical. The discussion between the two apologists takes place in their works entitled The Apology of al-Kindi and The Critique of Christian Origins respectively. In both texts they discuss the validity of Christianity and Islam based on the prophecies, violent tendencies, and means of recruitment.
In order to defend the Christian faith, al-Kindi makes two major claims. The first is that in Muhammad was not a prophet and the second is that the laws
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Kindi asserts that there are only three types of laws in existence: the supernatural, natural, and satanic law. An important characteristic of the satanic law is “the law of violence.” In contrast to Christianity, which relies on signs and miracles to convert non-believers, Al-Kindi accuses Muhammad and his followers for inciting violence to gain followers and power. He believes that violence, fear, and force were not only the main tools to convert unbelievers, but the only tools Muhammad used. Kindi cites a quote from Muhammad that reads as follows, “If they will not acknowledge my claims to be the messenger of the Lord of all, I will smite them with sword, capture and plunder, for this cause and reason alone” to confirm Muhammad’s fear tactics. By using this quote he’s reaffirming the belief that Islam gained followers by threatening them with death if they didn’t join the religion. Al-Kindi compares this to Christianity, which he claims is much more peaceful in its nature. Not only does Christianity not use violence to recruit members, but it discourages using violence or causing your fellow man harm. Al-Kindi clearly connects Islam to violence, and he believes that it is therefore …show more content…
His main argument is that in the Christian faith no one fears punishment, whether they’re a believer or not. He says that Christians claim that because of Jesus, those who believe in him don’t pay for their sins, and those that don’t believe also won’t be punished if he had good intentions. The only people that he claims are punished in the Christian faith are the stubborn, and even then, they’re only punished for a short while, but it will eventually stop. This would basically encourage sin, since there wouldn’t be any repercussion for committing it. ‘Abd al-Jabbar’s last and probably strongest point is the one that states that if Christian’s accuse and condemn Muhammad for being violent then they’re hypocrites. He ascribes Old Testament violence to Jesus since Christians claim that Jesus and God are one, mentioning the flood, plaques, and wars led by Moses as
Brian. A Catlos’ novel, Infidel Kings and Unholy Warriors: Faith, Power, and Violence in the Age of Crusade and Jihad, provides a detailed account of various sites of inter-religious interaction throughout the medieval Mediterranean from the 10th to 12th centuries. Throughout the novel, Catlos illustrates the influence of religion on the relationships and coexistence between the three Abrahamic religions - Christianity, Judaism, and Islam - and the role it plays in the immense violence of the period. The varying perspectives demonstrate how religion acted more as a bridge between cultures than a barrier, and how conflicts deemed as of religious origin were oftentimes driven predominantly by the mundane factor of greed and self-interest rather than existential resentment of opposing groups.
In the early 6th century, Muhammad introduced Islam into the Arab world, and asserted that there was only one true God. Islam demanded that believers obey God’s will and laws (Islamic Law, web). By introducing Isla...
Islam, a religion of people submitting to one God, seeking peace and a way of life without sin, is always misunderstood throughout the world. What some consider act of bigotry, others believe it to be the lack of education and wrong portrayal of events in media; however, one cannot not justify the so little knowledge that America and Americans have about Islam and Muslims. Historically there are have been myths, many attacks on Islam and much confusion between Islam as a religion and Middle Easter culture that is always associated with it. This paper is meant to dispel, or rather educate about the big issues that plague people’s minds with false ideas and this will only be touching the surface.
Thomas W. Lippman gives an introduction to the Muslim world in the book Understanding Islam. He has traveled throughout the Islamic world as Washington Post bureau chief for the Middle East, and as a correspondent in Indochina. This gave him, in his own words, "sharp insight into the complexities of that turbulent region." However, the purpose of the book is not to produce a critical or controversial interpretation of Islamic scripture. It is instead to give the American layman an broad understanding of a religion that is highly misunderstood by many Americans. In this way he dispels many myths about "Muslim militants," and the otherwise untrue perception of Islamic violence. In this way the American reader will become more knowledgeable about an otherwise unfamiliar topic. However, the most significant element of Lippman’s book is that it presents Islam in a simple way that makes the reader feels his awareness rise after each chapter. This encourages him to continue learning about the world’s youngest major religion. Understanding Islam dispels many misconceptions about the Muslim world, and presents the subject in a way that urges his reader to further his understanding of Islam through continued study.
Highlighting the main beliefs of Islam as well as criticising these philosophies, Al Ghazali’s main contribution to Islamic theology was showing the relationship between God’s power and human acts.
The two largest religions in the world, Christianity and Islam, were implemented by two of religions most powerful leaders, Jesus and Muhammad. Without question, both Jesus and Muhammad have affected humanity powerfully. As religious leaders both men laid down the principles upon which Christianity and Islam are founded yet today. However, while Jesus performed miracles and arose from the dead, thus proving to his followers he was God, Muhammad performed no such feats, and made no such claims. In fact, Muhammad’s only claim was that he was the last prophet sent from God.
...an-Islamic notion of the heavenly father and his love for mankind are striking. God loves us and wants nothing more than that we be saved from Hell. However, when man transgresses, God has no choice but to punish him accordingly; while it pains Him to do so, He must as this is a component of His divine love.
However much Islam and Christianity would seem to share common ground, the discussion is not complete without noting the parallels between this two that have taken center stage. Some of the remarkable differences as they try to answer deep life complexities arise in the areas of religious practices by both their adherents and the clergy (Dorothy 13-28). “There is also a stark contrast to the belief system subscribed to, means of salvation, scriptures”. The most prominent difference present concerns the belief of life after death and practices of depicting the metaphysical
Renard, John. Islam and Christianity: theological themes in comparative perspective. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2011. Print.
After ‘The Year of Sorrow’ in which both Muhammad’s uncle- Abu Talib and wife- Kadijah died Muhammad is warned by the angel Gabriel that the situation is getting too dangerous for him in Mecca. “Muhammad knew the faith must find expression in a community which would insure its external force and the opportunity to prevail against opposition” (Cragg). It is at this point that Muhammad is invited to become a leader in Medina (622ce).
At the first glance, Islam and Christianity appear to have nothing in common, however; as you go beyond the surface, they appear to have many similarities such as their beliefs of God, their beliefs of life after death, their holy scriptures, and their prayers. These religions, although two entirely different beliefs, share a similar origin. Like many other religions, they both claim to be the one and only true way to God. In order to truly see and understand their similarities, one must date back to the rise and birth of Christianity and Islam. Throughout the course of this essay, I will compare the many facets that show the alikeness between these two growing religions.
In both given articles, “The Roots of Muslim Rage” by Bernard Lewis, and “The Roots of Muslim Rage Revisited” by Nicolaas J.E. van der Zee, argue about the enhancement of the Muslim fundamentalism with different perspectives; however, I believe that Lewis’ view may be quiet misleading to the actual perception. Lewis indicates that Muslim fundamentalism is conceived through the Muslim community’s oppression and dissatisfaction with the West’s political involvement, as well as “Islam is a source of aggression” . In defiance of Lewis’ opinion, the word ‘Islam’ comes from the word peace as well as the will of submission to God. The notion of aggression and violence that Lewis conceptualizes to be the headline of Islam does not have any supporting
The book Muhammad, by Michael Cook, describes the impact Muhammad has had on the world as we know it. It explains why Muhammad chose the paths he did, and how certain laws came about. Cook offers a very objective view of the laws and policies Muhammad outlined in the Koran, and the traditions that are carried on that supplement his written law.
In this book , Esposito provides a succinct, up-to-date survey of the Islamic experience, an introduction to the faith, belief, and practice of Islam from its origins to its contemporary resurgence. He traces the emergence and development of this dynamic faith and its impact on world history and politics. He discusses the formation of Islamic belief and practice (law, theology, philosophy, and mysticism), chronicling the struggle of Muslims to define and adhere to their Islamic way of life. Equally important is the essential information Esposito provides on the contemporary world of Islam, from Muslim responses to the challenges of colonialism and modernization to the reassertion of Islam in politics and society.
Throughout history, violence and religion were always related, however, how this violence is formed and for how it is used differs in every religion and also on one’s view. Even the most serene religions are capable of supporting violence since all religions incorporate a violent nature along with the dedication and belief. In “Understanding Islam”, Kenneth Jost poses a question: Is Islam a religion that promotes violence? His answer is no but he does not answer it directly. He does bring up possible arguments from the opposite side and rebuts it. He “A CBS poll in April 2006 found that 46 percent of those surveyed believe Islam encourages violence more than other religions. A comparable poll four years earlier registered a lower figure: 32 percent. These perceptions are sometimes inflamed by U.S. evangelical leaders... [Franklin] Graham called Islam ‘a very evil and wicked religion’ and [Jerry] Vines, called Muhammed, Islam’s founder and prophet, a “demon-pos...