The Second Coming of Christ: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism
The following is a very brief comparison of Islam, Christianity and Judaism, that highlights the differences in a most general manner, yet gives some understanding to the uniqueness to each belief system.
Origins of Islam
The origins of Islam can be traced back to the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula. The founder of Islam is Prophet Muhammad, who is considered the last prophet in a long line of prophets in Islam, including figures such as Abraham, Moses, and Jesus in the Judeo-Christian tradition.
According to Islamic tradition, the Angel Gabriel appeared to Muhammad in the Cave of Hira near Mecca in the year 610 CE, and over the next 23 years, revelations were gradually given to Muhammad, forming the basis of the Islamic holy book, the Quran. These revelations were later compiled into the Quran, which is the central religious text of Islam.
Islam emerged in a tribal society in Mecca, and its early followers faced opposition from the ruling elite of the city. In 622 CE, facing persecution, Muhammad and his followers migrated to the city of Medina, an event known as the Hijra. This migration marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
Over the next decade, Islam spread in the Arabian Peninsula, and by the time of Muhammad’s death in 632 CE, much of the region had embraced the new faith. After his death, the Caliphs, successors to Muhammad, continued the expansion of the Islamic state, reaching areas beyond the Arabian Peninsula.
The spread of Islam continued through military conquests, trade, and cultural interactions, reaching regions such as North Africa, Spain, Persia, and parts of Central Asia. Islam eventually became one of the major world religions, with diverse cultures and traditions within the Muslim world. Today, Muslims constitute a significant portion of the global population, and Islam is practiced by diverse communities worldwide.
Did Islam come from Judaism?
Islam and Judaism share historical and theological connections, as they are both Abrahamic religions. This means they trace their spiritual lineage back to the patriarch Abraham. Here are some key points of connection:
Common Ancestry: According to both Islamic and Jewish traditions, Abraham is the central patriarchal figure. In the Quran, Abraham (Ibrahim in Arabic) is revered as a prophet and a key figure in the early history of Islam. The stories of Abraham, his wife Sarah, and their children Ishmael and Isaac are shared between the two traditions.
Monotheism: Both Islam and Judaism are monotheistic religions, emphasizing the worship of a single, all-powerful God. The oneness of God (Allah in Arabic) is a central tenet in Islam, much like the monotheistic principles in Judaism.
Prophetic Tradition: Both religions share a belief in a line of prophets. Many of the prophets recognized in Judaism, such as Moses and David, are also considered prophets in Islam. The last prophet in Islam is believed to be Muhammad.
Commonalities in Scripture: Islam recognizes the scriptures of Judaism, such as the Torah, as earlier revelations from God. The Quran, the holy book of Islam, is seen as a continuation and final revelation.
While there are commonalities, there are also differences in theological beliefs, religious practices, and interpretations of certain events. For example, the role of Ishmael and Isaac in the Abrahamic narrative is interpreted differently in Islam and Judaism.
What are the differences between Judaism and Islam?
Judaism and Islam are both Abrahamic religions, and they share some similarities in terms of historical roots, monotheism, and certain religious practices. However, there are also significant differences in theology, religious law, rituals, and historical narratives. Here are some key differences between Judaism and Islam:
Beliefs about God:
- Judaism: Jews believe in the oneness of God (Yahweh) and reject the concept of the Trinity. God is understood as incorporeal and transcendent.
- Islam: Muslims believe in the oneness of God (Allah) without any partners or associates. The Islamic understanding of God is also transcendent, and the concept of the Trinity is rejected.
Prophets:
- Judaism: Jews recognize prophets such as Moses, Isaiah, and others. They do not accept Jesus as the Messiah or the final prophet.
- Islam: Muslims recognize many of the Jewish prophets, including Moses and others, but they believe that Muhammad is the final prophet.
Final Revelation:
- Judaism: Jews believe in the authority of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh or Old Testament). They do not accept the New Testament or the Quran as divine revelations.
- Islam: Muslims believe that the Quran is the final and complete revelation from God. They accept the Torah and the Bible as earlier scriptures, but they believe that the Quran supersedes them.
Messiah:
- Judaism: Jews await the arrival of the Messiah, a future savior figure who will bring peace and redemption to the world.
- Islam: Muslims also believe in the return of Jesus (Isa) as a messianic figure, but their understanding of the role and nature of the Messiah differs from that in Judaism.
Religious Law:
- Judaism: Jewish religious law is primarily derived from the Torah and the Talmud. Halakha is the Jewish legal system that governs various aspects of life.
- Islam: Islamic law, known as Sharia, is derived from the Quran and the Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad). It covers aspects of both religious and secular life.
Holy Sites:
- Judaism: Important sites include Jerusalem, especially the Western Wall and the Temple Mount.
- Islam: Mecca and Medina are considered the holiest cities in Islam. The Kaaba in Mecca and the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina are significant pilgrimage sites.
Worship Practices:
- Judaism: Sabbath observance, synagogue worship, and the study of sacred texts are central to Jewish religious practices.
- Islam: Muslims engage in daily prayers, fasting during the month of Ramadan, and the annual pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj), among other religious practices.
What is the difference between Islam and Christianity?
Islam and Christianity are two of the world’s major monotheistic religions, and while they share some commonalities, there are significant theological differences between the two. Here are some key distinctions:
Beliefs about God:
- Christianity: Christians believe in the Holy Trinity—God as Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit. This concept is central to Christian theology.
- Islam: Islam strictly adheres to the oneness of God (Allah) without any partners. The concept of the Trinity is considered incompatible with the Islamic understanding of monotheism.
Jesus Christ:
- Christianity: Christians consider Jesus Christ to be the Son of God and the Savior of humanity. They believe in his crucifixion, death, and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins.
- Islam: In Islam, Jesus (Isa) is regarded as a prophet, not divine, and His crucifixion is denied. Muslims believe in His virgin birth and anticipate His return as a Messianic figure.
Holy Scriptures:
- Christianity: The Bible is the Holy Scripture of Christianity, consisting of the Old Testament (shared with Judaism) and the New Testament.
- Islam: The Quran is the central and final scripture in Islam, believed by Muslims to be the literal word of God as revealed to Prophet Muhammad. It acknowledges earlier scriptures, such as the Torah and the Bible, but considers the Quran the most complete and authoritative.
Prophets:
- Christianity: Christians recognize prophets from the Old Testament and consider Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
- Islam: Islam acknowledges many of the same prophets as Judaism and Christianity, including Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, but considers Muhammad the final prophet.
Salvation:
- Christianity: Christians believe in salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, emphasizing grace, redemption and that God is love.
- Islam: Muslims believe in salvation through faith in one God, righteous deeds, and adherence to God’s commandments as outlined in the Quran.
Worship Practices:
- Christianity: Christians gather for communal worship in churches, and sacraments like baptism and Communion hold significant importance.
- Islam: Muslims engage in daily prayers, perform pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca, fast during the month of Ramadan, give to charity (zakat), and adhere to other religious obligations.
View of Humanity:
- Christianity: Christians believe in the inherent sinful nature of humanity but emphasize God’s grace and forgiveness through Jesus Christ, and that God is love and salvation is for all mankind.
- Islam: Islam acknowledges human fallibility but emphasizes personal responsibility and accountability for one’s actions on the Day of Judgment.
What are the Key Differences between Judaism and Christianity?
Judaism and Christianity are two distinct religious traditions with historical connections, but they differ in key theological beliefs, practices, and interpretations. Here are some significant differences between Judaism and Christianity:
Beliefs about God:
- Judaism: Jews believe in the oneness of God (Yahweh) and reject the concept of the Trinity. God is seen as transcendent and indivisible.
- Christianity: Christianity embraces the Holy Trinity—God as Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit. This concept emphasizes the triune nature of God.
Messiah:
- Judaism: Jews await the coming of the Messiah, a future savior figure who will bring peace and redemption to the world. They do not accept Jesus as the Messiah.
- Christianity: Christians believe that Jesus Christ, the Creator of the universe, is the Messiah and the Son of God who came to fulfill prophecies, provide salvation, and establish a New Covenant of peace.
Sacred Texts:
- Judaism: The Hebrew Bible, known as the Tanakh, is the central sacred text, consisting of the Torah, Nevi’im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings).
- Christianity: The Bible is the sacred text, comprising the Old Testament (shared with Judaism) and the New Testament, which includes the Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation.
Concept of Sin and Atonement:
- Judaism: Judaism acknowledges the concept of sin and emphasizes repentance (teshuvah), seeking forgiveness from God. Atonement is often achieved through prayer, charity, and good deeds.
- Christianity: Christianity teaches that Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross serves as atonement for human sin, faith in Jesus is central to salvation, accepting the grace of God through His Son and then sharing that gift of grace with our fellow man.
Religious Practices:
- Judaism: Observance of the Sabbath (Shabbat), kosher dietary laws, circumcision, and the study of Torah are central to Jewish religious practices.
- Christianity: Christian practices include attending church services, sacraments like baptism and Communion, prayer, and adherence to moral and ethical teachings.
View of Jesus:
- Judaism: Jews regard Jesus as a historical figure, possibly a teacher or prophet, but not divine or the Messiah.
- Christianity: Christians see Jesus as the incarnate Son of God, the Savior, and the central figure in their faith.
Priesthood and Clergy:
- Judaism: Judaism traditionally emphasizes a priesthood associated with the Temple (historically and symbolically). Rabbis serve as religious leaders and teachers.
- Christianity: Christianity has clergy, including priests and pastors, who play central roles in leading congregations, administering sacraments, and providing pastoral care, however, as expressed by the apostle Paul believes in the Priesthood of All Believers, as ordained by Jesus Christ.
What is the Difference between Judaism and Seventh Day Adventism?
Judaism and Seventh-day Adventism are two distinct religious traditions with different historical backgrounds, beliefs, and practices, both observing the seventh-day Sabbath. Here are some key differences between Judaism and Seventh-day Adventism:
Historical Origin:
- Judaism: Judaism is one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, with roots dating back thousands of years. It is the religion of the Jewish people, and its history is primarily recorded in the Hebrew Bible.
- Seventh-day Adventism: Seventh-day Adventism is a relatively modern Christian denomination that emerged from the Millerite movement in 1844, organizing in 1863. It originated in the United States with the teachings of figures like William Miller and Ellen G. White.
Founders and Prophets:
- Judaism: Judaism traces its origins to the covenant between God and the patriarch Abraham. It recognizes a line of prophets, including Moses, who received the Torah on Mount Sinai.
- Seventh-day Adventism: Seventh-day Adventists consider Ellen G. White as a prophetess and co-founder of the movement. They also emphasize the teachings of William Miller, who evangelized the Northeast states, that the Second Coming of Christ was imminent.
Sacred Texts:
- Judaism: The Hebrew Bible, consisting of the Torah, Nevi’im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings), is the central sacred text in Judaism.
- Seventh-day Adventism: In addition to the Bible, Seventh-day Adventists consider the writings of Ellen G. White as inspired and authoritative.
Day of Worship:
- Judaism: The primary day of worship in Judaism is the Sabbath (Shabbat), observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening.
- Seventh-day Adventism: Like Judaism, Seventh-day Adventists observe the Sabbath from Friday evening to Saturday evening. They believe in the importance of keeping the seventh-day Sabbath as a day of rest, and as a special and holy day, ordained by God, commemorating the Creation of Mankind.
Beliefs about Jesus:
- Judaism: Jews do not accept Jesus as the Messiah or the divine Son of God. Jesus is often regarded as a historical figure or teacher.
- Seventh-day Adventism: Seventh-day Adventists believe in Jesus as the Savior and the Son of God, who came as a divine-human, lived a sinless life, died on the cross of Calvary, was raised from the dead and now is interceding in man’s behalf in the heavenly Sanctuary.
Eschatology (End Times):
- Judaism: Jewish eschatology involves the hope for the coming of the Messiah and a messianic age of peace and redemption.
- Seventh-day Adventism: Seventh-day Adventists have specific beliefs about the Second Coming of Christ as noted in Matthew 24 and Revelation 13, and an emphasis on preparing for the end times, by having a closer relationship with Jesus Christ, as Lord, God and Savior.
Dietary Laws:
- Judaism: Observant Jews follow dietary laws, known as kashrut, which includes specific rules about the types of animals that can be consumed and how they should be prepared.
- Seventh-day Adventism: While not as strict as Jewish dietary laws, some Seventh-day Adventists follow a health-focused diet that often includes a plant-based lifestyle.
After observing the ongoing war in the Middle East (day 86 at this writing) between Hamas and Islam, the following question merits being asked:
Does Islam Teach that Infidels Should Be Killed?
The question of whether Islam teaches the killing of “infidels” is a complex and sensitive issue that requires careful consideration of Islamic teachings and historical context. Islam is a diverse religion with a range of beliefs and interpretations, and Muslims hold varying views on many issues, including this one.
The term “infidel” itself is somewhat pejorative and may not accurately capture the nuances of Islamic teachings. In the context of Islam, non-Muslims are often referred to as “non-believers” or “people of other faiths” rather than using a term with a negative connotation.
The Quran, the holy book of Islam, does contain verses that address conflict, war, and self-defense, particularly in the context of early Islamic history when the Muslim community faced opposition and persecution. Some of these verses are often cited in discussions about the treatment of non-Muslims. However, it is crucial to approach the interpretation of these verses with an understanding of the historical context in which they were revealed.
Many Muslim scholars emphasize the importance of interpreting such verses within the broader framework of Islamic ethics and principles, including the principles of justice, mercy, and coexistence. The Quran explicitly recognizes the diversity of human beliefs and acknowledges the right of individuals to follow their own faiths. For example, the Quran states in Surah Al-Kafirun (Chapter 109):
“Say, ‘O disbelievers, I do not worship what you worship. Nor are you worshippers of what I worship. Nor will I be a worshipper of what you worship. Nor will you be worshippers of what I worship. For you is your religion, and for me is my religion.'”
Additionally, Prophet Muhammad is reported to have emphasized the protection of the rights and lives of non-Muslims living in Muslim-majority societies. The Charter of Medina, established by the Prophet in the early years of Islam, is often cited as an early example of a constitution that guaranteed the rights of religious minorities.
While some individuals or groups may interpret certain verses in a more militant or exclusive manner, it is important to recognize that diverse interpretations exist within the Muslim community. Many Muslims reject violence against non-Muslims and advocate for peaceful coexistence based on mutual respect.
In summary, Islam, as a religion, does not universally teach the killing of non-Muslims (referred to as “infidels”). Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of justice, mercy, and coexistence, and the interpretation of specific verses must be approached with an understanding of the broader context and ethical principles within Islam.
Trusting that the day will come that all religions will live in peace with each other. Might we learn from the history of the past.
The Second Coming of Christ: Islam, Christianity, and Judaism
