Understanding Islam Why the Muslim Faith Is in Conflict With the Christian Faith

Key Passages “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, the just shall live by faith.“ {Romans 1:16,17}

“I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.“ {Galatians 1:6-9} Key Passages

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.“ {1 John 4:1-3} Key Passages

“And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.“ {1 John 4:14,15} Keep these verses in mind during our study. Key Passages

Introduction Islam (the Muslim faith) has been in the news since: –Iran hostage crisis in the late 70s –Twin Towers attack on September 11, 2001 –Beginning of the present war in Iraq Presently, it is the world’s fastest-growing religion. –1.6 billion Muslims (1/4 of the world’s population) –More than 10 million live in the US.

Why should Christians learn about Islam? –To better understand current conflict –To better understand the faith of some of our neighbors, co-workers, or enemies –To prepare ourselves to teach the gospel –To understand the contrast with Christian faith –Do Islam and Christianity have anything in common? –Conflicts are… fundamental/monumental/insurmountable Introduction

Basic Terminology Islam means “to surrender,” more specifically, “to surrender to the will or law of God.” Muslim is a “follower of God.” Islam is the name of the religion, and Muslim is the name given to those who follow the Islam religion. Allah is the Arabic language name for God that Muslims use.

Founder of Islam--Mohammed Born in 570 A.D., in Mecca —a city in present-day Saudi Arabia. Muslims believe Abraham and Ishmael rebuilt a temple for God in the city of Mecca. Mohammed claimed that, when he was 40, the angel Gabriel appeared to him in a vision. Gabriel gave Mohammed a scroll and told him to read it. Mohammed was told he was an apostle ” sent from God.” The angel appeared numerous times with revelations, which Mohammed alleged were written down. The Qur’an (Koran) is purported to be a compilation of these heavenly messages.

Rejected and ridiculed in Mecca, in 622 A.D., Mohammed traveled to Medina, where he received a message and began to be viewed as a spiritual leader. Arab tribes pledge allegiance to him. Jewish and Arab opposition was crushed. Islamic calendar dated 622 A.D., when acceptance began. Before Medina, Mohammed was largely a religious teacher with a religious message. Founder of Islam--Mohammed

In Medina, he became a strong political leader. Mohammed’s message became more and more social and political. Mohammed died in 632 A.D. 632—661 A.D.–war and the spread of Islam 650 A.D. authorized version of Koran printed 680 A.D. civil conflicts 1000—1450 A.D.—Crusades Founder of Islam--Mohammed

How Muslims View Mohammed and the Qur’an Mohammed’s position in Islamic beliefs: -He is believed to be Jesus’ successor. -Both OT and NT prophesy of his coming— Jesus Himself spoke of him. -Accepted Moses, David, and Jesus as prophets from God. -Accept Torah, OT law, was from God, but allege that the Jews corrupted it. -Believe God delivered the gospel to Jesus, but the apostles corrupted it.

Mohammed’s position in Islamic beliefs: -Mohammed is viewed as the last and final prophet from God. -He has delivered a message that won’t be corrupted or changed. -He is viewed as a reformer or restorer of true faith in God. -That faith is traceable back to Adam. How Muslims View Mohammed and the Qur’an

How Muslims view the Qur’an: -They allege that false teachers have corrupted both the Jewish and Christian Scriptures but affirm that nothing in the Qur’an has ever been changed. -Qur’an has 114 chapters—supposedly revealed to Mohammed over 23 years. -Originally, followers are reported to have memorized this material. Not until 40 years after Mohammed’s death was it written down. -Muslims view the Qur’an as God’s infallible word. -It is viewed as truly understood only when read in Arabic. How Muslims View Mohammed and the Qur’an

Islam Contrasted With Christianity Qur’an teaches: -One person is God; thus, Jesus, the Son of God, is not Deity. -Denies that Jesus was crucified or died for mankind’s sins. -Denies Jesus was the final revealer of God’s will. (Hebrews 1:1-3) -Based on the above, Islam denies that Jesus was resurrected, that He presently rules and reigns in heaven, or that He will return in judgment.

 A person’s beliefs and practices are based on the authority he accepts: -Muslims reject the Bible and accept the Qur’an. -Christians accept the Bible:  “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” {Romans 10:17}  “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” {2 Timothy 3:16,17} Islam Contrasted With Christianity

What we have in common: -Many common principles of morality -God’s creation of the world -Final judgment—heaven or hell—based on our deeds -Man is NOT born in sin as Calvinists teach -We have these same things in common with many other religions -Does this make our differences small? Islam Contrasted With Christianity

Differences most fundamental and irreconcilable (ecumenism impossible): -Christian faith centers on the death of God’s Son for our sins (John 3:16). -Our faith is in Jesus as our high priest, our mediator— we pray through Him. -Faith in His death as means of justification (forgiveness) is the very heart of the gospel. -Believe in Jesus’ resurrection is evidence for our own (spiritually/physically). -If we take away what Muslims deny, there’s virtually nothing left of the Christian faith. Islam Contrasted With Christianity

Conclusion If Islam is true, the Bible lies Jesus lied The apostles lied Our faith is vain If the Bible is true, Islam is a false religion Mohammed is a fake--a false prophet and teacher. There is no middle ground. Faith is based on the authority we accept.