The world today has many religions with Christianity and Islam being the most popular. These two religions are theologically distinct despite having similarities in origin. Muslims apply Quran teachings in their lives while Christians refer to the Bible for guidance. Although these two religions have many differences, some common characteristics are found between them where in like manner, both claim to be the only unequaled path to God. Despite the basic fundamental arguments presented by the two religions, there is no right or wrong religion; religious beliefs are wholly dependent on individual convictions. This is the thesis statement that will be addressed in the paper.
Similarities in history, basic beliefs and influence on law and social justice
Abrahamic origin of Christianity and Islam is clearly reflected in their beliefs where both religions acknowledge him as a father-figure. In addition, both are monotheistic where Christianity and Islam believe in only one true God who is supreme to all human beings. More so, reverence is given to Jesus (Aziz, 2016). Similarly, these two religions agree on the existence of Satan who is evil and opposed to God. They both believe in life after death and also agree on the existence of heaven and hell as well as the judgment day (Ahl, 2011).
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Differences in history, basic beliefs and influence on law and social justice
Though both religions are monotheistic, Christianity believes in a trinity God unlike Islam which has no concept of a trinity God. Moreover, Islam and Christianity differ on their views about Jesus whereas Christians view him as the son of God while Muslims view him as just another human being (Ahl, 2011). Never the less, Christians believe that every human being is born with original sin while Muslims believe that man is not born with sin but commits sin through wrongful actions and words. In matters of salvation, the Quran teaches that it can be achieved through good deeds outweighing evil deeds in the scales of justice while the Bible affirms that it’s through the grace of God and not works. In addition, Christianity is guided by the Ten Commandments while Islam is guided by Sharia laws.
An example of conflict that exists between these two religions is on consumption of pork. This is seen where some Christians rear pigs and consume pork while Muslims consider it an abomination.In the New Testament, the Bible clearly states that there are no clean or unclean animals and a man is defiled not by what goes in through his mouth but what comes out of his mouth. This is hugely disputed by Islam which strictly forbids consumption of pork on the basis that it’s unclean and that Allah has forbidden it (Stacey, A. 2011).Moreover, a pig lacks a neck making it impossible for a Muslim to slaughter it the Islamic way. I believe that this conflict exists because of the varied beliefs in the Bible and Quran respectively and therefore will continue to be a great disparity between the two religions.
Conclusion
Christianity and Islam are the two most widely distributed religions in the entire world. Though seeming to have similar origin, these two religions are distinct from each other. To begin with, they have different scriptures where in Islam; the Quran is adhered to while in Christianity, the Bible is adhered to. It is from these religious books that major similarities and differences between the two religions are clearly pointed out. Moreover, these differences and similarities have a huge bearing on law and social justice. However, they should not be used to foster hatred between Christians and Muslims. Both religions should embrace their differences to foster peace and harmony in the world since there is no right or wrong religion. Religious beliefs are purely based on one’s convictions.
References
Ahl, D. (2011). Christianity vs Islam: Chart of Similarities and Differences . Retrieved on October 31, 2016 http://www.swapmeetdave.com/Bible/Christianity-islam-chart.htm
Aziz, A. (2016). 5 Similarities Between Muslims And Christians We Should Celebrate . Retrieved on October 31, 2016
http://www.islamreligion.com/articles/2513/viewall/why-pork-is-forbidden-in-islam/
https://www.onfaith.co/discussion/5-similarities-between-muslims-and-christians-we-should-celebrate
Stacey, A. (2011). Why Pork Is Forbidden In Islam (Part1 Of 2): Obeying The Laws Of God . Retrieved October 31, 2016
