Islam can be traced back in the 7 th century when prophet Muhammad endorsed it in Saudi Arabia. The followers of Islam are referred to as Muslims (Klein, 2015). Muslims refer to Qur’an for spiritual guidance. Muslims also believe in a God called Allah, who is omniscient. Similar to Christians, Muslims believe in prophets such as Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. However, Christians do not recognize Muhammad as a prophet.
What is the origin of this religion? Who originated it; where and when?
The interviewee is a Christian. According to Crossan (2014), Christianity began after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the only son of God. It materialized in Judea back in 1 AD. The religion can be traced back to the Jews who were the disciples of Jesus. When Jesus ascended to heaven, he left his disciples an obligation to spread the gospel and bring people to the Kingdom of God.
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What are their beliefs?
Christians believe in the existence of an all-knowing, all-present and all-loving God. They also believe that God sent his only son, Jesus Christ, to die for their sins. Therefore, human beings are forgiven when they repent, and therefore they shall inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. Christianity has split into many denominations across the world including; Catholics, Protestants, Orthodox, Anglicans, Restorationist, and Nontrinitarianian.
What are the holy books/texts, sacred items, or sacred places?
Christians refer to the Bible for spiritual guidance and fulfillment. The Bible is divided into the Old and the New Testament. The Old Testament teaches about the Old prophets and life before the birth of Christ while the New Testament was written after the birth of Christ. Christians worship in Church buildings. Their sacred objects include the Bible, Crucifix, Rosary, Holy water, Anointing oil and mythological relics.
What are the sacred rituals, sacraments, or rites (services)?
The Catholics believe in seven sacraments; Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Anointing of the sick, Confession, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. Their prayers involve the recitation of Psalms in the Bible and the Rosary. They uphold various holidays such as Ash Wednesday, Good Friday (signifying the betrayal and death of Jesus Christ), Easter (Resurrection of Jesus), and Christmas (Birth of Jesus).
Why do you practice this religion? What do you experience as a member of this religion?
The interviewee was born in a Christian home with a strict policy on the adherence of the practices of the faith. During his younger years, there was no escape in attending church on Sunday, passing the Eucharist classes and receiving Holy Communion. He confirms that being a member of this religion has shaped his values and made him a responsible and respectable human being through the teachings of the bible.
Conclusion
In my experience, Islam is not so different from Christianity as they worship the same God as Muslims. Religion might differ but what really matters is the teachings conferred by the Bible and the Qur’an. What I have learned about religion is that it does not encourage terrorism, killing of one another, and most importantly discriminate against other faiths. Religion is a unifying factor that makes the world a better place.
References
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Crossan, J. D. (2014). The birth of Christianity . Place of publication not identified: HarperCollins e-Books.
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Klein, F. A. (2015). The religion of Islam . United States: Andesite Press.
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