Christianity and Islam in world religion

Christianity and Islam

By the 13 century in Europe, Christianity though was a relatively young religion, in comparison to Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism and others had become the largest religion in the world. What accounted for that rapid growth and what can we learn about that experience that can contribute to the continued spread of Christianity in our time?

One of the biggest factors that contributed to the tremendous rise of Christianity was its acceptance as an official religion of the Roman Empire. At first it was often considered to be a sect (in comparison with pagan deities that were worshiped). Then, it became popular with the writings of Bishop Augustine and Monk Benedict. They believed that the world was a constant struggle between good and evil. In their works, they talked about how everyone will be forced to choose a side in this conflict. Those who support, righteousness will spend eternity in paradise. While those who engage in actions that are considered to be evil will more than likely spent eternity in hell. This was used to influence thinking, by helping people to realize that they play a part in the world around them. Therefore, their actions should be in line with these objectives at all times. These writings increased the popularity of Christianity by: spreading these ideas to others and allowing them to identify specific techniques for reaching out to everyone. (Malloy, 1942) (Shipp, 2002) (Shenk, 1980) (Kidd, 2009)

Many times objectors to the Christian faith make the argument that being a Christian is an accident of historical location. This means if we were born in China or Japan for instance we would most likely be Shinto or Buddhist. Hence geographical location is the biggest predictor to one's religious allegiance. How would you respond to such objection or critique?

The best way to respond to this critique is to agree with it. The reason why is because a particular regions of the world, are influenced by specific traditions and ideas. At the heart of these beliefs, are social norms and customs that are embraced by specific regions. Religion is a uniting force for these ideas through: teaching everyone about specific philosophies and how they can be applied in their daily lives. As a result, someone who is born in China or Japan will embrace these ideas. The fact that these two countries were closed off to the rest of world, meant that Shinto and Buddhism had less of a following than Christianity (based upon the geographic location). (Malloy, 1942) (Shipp, 2002) (Shenk, 1980) (Kidd, 2009)

Islam is motivated by Jihad. This concept has been responsible for much of its evangelistic zeal and its rapid spread throughout the Middle East and North Africa, especially during the first 200 years of its existence. Similarly Christianity grew rapidly because of the motivation and challenge of the Great Commission. How would you compare both motivations?

In Islam the term jihad is used to show how all believers must rally together to fight against the infidels at all costs. This is considered to be a battle for the religion and civilization. During this process, is when the faith has become more radicalized with: many people questioning the conviction of others and their commitment to Islam. It is at this point, that select groups will be criticized for not being as committed to the cause as others. In Christianity, a similar kind of approach was used with the Great Commission. This is when religious scholars and radicals openly questioned the loyalty of different members of the church. In both cases, there were atrocities committed against those who were not as fundamental as others. This is the point that both religions began to have internal conflicts from within. (Malloy, 1942) (Shipp, 2002) (Shenk, 1980) (Kidd, 2009)

What are some of the key intersecting points between Islam and Christianity? How are they similar and how are they different?

The key intersecting points between the two religions are: their belief in the Old Testament, they worship the same God and they practice certain conservative values. The way they are different, is Christianity is not as strict in areas such as: the consumption of alcohol and sex. While Islam, forbids the use of alcohol and will allow men to have more than one wife. The combination of these factors is showing how the two religions are similar and different. (Malloy, 1942) (Shipp, 2002) (Shenk, 1980) (Kidd, 2009)

Please read the chapter on Jehovah's witnesses in the Cults, World Religion and you text. How would you evaluate the New World Translation as a sacred text?

The New World Translation and sacred text are where Jehovah's Witnesses are rejecting many of the ideas of traditional Christianity. Instead, they are focusing on a several different principles to include: to deny that God is a spirit vs. An active force, the lack of faith in the belief of Christ as the savior, the view that only 144 thousand will be saved and salvation is based on one's works. The combination of these factors is designed to create a sense of empowerment through the different philosophies that are introduced. This means that members of the religion will view the role of God and Jesus differently in comparison with traditional Christianity. (Malloy, 1942) (Shipp, 2002) (Shenk, 1980) (Kidd, 2009)

The Jehovah's Witnesses claim that Jesus is the spiritual son of God, denying his deity, how would you responds to this belief. Give the orthodox Christian view of the person of Christ.

In the Eastern Orthodox religion, there is a focus on mysticism and spiritual practices of Christianity. This is when everyone will accept the basic doctrine of Western Christianity. The differences are in how they view Christ, with Eastern Orthodox philosophies focused on ideas that are based upon: consensus vs. directives provided from one central authority (i.e. The Pope). This means that Christ is not seen as the son of God. Instead, he is viewed as the spirit of the strongest angel in heaven (i.e. Michael). After his death, is when Christ became these spiritual beings (which are similar to the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses). (Malloy, 1942) (Shipp, 2002) (Shenk, 1980) (Kidd, 2009)

One of the tragic pieces of Christianity's history has to do with the Inquisition that started in Europe in the 12 Century. Christians literally legalized atrocities against Jews, Muslim and other faith under the guise of evangelism and religious purity. Explain the inquisition and develop a persuasive response for an unbelieving mind