Abrahamic origins and theological differences between Islam and Christianity

Islam and Christianity have a lot in common because they originate from a single source. Abraham is believed to be the source from which Islam, Christianity and Judaism took roots and this is one of the reasons why these religions are also known as Abrahamic religions. Due to their common origins, the scriptures of birth Islam and Christianity have a lot in common and at the same time, they also differ in a few aspects.

Christianity and Islam have been divided into many smaller sects and sub-sects that believe and follow differing thoughts and ideas. For example, Christianity is divided into Roman Catholics, Protestants, Lutherans, Seventh Day Adventists, Orthodox and other groups and each of these groups have a different way of practicing the religion and the underlying beliefs. Similarly, Islam is also divided into Shi'ite, Sunni and to a smaller extent Sufi that have their differences as well. Moreover, both these religions are spread across the world and so the culture and beliefs differ from country to country as well. Therefore, the differences are numerous within and between these two religions despite sharing the same ancestry. These two religions are compared and contrasted under different headings below:

Belief in God

Islam assumes that there is only one God and that God cannot be divided or shared. The fundamental tenet of Islam is known as "Shahada" and this clearly states that there is only one God. Christians also believe that there is only one God and that He manifested himself in three forms -- The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This trinity is the core of Christian beliefs. However, in both the religions there is a total emphasis on loving God and serving Him in every way possible.

Origins of Bible and Qur'an

Bible and Qur'an have a lot of similarities in their teaching as well as in their narration of the events and people. Both are considered to be the word of God. However, the Bible was written by human beings who had divine visions and were inspired by the holy spirit. So, Bible contains words chosen and written by human beings that would make it easy for other people to read and understand. In other words, it was mediated by God through human beings to ensure that others can relate to it and accept it easily.

Islam, on the other hand, believes that the Qur'an does not have any human hand to it. The prophet Mohammed was believed to be illiterate and he simply repeated the words that God told him. In fact, the word Qur'an means recitation and it is believed that Mohammed simply recited what God told him. Qur'an also means descended from heaven and so they believe that God used Mohammed as a means to spread the word of God rather than write it in his own words.

Though the two religions believe that God's message is contained in the holy scripture, the way it was passed down to people vary.

Heaven and Hell

Both the religions believe that every person goes to heaven or hell based on their actions. The exact actions that would lead a person to hell or heaven differs among the sub-sects of both the religions. However, a commonly held view is that good deeds like loving and helping one's neighbors and friends, trusting God, avoiding evil acts and living a virtuous life can guarantee a place in heaven. They also believe in confession as a form of obliterating their sins.

However, they differ in their understanding of Adam and Eve. Christians believe that Adam committed the original sin in the Garden of Eden with Eve and this sin is passed down to all people living today. Muslims, on the other hand, believe that Adam committed the sin because he was lured into it by the Satan and God forgave him. So, the original sin is not passed down and there is no acknowledgment of the idea of original sin. They believe that all human beings are born pure and their account of deeds is opened by God only after they attain puberty and are in a position to distinguish the right from the wrong. Christians, on the other hand, believe that babies are born with the original sin as soon as they enter earth.

Conclusion

Islam and Christianity have common origins and this gives them a lot of similarities. However, as they were passed down, some of it was modified to suit the culture and mindset of the people and this brought about differing sub-sects and groups within these religions. There are also some fundamental differences in their perception and understanding of certain ideas and events.