What are the Differences between the Abrahamic Faiths?

[Dondi]

Originally Posted by InLove

LOL, dear MW! Yes, that analogy might get you in trouble with some folks, but I know what you mean. I wouldn’t say it comes down to a differing degree of praise. Keep in mind that, for me, the "waiter and the chef" are simply different aspects of the same praiseworthy Entity.

I'd go along with this analogy. Only in this case, it was the waiter that paid for the meal.

[InLove]

Originally Posted by Dondi

I'd go along with this analogy. Only in this case, it was the waiter that paid for the meal.

Hi Dondi!

I thought about that, too.

I even thought about how Jesus might reprimand me for worrying about referring to him in the sense of a waiter.

InPeace,
InLove

[Dondi]

Originally Posted by InLove

Hi Dondi!

I thought about that, too.

I even thought about how Jesus might reprimand me for worrying about referring to him in the sense of a waiter.

InPeace,
InLove

Did He not refer himself most often as the Son of Man?

[InLove]

Originally Posted by Dondi

Did He not refer himself most often as the Son of Man?

Yes, and He washed the feet of His disciples, as well....

InPeace,
InLove

[Muslimwoman]

Originally Posted by InLove

And I agree—greeting others in the spirit of peace is the first step in perhaps connecting to the peace in which we wish to share. Oh, and here is that link if you’d like to visit:

Hello my dear sister InLove

What a great thread for an interfaith forum. It saddens me sometimes that so many threads are used for arguing and finger pointing. I really admire your attempts to bring the 'interfaith' discussion to the fore.

Originally Posted by InLove

If we were sitting on a patio together, mulling these things over and sharing a cup of tea, then we might speak even more freely. But even though both of us are a tad non-conformist, I think we both understand that we still love and care about our more fundamentalist brothers and sisters, and therefore we do our best to respect whatever we can of their views, especially when we are in a public forum.

We can only go where our hearts lead InLove and I believe our hearts desire peace and understanding, rather than a demand for agreement. Truly, if you ever wish to come to Egypt, sit on my tiny balcony and sip mint tea, while we discuss these issues and watch the sun go down (a sight for sore eyes), then you and your family are always welcome in our home. You would be made to feel a part of our family (and there is a Christian church just around the corner ).

Originally Posted by InLove

LOL, dear MW! Yes, that analogy might get you in trouble with some folks, but I know what you mean.

I am so sorry and thank you for not taking offence, I really tried to think of a non offensive analogy and it was the best I could come up with Really I m so blonde sometimes .... maybe I should have been a cheerleader

Originally Posted by InLove

I wouldn’t say it comes down to a differing degree of praise. Keep in mind that, for me, the "waiter and the chef" are simply different aspects of the same praiseworthy Entity.

It is not making sense to me yet but I am at least beginning to see how Christians see the issue of 'Son of G-d'. So effectively your praise goes to the overall restaurant? (I can't believe I am speaking about G-d in this way but I am sure He will understand it is in order to understand Him better - or is that wishful thinking on my part?).

Originally Posted by InLove

No. In fact, I’m saying that the Spirit of God is the most important, as I believe that is what the Scripture points to. When I say that Jesus is the most important “antropomorphic” aspect of God, I am referring to the concept that this Spirit of God was present in the flesh in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, the “Christ” aspect of God in recognizable human form.

I think I get it, so Jesus (pbuh) is the most important 'tangible' aspect of G-d? If this is a correct understanding then why do you feel the need to have something tangible of G-d?

One of my difficulties comes from the fact that G-d Himself tells us that we (humans) cannot even begin to mentally conceive of Him, so for me to believe G-d came to earth in human form would be to 'conceive' of G-d.

Salaam my sister

[InLove]

Namaste, my friend.

Thanks for your kind comments. I did enjoy working on that thread very much, I learned a lot and I met lots of cool people in the process. (I noticed you posted a list of Islamic terms on that board. Very helpful for quick reference. Thanks.)

Originally Posted by Muslimwoman

We can only go where our hearts lead InLove and I believe our hearts desire peace and understanding, rather than a demand for agreement. Truly, if you ever wish to come to Egypt, sit on my tiny balcony and sip mint tea, while we discuss these issues and watch the sun go down (a sight for sore eyes), then you and your family are always welcome in our home. You would be made to feel a part of our family (and there is a Christian church just around the corner ).

Sounds beautiful. I love to watch the sun sink and color up the skies. We have one of those “big skies” here where I live—I can imagine that the skies are big and brilliant and gorgeous there in Egypt, too. If I came to visit you, I might want to visit your place of worship, if allowed. And it might be a real learning experience for me, as well, to visit a Christian church so far away from home. Or maybe, I’d just sip tea and watch the sun rise and set and the sky change hues. Okay…I’m dreaming!

Originally Posted by Muslimwoman

It is not making sense to me yet but I am at least beginning to see how Christians see the issue of 'Son of G-d'. So effectively your praise goes to the overall restaurant? (I can't believe I am speaking about G-d in this way but I am sure He will understand it is in order to understand Him better - or is that wishful thinking on my part?).

Yeah, I’d say that’s pretty much how I see it. (And I trust G-d understands our attempts to understand. I hope so, because I have some questions to ask in the near future, and if He doesn’t, then I am in big trouble! )

Originally Posted by Muslimwoman

I think I get it, so Jesus (pbuh) is the most important 'tangible' aspect of G-d? If this is a correct understanding then why do you feel the need to have something tangible of G-d?

Maybe it isn’t so much that I need the “tangible”, but, as some might say, I needed a “Wayshower”, or an example. An assurance that G-d is merciful, and that death may be defeated. Maybe that’s it. After all, I can’t touch Jesus in the flesh now, but I still trust Him.

Originally Posted by Muslimwoman

One of my difficulties comes from the fact that G-d Himself tells us that we (humans) cannot even begin to mentally conceive of Him, so for me to believe G-d came to earth in human form would be to 'conceive' of G-d.

I am beginning to understand this view. I could see myself interpreting things the same way if Christ were not already a part of my understanding of G-d’s Love. I can’t deny Him. But neither do I seek to limit the ways in which Allah knows our hearts.

I am going to be out of pocket for a couple of days. Going to see my dad out in the woods a couple of hours away. I might not have time to stop in to CR until I get back. I’ll catch ya later, though! Thanks for this conversation—thanks so much!

Salaam

As Always,
InPeace,
InLove
Debora

[Muslimwoman]

Originally Posted by InLove

I am going to be out of pocket for a couple of days. Going to see my dad out in the woods a couple of hours away. I might not have time to stop in to CR until I get back. I’ll catch ya later, though! Thanks for this conversation—thanks so much!

as salaam aleykum my sister

I hope you have a wonderful time with your Dad and that he is well and enjoying life.

Thank you so much, you have explained the position of Jesus (pbuh) so well and in ways I can understand. I may not accept your view but after so many years of struggle I finally understand how a Christian views Jesus (pbuh). I shall always remain grateful for this, thank you.

Okay can we switch topics now, I am aware you have questions for me regarding Islam and I can't wait to hear them. I can only give you my understanding but shall try to do so to the best of my ability.

Salaam

Peace and love to you sister

[Morr]

I think there is not much difference at all.

I think what causes problems and has caused problems throughout history is what is SIMILAR within these three religions:

1) They all claim they are the only one right religion.
2) They all claim authority over the Aberahamic God.

If in the past and today, we took a very good look at these three religions, taking out these 2 very big declarations by all three of them -- We might find a lot more in common, a lot more peace and understanding between the people of these faiths.

[Dondi]

Originally Posted by Morr

I think there is not much difference at all.

I think what causes problems and has caused problems throughout history is what is SIMILAR within these three religions:

1) They all claim they are the only one right religion.
2) They all claim authority over the Aberahamic God.

If in the past and today, we took a very good look at these three religions, taking out these 2 very big declarations by all three of them -- We might find a lot more in common, a lot more peace and understanding between the people of these faiths.

If it were only that simple, Morr. The fact is that both of those statements are dependent on the fact that all three Abrahamic faiths also have three differing sets of scriptures through which we derive that authority. And these scriptures will diametrically oppose each other on certain key points. So we all have our reasons for not considering each other's traditions.

But if I were to attempt to whittle down to a basic commonality, it would be this:

1) We all worship One God.
2) We are to love God and our neighbor.

[Quahom1]

Originally Posted by Morr

I think there is not much difference at all.

I think what causes problems and has caused problems throughout history is what is SIMILAR within these three religions:

1) They all claim they are the only one right religion.
2) They all claim authority over the Aberahamic God.

If in the past and today, we took a very good look at these three religions, taking out these 2 very big declarations by all three of them -- We might find a lot more in common, a lot more peace and understanding between the people of these faiths.

Interesting perspective. Except for one small detail. Christians may claim alot of things, but authority over God is not one of them.

v/r

Q

[InLove]

Assalamu 'Alalikum Wa Rahmatullah, Muslimwoman!

(How am I progressing with my greetings? I just thought I would try this one. I keep wondering why I am encountering so many differences in spelling. Perhaps it is a dialectic issue? Maybe I will take this question to the “greetings” thread. In the meantime, correct me if I say something in the wrong way, and most of all, please do not let me inadvertently offend without pointing it out to me! I am here to learn and to share when asked and able.)

Originally Posted by Muslimwoman

Okay can we switch topics now, I am aware you have questions for me regarding Islam and I can't wait to hear them. I can only give you my understanding but shall try to do so to the best of my ability.

And, as usual, I am being slow about things. I have been doing some reading in preparation, so that when I ask questions, hopefully they won’t just be silly. And I really want to express to you my appreciation for the thoughtful way in which you have asked your questions of me as well as how graciously you received my responses. As I try and formulate my own questions, I am realizing just how difficult that can be. Almost downright scary, as a matter of fact! Some things are just hard for me to say or ask, but I sincerely want to understand your views (as well as those of any other Muslim contributors here who would care to join in—just please be gentle with me? Oh please, oh please?) And to my Christian brothers and sisters, my hope is that you will also be gracious and allow me to learn, even if what I say or how I say it does not sound just right to you. I have been treated well here, and I plan to reciprocate. I trust you will understand. Thanks, y’all!

(And one of these days soon, I will probably be bothering my Jewish friends, as well. But I gotta finish reading Judaism 101 first. )

Well, you know me by now, MW. I just can’t leave a good thread hanging, so I just stopped in to let you know I have not left the building! I’ll be back soon….got some more reading to do.

Salaam

InPeace,
InLove

[Muslimwoman]

Originally Posted by Morr

2) They all claim authority over the Aberahamic God.

Errrm authority over G-d? This is absolutely the very last thing we would claim, in fact we claim the opposite - we are mere servants of G-d. Perhaps we are misunderstanding you and you could rephrase this?

[Muslimwoman]

Originally Posted by InLove

Assalamu 'Alalikum Wa Rahmatullah, Muslimwoman!

Habibty, you are without doubt the pop-princess of greetings, just another month and you'll be the Queen of Sheba of greetings. Thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart, for your desire to greet me this way. It truly shows what a good and kind heart you have beating in your chest.

The different spellings is easy. If you translate from Italian to English, you are working in the same alphabet but when you translate between different alphabets you have to simply write down the sounds. Hence the Quran is also spelt Koran in English.

Originally Posted by InLove

hopefully they won’t just be silly.

No such thing as a silly question, if you don't know the answer. We cannot learn if we don't ask questions.

Originally Posted by InLove

As I try and formulate my own questions, I am realizing just how difficult that can be. Almost downright scary, as a matter of fact!

Hey tell me about it, wait until you get to the ones that make you lie awake in bed thinking "am I really following the right path". Now that is when it gets scary.

What do you mean be gentle with you? You should know me by now, I shall be all finger pointing, fire and brimstone and I'm right and you're wrong.

Originally Posted by InLove

(And one of these days soon, I will probably be bothering my Jewish friends, as well. But I gotta finish reading Judaism 101 first. )

Oh you are a good girl, I don't have that much patience, hence my Judaism 101 thread. I just read a bit, ask questions, read a bit more, ask more questions. Of course if I did it your way then I wouldn't have to ask daft questions. But then we wouldn't have anything to talk about.

Salaam

[InLove]

Originally Posted by Muslimwoman

Habibty, you are without doubt the pop-princess of greetings, just another month and you'll be the Queen of Sheba of greetings.

Well, I'm flattered. Thank you for this, but when it comes to greetings, I am convinced that the crown still belongs to Phyllis.

What do you mean be gentle with you? You should know me by now, I shall be all finger pointing, fire and brimstone and I'm right and you're wrong.

It wasn't you I was worried about. Only concerned that there are others who might not understand me as well as you seem to. I just want them to know that I am a beginner when it comes to discussing Islamic beliefs, but by now that has got to be obvious! I have always gotten along well with the Muslim contributors here with whom I have had the pleasure of an exchange, so hopefully I will do okay with those I haven't "met" before, despite my lack of education in this area.

The different spellings is easy. If you translate from Italian to English, you are working in the same alphabet but when you translate between different alphabets you have to simply write down the sounds. Hence the Quran is also spelt Koran in English.

Thanks for that. I had been under the impression that it was some sort of minor insult to use the latter spelling! I am glad you cleared that up for me, and I am going to seek out the person who told me that and set him straight, because I pointed out to him at the time that I didn't think it made sense.

So let me ask you, then--which of the following is proper--Quran or Q'uran? And along the same lines, should one write Isa or 'Isa? (And I promise--I really do have more in-depth questions in mind, but since we are touching on language concerns, I just thought I'd go ahead and ask so that maybe I can have a little more confidence when discussing matters.)

Oh! I have been SO bombarded with stuff outside CR these days, thus part of my snail-like progress when it comes to the threads concerning deeper subjects like this one. But I have been reading. I wonder if you would comment on your opinion of this source as a good starting point for someone like me? For all I know, it may have already been cited in these discussions, so forgive me if I overlooked it before.

Salaam

InPeace,
InLove

[Muslimwoman]

Originally Posted by InLove

Thanks for that. I had been under the impression that it was some sort of minor insult to use the latter spelling!

There is no insult in it, many western Muslims spell it Koran, for those 'more educated' in the arabic transliteration it may be seen as lack of religious education or even as 'common' but both spellings are simply trying to express what are to us some dots and squiggles and a language very different to our own.

Originally Posted by InLove

So let me ask you, then--which of the following is proper--Quran or Q'uran?

Okay the second one should be Qur'an. The ' represents a small hesitation when speaking, as an english speaker would say uh-oh. So when I speak of the Quran to an english person I do not pronounce the hesitation but when I speak in Arabic of the Qur'an I pronounce the stop, so would say Qur...stop...an. This is a tiny restriction of the air and not a pause - wow this would be so much easier if we were having coffee face to face. So in short both are correct, all of these spellings are simply a representation of the arabic.

Originally Posted by InLove

And along the same lines, should one write Isa or 'Isa?

I am no linguist and arabic is not my mother tongue but I have never seen 'Isa. The most common use of ' in front of a word is the transliteration of the letter 'ayn. This is a glottal stop sound, you restrict your throat and force the air through. It is not a natural sound for a non arabic speaker and many linguists have stated it is virtually impossible for someone not born speaking arabic to make the sound properly. I certainly haven't heard arabs pronounce the name with a glottal stop, so would stick to Isa (pbuh).

Originally Posted by InLove

I wonder if you would comment on your opinion of this source as a good starting point for someone like me?

It's an okay place to start. I've had a good look around and it is very western and in places they are wearing rose coloured glasses. However, they do accept many of the basics (hijab should be worn, alcahol is prohibited, etc) but they have quoted a couple of verses out of context in order to make their argument of equal rights for men and women (and this is from me and you know how moderate my views can be). It might be better if you start with a middle of the road site. Would you mind if I suggest a couple of sites to check out?

Salaam