Basic Beliefs: Christian versus Muslim Belief inWhat Christians BelieveWhat Muslims Believe GodGod is three gods merged into one God. This one God is called a Trinity. However, to say that God is three is a blasphemy of the highest order. All three parts of the Trinity are "coequal" "co-eternal" and "the same substance." For this reason, this doctrine is described as "a mystery."God is one God in the most basic, simple, and elementary meaning of the word. He has no children, no parents nor any equal. In Islam God is known by the name "Allah" and more than 99 other venerated names, such as "the Merciful," "the Gracious," "the All-Powerful," etc. JesusThe second member of the Triune God, the Son of the first part of the Triune God, and at the same time "fully" God in every respect.A very elect and highly esteemed messenger of God. No Muslim is a Muslim if he does not believe this. The Holy SpiritThe third member of the Triune God, but also "fully" God in every respect.He is the angel Gabriel. The angel Gabriel is highly esteemed as the "Trustworthy Spirit" Mary the mother of JesusA chaste and pious human woman who gave birth to Jesus Christ, the second member of the Trinity, the Son of God, and at the same time "fully" God Almighty in every respect.A chaste and pious human woman who was chosen, purified, and preferred over all of the women of creation to be the one to give birth to Gods elect messenger Jesus through the command of God without any father whatsoever. The WordPart of God which was "with" God but also "fully" God and then became Jesus the Son of God.God's command "Be!" which resulted in Jesus' conception in the womb of Mary without the need for a human father. Previous prophetsAll accepted, respected, and believed.All accepted, respected, and believed. The BibleAccepted as 100% the faultless word of GodMuslims believe in the books of the previous prophets including the "Torah" which was sent to Moses, the "Zaboor" (Psalms) which were given to David, the "Injeel" (Gospel) which was given to Jesus, and the Qur'an which was given to Muhammad However, Muslims are told that the previous scriptures were tampered with by mankind and the Bible should only be accepted in as far as it is confirmed by the Qur'an. It is to be treated with respect, however any statements which clearly oppose those of the Qur'an are to be rejected as the work of mankind. MuhammadVarying beliefs. Some believe that he was a liar, some believe he was a lunatic, some believe he was the False Messiah, and yet others claim he was deceived by the Devil.The last messenger of God to all of humanity. He was known as "The Truthful, the Trustworthy" before he received his first revelation. He was sent by God as a mercy to all creation. He was a human being but performed a number of miracles during his lifetime by the will of God. The Qur'anVarying beliefs ranging from it being a copy of the Bible to it being the work of Muhammad (pbuh), to it's being the work of Christians and Jews who were conspiring with Muhammad.The last book of God sent to mankind. It was given the distinction of being personally guarded by God from human tampering. It is on a literary level never before seen by mankind. No Arab to this day has ever been able to meet it's challenge to "write a work similar to it." It shall remain safe from the tampering of mankind till the day of Judgment as a guidance for all Humanity. Message of JesusThat he was sent by God (who was at the same time "fully" Jesus) in order to die on the cross and save all mankind from the sin of Adam. Without this sacrifice all of humanity was destined to perish in the sin of Adam. After the crucifixion all that is required of humanity is faith without any works.That he was sent by God as a messenger to the Jews in order to return them to the pure and true religion of Moses, and to relieve them of some of the regulations which had been placed upon them in ancient times. He taught them to have faith as well as works. Neither one can stand alone. Jesus' giving life to the dead, healing the blind and the lepersAll accepted. He performed them because he was the Son of God and also at the same time "fully" God and the "incarnation" of God.All accepted. They were performed through the will of God just as Moses, Noah, and all other prophets did so in ancient times through the will of God. The crucifixionJesus was given over to the Jews. He was spat on, cut, humiliated, kicked, striped, and finally hung up on the cross and killed very slowly and painfully.Jesus was not forsaken to the Jews to be abused and killed, however, it was "made to appear so to them." God saved Jesus by raising him up unto Himself. The second coming of Jesus.Accepted. Originally expected to happen during the lifetime of the first disciples, many predictions have been made later and he is still expected at any moment. He is currently anticipated to arrive around the turn of the century (2000 C.E.)

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