The Quran's view of Cristians by jaQui 2015/03/04 10:23
Why are Muslims so hesitant to
listen to Christians? Why are
Christian views and arguments so
often dismissed without any real
consideration? Why do Muslims
seem appreciative of Christian
virtues and piety, yet refuse to
consider Christian truth? Before one
looks for answers from modern or
medieval politics, or from culture or
sociology, one should go to the
heart and fountain of Islam, the
Qur’an. Its references to Christians
provide the basis for much of the
ensuing history of Christian/Muslim
relations. They also provide the
basis for much of current Islamic
attitudes and actions toward
Christians and the West.
Qur’anic references to Christians are
both positive and negative. Here
are items of praise toward
Christians. Some are sincere and
pious, engaged in good works and
pious in devotions. There is an
Islamic emphasis of piety: reciting
revelation during the night, falling
prostrate in prayer, enjoining right
conduct and forbidding indecency.
Some show humility and entire
devotion to God. Christians are said
to be closer to Muslims than Jews
and idolaters. (3:110-115,199;
5:82)
Some Christians are also praised for
their character. Some are
trustworthy with money (3:75),
examples of moderation (5:66),
merciful and compassionate
following the example of Jesus
(57:27). Sincere Christians are also
said to not be worthy of hell (2:62;
5:69).
Why are Muslims so hesitant to
listen to Christians? Why are
Christian views and arguments so
often dismissed without any real
consideration? Why do Muslims
seem appreciative of Christian
virtues and piety, yet refuse to
consider Christian truth? Before one
looks for answers from modern or
medieval politics, or from culture or
sociology, one should go to the
heart and fountain of Islam, the
Qur’an. Its references to Christians
provide the basis for much of the
ensuing history of Christian/Muslim
relations. They also provide the
basis for much of current Islamic
attitudes and actions toward
Christians and the West.
Qur’anic references to Christians are
both positive and negative. Here
are items of praise toward
Christians. Some are sincere and
pious, engaged in good works and
pious in devotions. There is an
Islamic emphasis of piety: reciting
revelation during the night, falling
prostrate in prayer, enjoining right
conduct and forbidding indecency.
Some show humility and entire
devotion to God. Christians are said
to be closer to Muslims than Jews
and idolaters. (3:110-115,199;
5:82)
Some Christians are also praised for
their character. Some are
trustworthy with money (3:75),
examples of moderation (5:66),
merciful and compassionate
following the example of Jesus
(57:27). Sincere Christians are also
said to not be worthy of hell (2:62;
5:69).
Xiao Zen 2015/03/10 07:31
1. Why are Muslims so hesitant to listen to Christians?
Muslims listen, they just do not always agree.
2. Why are christian view often dismissed without any real consideration?
As I have said they listen, they just do not always agree. The religions have common ground but they are also fundamentally different in other aspects and so this is no surprise, yes? Unless "real consideration" is a euphemism for complete agreement.
3. Why do Muslims seem appreciative of Christian virtues and piety, yet refuse to consider Christian truth?
"Truth" is a relative and subjective term. Finding something positive and worthy of respect even in someone you may not completely agree with is a good thing, since Muslims are Muslims and to accept the Christian "truth" would make them other than Muslims, should Muslims not find something to respect among Christians rather?
4. Before one looks for answers from modern or medieval politics, or from culture or sociology, one should go to the heart and fountain of Islam.
I disagree, there is nothing in either Holy book that prescribes much of what occurs in Christian / Islamic discourse. What has the largest influence on this relationship is clearly history and modern politics. The Holy books themselves have not changed over the course of the last 2 centuries but the relationship between member of the two faiths and the countries they live in certainly has changed. Thus, it makes no sense to blame the books, no?
In short according to Islam, Christians are misguided but are brothers to Muslims as are Jews to a lessor degree. All three faiths share much of the same cast in their religious narratives although they disagree on details. I am unsure if this explanation meets your expectations.
Quote: jacki: Yes pls explain all? Thanx
1. Why are Muslims so hesitant to listen to Christians?
Muslims listen, they just do not always agree.
2. Why are christian view often dismissed without any real consideration?
As I have said they listen, they just do not always agree. The religions have common ground but they are also fundamentally different in other aspects and so this is no surprise, yes? Unless "real consideration" is a euphemism for complete agreement.
3. Why do Muslims seem appreciative of Christian virtues and piety, yet refuse to consider Christian truth?
"Truth" is a relative and subjective term. Finding something positive and worthy of respect even in someone you may not completely agree with is a good thing, since Muslims are Muslims and to accept the Christian "truth" would make them other than Muslims, should Muslims not find something to respect among Christians rather?
4. Before one looks for answers from modern or medieval politics, or from culture or sociology, one should go to the heart and fountain of Islam.
I disagree, there is nothing in either Holy book that prescribes much of what occurs in Christian / Islamic discourse. What has the largest influence on this relationship is clearly history and modern politics. The Holy books themselves have not changed over the course of the last 2 centuries but the relationship between member of the two faiths and the countries they live in certainly has changed. Thus, it makes no sense to blame the books, no?
In short according to Islam, Christians are misguided but are brothers to Muslims as are Jews to a lessor degree. All three faiths share much of the same cast in their religious narratives although they disagree on details. I am unsure if this explanation meets your expectations.
#78 Faith/Beliefs
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