benchmark- non christian symbols PDF

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islam vs christianity. description of the differences between the symbols or a non Christian religion and christianity...

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Islam versus Christianity

Benchmark- Non-Christian Symbols

Islam and Christianity may have many differences in their religious symbols and rituals, however, they also share many similarities between both religions. After accomplishing comparing and contrasting Islam and Christianity, I will then acknowledge how one ought to share the message of God.

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To start, Islam is a religion where its followers, known as Muslims, live their life in complete submission to Allah, and Muhammad is a reminder of how a follower of Islam should live out their life. Although it may not seem that Muhammad is a symbol in their religion, he is held in very high regards. Muhammad is seen by Muslims as the possessor of all virtues, he set an example of how a follower of Islam should live their life (Hidayat, 2107, para. 13). He is also the last messenger of God. However, Jesus is the symbol to Christians. Jesus represents life. He is the symbol for Christians that embodies what it means to live a perfect life and faith. He is the symbol that Christians look to on how to live their own life. The differences between these men is that one was imperfect, yet virtuous, while the other one is perfect, without sin. The other difference is that Islam requires that one must give money to Allah. This is referred to as the Alms Tax, and it is a practice that their religion requires one must do. If one is greedy with their money, they will be swallowed up by Hell’s fire. However, though the Bible highly suggests that you do give money, it is not required in the church at all, and you do not go to Hell if you do not give money to church. Despite these distinct differences, there are also similarities that Islam and Christianity do have in common. For instance, they both have a confession of faith.To Christians, confession is a necessity in one’s walk in faith. It is one of the first steps in admitting that God is the conqueror of your sins, which then can lead to repentance and forgiveness. In Islam, confession of faith is when one professes the two primary beliefs that make one Muslim(Christensen, 2015, para. 8). Both religions require that one must confess God and Allah in front of man. Both religions also have a ritualistic prayer. The Muslims perform a ritualistic prayer at least five times a day. Christians say a ritualistic prayer, also known as “The Lord’s Prayer” as often as they want (Matthew 6: 9-13).

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To accurately convey the gospel, aid missionaries in teaching other cultures to obey all that Christ has commanded, and avoid theological misunderstandings that may be expressed in that culture’s symbols and rituals, one must first be equipped with the true understanding of God’s word. When conveying the Gospel, the main message must be focused on God, and how we are helpless in our sin and that we need a savior. When doing so, they must be respectful and continue to show love and kindness towards those who were raised in a culture that have nonBiblical symbols and rituals. When discussing their differences, do not dismiss what they believe or perform, but rather show them what the Bible has to say about their rituals or their symbols. When discussing the similarities, talk about how both glorifies God in some way. No matter what you are talking about, what religion you are comparing and contrasting with, always have your conversation, your evangelising, your teaching be centered on the Word of God. The big thing on how you can use the knowledge of said similarities and differences is seeing how Jesus is our role model in life and that God is our Almighty Creator who has saved us from our sins.

References

Christensen, E. (2015, November 21). 17 surprising similarities between Muslims and Christians. Statesboro Herald. English Standard Version Bible

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Hidayat, M. (2017, October). Ibadat, the Body and Identity: Islamic Rituals and the Construction of Muslim Identity. The Journal of Society and Media, Vol. 1(2) 1-18....