Christianity & Islam

Christianity & Islam- SRE

Islam and Christianity are the two largest dominating religions of the world, following the basic belief of monotheism. Although they share many similarities, there are also some significant differences involving the belief of Jesus and his death. Islam was founded in 622 CE on the Arabian Peninsula by Muhammad when his revelations occurred, while Christianity was founded in 30 AD by Jesus Christ in Palestine. Islam is separated into two major sects-the Sunni's and the Shiite's; Sunni's believe that the first four caliphs, which were Muhammad's successors, rightfully took Muhammad's place as leaders of Muslims. Shiites on the other hand, believe that only directly related heirs of the fourth caliph are successors of Muhammad. Those of the Islamic faith respect Christians as "People of the Book", but they also believe that Christians have a misconception behind the history of Jesus' death. Muslims believe that Jesus did not die, he ascended into Heaven and a disciple died in his place, while Christians believe that Jesus was crucified on the cross for their sins. Christianity is separated into a number of sects, some of the most common including Orthodox, Protestant, and Catholic. Followers of Christianity are believed to partake more frequently in sin- this is thought to be inherited by Adam. Those of the Christian faith respect the Islamic religion as a fellow monotheistic religion, but they do not view Muhammad as a prophet. The largest difference between Christianity and Islam is that Christians believe in Trinity, meaning that God has three forms, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Muslims, however, do not believe in Trinity whatsoever. They believe that Jesus only has one form and that he is not reigning in the Heavens and he is strictly viewed as a prophet. Despite the significant differences, there are quite a few similarities. Both Islam and Christianity believe that there is only one God and he is the creator and sustainer of the universe, they also believe that God sent prophets such as Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Joseph, John the Baptist, and Jesus. They also both believe that people should follow the Ten Commandments and moral teachings of the prophets, as well as the fact that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a virgin-therefore Jesus was a miracle baby who was the Messiah and performed miracles. In both religions it is believed that Satan is evil and people should not follow Satan because he is a representation of sin. Not only that, but it is thought that an Anti-Christ will appear on Earth before Judgment Day, and Jesus Christ will return by ascending from Heaven, killing the Anti-Christ. Both Muslims and Christians also believe that there is hell and paradise-otherwise known as Heaven.