World Religions- Christianity & Islam

4 gospels

(written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) These tell the story of Jesus' life and teachings.

with regard to redemption, what are the two interpretations of original sin discussed in class?

1. an act of the first man and woman, an act of disobedience to God, causing the fall of humanity- all humans since have merited their guilt (must live at the same distance from God) 2. not an act of any particular persons, but an underlying, fundamental failing of all humans (the tendency toward self-centeredness) which lies at the root of all other sin

What do Muslims believe about God as creator and Judge?

Creator- (Same as jewish views of the created world) There is no need to renounce the world and all its interests- it's fundamentally good because created by a good God. This leads, in turn, to other attitudes and beliefs: 1. Interest in social reform, 2. Belief in resurrection, 3. Belief in the Kingdom of God on Earth. Judge- Judgement day will come and resurrection accountable for life- sent to heaven or hell

Why did Jesus come to be regarded as the Messiah and as God incarnate by His followers?

Jesus was regarded as the Messiah according to Huston Smith because of what he said and did. Also, Smith states that the way he said these things (the language itself) was also significant. His words were concentrated and passionate. The language is part of the message itself. (WR 325) The invitational style of writing is also important. He invited people to see things differently. Spoke of things that were regularly the of the parts of the lives of hearers. What he was is also important, according to Huston Smith. The most impressive thing about Jesus is not just that he taught worthwhile teachings, but lived them. He lived a life of humility, self-giving, and love. People responded to Jesus, and equally responded back to them.

Shariah

Laws in Islam

Surahs

The chapters of the Qur'an

Hadith

words of Muhammad's saying and early practices of Muslim life

with regard to redemption, why can humans alone not be capable of accomplishing atonement?

1. Because of original sin, humans are incapable of a perfect offering to God - any merely human offering will be "tainted because we are imperfect beings 2. Because humans are totally responsible for the break up with God, we would lack the courage to even approach God to seek reconciliation. We think that we don't deserve forgiveness because what we did was so horrible that God will reject us

What is Jihad?

1. Many would say: Jihad is a battle fought within the self against "shirk." "Shirk" is the worst offense a Muslim can commit against God - it is giving priority to something else in life over God, letting something else matter more than God, in effect, falling into idolatry. So in its most fundamental meaning, jihad is not a fight against external enemies - it doesn't involve armed action against other humans. Rather, it involves the struggle within oneself to overcome any impulses which conflict with one's duty to God. Some Muslims might limit their understanding of jihad to this interpretation, while other Muslims would unite this interpretation with one or more of the interpretations discussed below (referring to an "inner" jihad and an "outer" jihad, or a "greater" and "lesser" jihad, both of which need to be accepted as duties by Muslims). 2. Some would say: Jihad is an occasional battle fought in self-defense of Islam. This is based on statements in the Qur'an which state that jihad is a duty for Muslims when others attempt to interfere with the practice of Islam. (See, for instance, Chapter 2: verses190-192, and Chapter 22:39-41). This was a problem especially when Islam was first being established, but Muslims have faced this problem since then. Muslims who believe in this sense of jihad believe it must always be a case of self defense - the Qur'an states that God does not love the aggressor, so this view holds that Muslims are never to initiate conflict with others - they may only respond to conflict which has been initiated against them. (See Qur'an, 2:190, and 5:32) What complicates this interpretation today is the judgment by some Muslims that aggression can take different forms - that it doesn't always have to be a case of open and direct efforts to attack Islam. Some Muslims have regarded just the influx of Western influence into their societies as an attack on Islam, since exposure to Western culture can seduce some people in their societies (especially the young and impressionable) away from Islamic values and the Islamic way of life. In the minds of those who present this argument, it is justifiable to take action against Westerners or others in order to protect Islam, even though these Westerners or others have not openly taken violent action against Muslims. 3. Some would say: Jihad is a continuing struggle to spread Islam throughout the world. This understanding is also based on certain statements in the Qur'an which seem to allow a bit more active interpretation of jihad than the meaning discussed above. "Idolatry is worse than carnage," the Qur'an says in more than one passage when discussing how fighting may be necessary to preserve Islam, even though bloodshed is regrettable. (See, for instance, 2:193 and 2:216-217.) Some have interpreted this as a call from God to make sure true religion is practiced throughout the world, which may require forceful action against the enemies of God who promote idolatry (service to interests which conflict with God's interests). 4. Some would say: Jihad is a battle fought to correct an injustice. At times when Muslims exist under what they regard as an unjust and/or corrupt regime, or when they believe other Muslims are being forced to live in such a situation, they may believe it is up to them to overthrow that regime. An example of this would be the revolution in Iran in the 1970's. The Ayatollah and his followers overthrew the Shah of Iran because they believed he had fallen away from Islamic values and law and was imposing an unjust and morally evil rule over his people. This understanding of jihad accounts for some actions of Muslims against other Muslims. For instance, the hostility which exists between some Shi'a and some Sunni Muslims goes back to events involving certain relatives and descendants of Muhammad. Shi'a Muslims believe those persons were disrespected by Sunni Muslims, establishing an unjustified line of authority in Islam and expressing defiance of God. Sunni Muslims, however, resent being portrayed in that light. That difference in viewpoints erupts at times into acts of violence between the two groups. Overall, the first and second interpretations above seem to be the most common ways of interpreting "jihad" among Muslims.

What are the major teachings of Jesus and what do they mean?

1. The new covenant relationship -in which God promises resurrection and affirms eternal life -all humanity is invited to participate, God's chosen people are all who accept this invitation, we indicate acceptance by following Jesus -Jesus is the Mediator of the covenant, we come to the father through His son, Jesus. -New Law (Law of Love) love your Lord, love your neighbors, requires not only restraint of external conduct but transformation of inner self. -new seal of the covenant is Baptism 2. The day of judgement is near- the kingdom of god is at hand- be prepared (various parables that relate to this--> people attending a wedding --> master leaving his servants temporarily) 3. Gos is our father- God is love (prodigal son--> gone astray) 4. Love each other as brothers and sisters. This involves: - Not judging the spiritual worth of others (Matthew Ch.7 verses 1-5) - Giving to others regardless of their seeming merit - Turning the other cheek in situations of conflict - What is the objective? resolution, avoid conflict - How is this to be achieved? by removing from the other any justification for regarding you as a threat - Does this amount to permitting disrespect for one's dignity? not necessarily, it could be a way of reminding the other of your dignity - In what way is this expressing love for the other? It's showing the other the better person he/she could be. 5. Spread the good news of salvation - here in your own Christian community - doing service in other countries

with regard to redemption, what are the two interpretations of atonement and why it would require this?

1. an act of justice restoring the balance between God and humans upset by original sin- God's justice requires a perfect offering in order for reconciliation to occur 2. an act of healing of the estrangement between God and humans caused by original sin- God;s love requires the human expression of remorse and request for forgiveness in order for reconciliation to occur -atonement cannot be completed by humans on their own because humans are incapable of the perfect offering. Our species will always be "tainted".

The Chrisitian concept of the Trinity - how is this understood by Christians?

3 persons in one God, -1. Father: unbegotten (not derived from other beings) -2. Son: begotten, but not made, of one substance with the Father, one in being with the Father (redeemer) -3. Spirit: proceeds from the Father and the son (guide, sanctifier, inspirer) ---whole relationship is like h20 which can exist as liquid water, ice, or water vapor---

What is Roman Catholicism?

A form of Christianity in which the Church's notion of itself as teaching authority (including the idea of infallibility to the Pope), and the Church's notion of itself as sacramental agent are focused upon. Authority means that the church leads people to the correct and consistent interpretations of the Bible. The Church as a sacramental agent points on e "in the way in which we should live, and empowers us to live accordingly".

with regard to redemption, why is atonement necessary?

Atonement is necessary in order to reconcile for the wrong doings that caused original sin.

How did the Qur'an come into existence

Came into existence by the memorized words that were once recited as divine revelation through the prophet, Muhammad.

What are the fundamental facts of the origin of Christianity?

Christianity originates out of Judaism. Jesus was born in 6-4 B.C. and lived until the age of 33 in 27-29 A.D. Jesus is believed to have been the redeemer and the incarnate God (fully human and fully divine). His followers were convinced He was God incarnate due to the things he said and did. This was also due to his personality.

What effect does the belief in God as Creator, Lawgiver, and Judge have on the Islamic sense of social obligation (need to create a better world)?

Creator-If God is the Creator, that tells us that God is in charge and has a plan for human fulfillment. The world is not completed, however; it is alive, it continues to exist, so it must be the case that God's plan is not yet fully realized. As far as humans are concerned, as part of that Creation, there must be something God intends for us to become, but we have not yet achieved that goal. This communicates the idea that the world has room for improvement, which is an essential part of having a sense of obligation to make the world better. (If it were already perfect, we would not think we had any duty to make it better.) Lawgiver- As Lawgiver, God gives us "oughts," moral commands. (We ought to do certain things and we ought not to do other things.) In order to be given a moral command, we must be free. It would make no sense to give moral commands to beings which are not free. We would not say to a tree, for instance, "You ought not to drop your branches on my car when there is a storm." The tree has no choice in the matter. So when God gives us the law, He is acknowledging our freedom and calling on us to use that freedom to assist Him in realizing His plan for human fulfillment. This communicates the sense that God's achieving His plan for us depends, in part, on our cooperation - we and human society won't just automatically become what God wants us to become, it is our personal responsibility. This is the second element of having a sense of social obligation. (If it didn't matter whether I, personally, should get involved in improving justice in the world, I couldn't regard this as a duty for me.) Judge- Understanding God as our Judge involves believing that we will be held accountable for how we respond to God's call to assist Him in realizing His plan for humans. If we believe that God will be displeased and punish us if we do not participate in making the world better, then we will feel some sense of urgency about doing this. This is what can give us a sense of obligation about making the world better. It becomes something we must do and not just something we may do if we feel like it. This is the third required element for having a sense of social obligation. While Huston Smith emphasizes how strong this sense of obligation can be in Islam, it could certainly be as strong in the other monotheistic religions we studied. They, too, know God in these same ways (as Creator, Lawgiver, and Judge). If it is the content and implications of these ways of understanding God which produce the sense of social obligation, then it would seem that Judaism and Christianity would also draw the same conclusion. As a matter of fact, many Jews and Christians do feel a strong sense of responsibility to improve human society and get involved in various activities aimed at this goal.

What is Protestantism?

Faith- a personal phenomenon; a response to the entire self; includes a movement of the mind in assent that God has limitless and creative power; movements of affections in love and trust; restoration requires change in mind, will, and affections. page 357 WR. Protestant Principle- warns against idolatry (worship of idols); human allegiance belongs to God; God cannot be equated to nature and/or history; frowns upon the worship of statues or any other physical items; our perception of God should not be conceptualized by physically items, God is much greater than that; God transcends finite existence. page 359 WR

Ghaflah

Forgetting one's position in relation to God

Allah

God in Islam

What is Eastern Orthodoxy?

Has a notion of itself as teaching authority differs from the Roman Catholics Church's view of itself as teaching authority, the strong "corporate" feeling within the Eastern Church (salvation as a joint, not merely individual affair), and the emphasis on mysticism. The Eastern Church differs in authority as far as the extent goes. They say that the church can interpret doctrine but not initiate them. The Eastern Church has no Pope. Same as the Roman Catholics in terms of the seven sacraments. Stands midway between Protestantism and Roman Catholicism. Differs in views on how dogma is reached. Orthodoxy says that the truth is disclosed through "the conscience of the Church" unlike how it comes from the Pope to Roman Catholics. In terms of mysticism (becoming one with God) the destiny of the individual is bound up with the entire church and responsible for helping to sanctify the entire world of nature and history. The strong corporate feeling that comes with the Church emphasizes that divine guidance is dispersed among all Christians.

What is the place of Muhammad in Islam?

He is described as the prophet of Islam (the messenger of God). Person associated with the development of Islam as a distinct religion. Seal of the prophets (the last that God will send).

What took place in Muhammad's early life?

He was born in Mecca, his dad and mom died, raised by his uncle alongside his cousin, Ali. In manhood, he got into the caravan business and meet a widow who he later married.

What does it mean to the Christian to believe in having been redeemed by Jesus- what implications does this belief have for Christians, according to Huston Smith?

Huston Smith thinks that once one is redeemed by Christianity they gain mutual regard (equality). This means that they have the ability to view people with an absence of social barriers. Christians are able to see beyond skin color, gender, and any other factors. They were also able to find radiance in inner peace. They were always joyful. (basically love and joy). They were able to live their lives in this way due to the fact that Christianity had lifted three burdens from their lives 1. Fear of death 2. Guilt 3. Confines of Ego (guilt, fear, and self)

What is the Islamic attitude towards Judaism and Christianity expressed in the Qur'an?

In the Qur'an it is states that parts of the teachings of Christianity and Judaism are true, however any differences that lie between the teachings of Christianity and Judaism when compared to Islam, are mistakes on the part of Judaism and Christianity. Validates statements in the Torah, validates Jesus as a prophet and that His teachings have guidance and light. Muslims believe that three separate sets of information were released at three different time periods to three different peoples.

with regard to redemption, how does the suffering and death of Jesus serve as a sign of the accomplishment of atonement?

Jesus was a fully divine and fully human being. The fully divine side of him offered the perfect offering and the fully human side offered the human offering to God which allowed for atonement.

What is the Islamic notion of Jihad?

Literally means "striving" or "struggle"; an occasional battle fought in defense of Islam; western influence can be seen as a threat that they justify expelling with violence. Non-Muslims sometimes think that Muslims understand the term "jihad" to mean a "holy war," a war fought on behalf of some cause of interest to God. "Holy war" implies that this fight is approved by God, supported by God, and it would be expected that God would reward those who joined in this fight. HOWEVER, while "jihad" is sometimes understood in this way by Muslims, there is a more fundamental meaning of jihad. The term literally means "striving" or "struggle," which refers more directly to the effort to be a true Muslim, one who surrenders to the will of God. So, when it comes to the concept of "jihad," we need to be aware that there are various ways of understanding it within Islam. What follows is a discussion of several ways in which "jihad" has been understood in Islam.

Letters of Epistles

Most of these were written by Paul and they became an important source of various points in Christian theology. They were usually written to different Christian communities and had a number of purposes, such as to give support to those suffering persecution for their faith, to remind some communities which were experiencing division about the Christian message of love, to teach about Jesus and His place in human redemption, etc.

What are the three major forms of Christianity?

Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism

What are the five pillars in Islam?

Shahada, Salat, Zakat, Sawn, and Hajj.

What is Hajj?

The fifth and final pillar of Islam; Pilgrimage to Mecca- once in your lifetime you must travel to Mecca and join in the pilgrimage activities with other Muslims if you are able.

What is Shahada?

The first pillar of Islam; involves profession of the creed: "There is no God, but Allah, and Muhammad is His prophet." Affirms the truth of the Qur'an and reinforced monotheism.

What is Sawn?

The fourth pillar of Islam; Fast of Ramadan- fasting from food and drink during the daylight hours for each day of the month of Ramadan. Fasting is important because it 1. Encourages reflectivity 2. Encourages self-discipline 3. Reminds of the dependence of God 4. Helps develop compassion for the needy -Exceptions made for pregnant women, the ill, elderly, and young.

What is Salat?

The second pillar of Islam; daily prayer (5 times a day), *imam- prayer leader, purpose of frequent prayer is "to put life in perspective" (to avoid *Ghaflah- forgetting one's position in relation to God).

What is Zakat?

The third pillar of Islam; Almsgiving- give assistance, but in the proper spirit. Also means, in a more specific sense, an annual charitable contribution.

What does "surrender" or "submission" mean in Islam?

The wholehearted giving of one's self. Can be replaces by the word "commitment" to mean moving forward. Muhammad is greatly appreciate due to his willingness to make the ultimate commitment.

Act of Apostles (from Luke)

This book gives an account of the apostles' efforts in the early days of the Church to spread the "Good News of Salvation." The conversion of Paul from persecutor of the Christians to one of the most active missionaries of Christianity is described here, as well as various events and struggles the apostles faced as they spread the message of redemption and the Christian way of life.

What place does the Qur'an have in the lives of Muslims?

This book guides the lives of Muslims. Interpreted literally by Muslims. "If Christ is God incarnate, the Koran is God inlibraite" (from liber, Latin for book). Requires a sense of duty. Allah makes his laws known in the Qur'an. "deepening endlessly one's sense of divine glory".

The parts of the Christian Bible and what each part contains

This is the set of writings regarded as divine revelation in Christianity. The Bible consists of: Old Testament (same writings as Jewish Tanakh, in place already by the 1st century A.D. Since the first Christians were Jews originally, they accepted these writings as revelation from God, the word of God and made them a part of their entire collection of writings containing God's word.) New Testament (some disagreement among scholars about when the books indicated below were written, but believed by many to have been written at different points in the latter part of the 1st century A.D. and possibly into the early 2nd century A.D., so all before 100 years past the death of Jesus) 4 Gospels (written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) These tell the story of Jesus' life and teachings. Acts of the Apostles (written by Luke) This book gives an account of the apostles' efforts in the early days of the Church to spread the "Good News of Salvation." The conversion of Paul from persecutor of the Christians to one of the most active missionaries of Christianity is described here, as well as various events and struggles the apostles faced as they spread the message of redemption and the Christian way of life. Letters or Epistles (written by Paul, Peter, etc.) Most of these were written by Paul and they became an important source of various points in Christian theology. They were usually written to different Christian communities and had a number of purposes, such as to give support to those suffering persecution for their faith, to remind some communities which were experiencing division about the Christian message of love, to teach about Jesus and His place in human redemption, etc. Apocalypse or Book of Revelation (written by John) This is usually regarded as a written record of certain visions John had regarding the end of the world, the time when Jesus would return to the earth and the events which would precede that.

Book of Revelation

This is usually regarded as a written record of certain visions John had regarding the end of the world, the time when Jesus would return to the earth and the events which would precede that.

with regard to redemption, how does the resurrection of Jesus serve as a sign of the accomplishment of atonement?

because resurrection overcome death thus negates the sign of separation from God.

with regard to redemption, what must Christians do in order to receive redemption offered by Jesus?

believing in the resurrection of Jesus Himself, believing in our resurrection one day, and believing that life can be transformed.

Hijrah

major event in Muhammad's life in which he migrated from Mecca to Medina in 622 C.E.

Imam

prayer leader

KA'BA

religious shrine located in Mecca, present there since before the time of Muhammad, believed to have been built by Abraham.

Qur'an

sacred scriptures of Islam-the writings Muslims regard as the word of God-literal meaning of the title is "the recitation".

What does "Islam" mean?

the peace that comes in surrender to God