Islam & Christianity

Islam vs. Christianity, there are many similarities between the religions but also differences to but the two religions are not as opposed as many people believe. Here are some of the common traits both religions share and the differences between them.

Similarities

 Both religions believe in a moral code to live by and being good to others, and both believe in Jesus. These are of course major similarities but there are numerous differences as well.

Differences

Muslims and Christians have very different views on major points of ideology and theology.

1. View of Jesus

Islam accepts that Jesus of Nazareth existed and that He was born of the virgin, Mary. Islam teaches that Jesus was merely another prophet one of many, on the same level as Moses for example. Muslims on the other hand believe that Muhammad is the final messenger, superior to all other prophets or, the ultimate one. Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God, which makes Him equal to God. He is accepted as the Second Person of the Trinity, God Himself come to earth in a human form.

2. Death on the Cross & Redemption

In addition Islam does not belief that Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross. They believe that God spared his messenger from death and later took Him up to Himself. This of course is a major difference between the two religions, as Christians, see the death of Jesus Christ on the cross is the apex point of their belief. The only way for man to be reconciled to a Holy God is for the ultimate price to be paid. Christians believe that Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price by dying. Without this event taking place, Christians cannot be redeemed or forgiven.

"In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Hebrews 9:22).

3. The Holy Book

Islam believes the Qur'an is the ultimate truth. Muslims believe that the original New Testament, which they refer to as Injil, which was the revelation that Jesus received from Allah.

They believe, however, that Christians have corrupted the original Scriptures; therefore the Bible that is read by Christendom today, is not valid. Muslims believe that the message of Muhammad continued the original truths that were outlined in the Injil, and have also made sure that what they consider are corrupted interpretations have been removed.
Christians view the Bible, including both the Old and New Testaments as God’s word and believe that God inspired the Scriptures; it is their only source of truth and instruction.

4. Salvation

Another major difference between Muslims and Christians is – Muslims do not believe in any assurance of salvation and they refute the idea that it was necessary for Jesus to pay for our sins. The Muslim view is the complete opposite - every man must take responsibility and pay for his or her own sins. For Jesus to be punished and responsible for anyone else’s sins is simply unjust, as that no one else is responsible for anyone else’s sins by definition. Christians believe that as individuals that they are lost except for the gift of God's grace, which is their only means of salvation.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8).

Living Together In Peace

The two religions are close to each other on moral beliefs and doing good to others and they also both believe that Jesus existed. Of course living in a moral way, means that the two religions do have common ground and with tolerance and mutual respect can live together in peace. On ideology and theology, both views are set and this will never change.

Can Muslims and Christians live peacefully together?

Of course, the moral both religions share mean they can live in harmony and peace.