You may find this discussion on Christianity and Islam interesting, you are welcome to respond, and we will carry this in both the groups; WorldMuslimCongress and Foundationforpluralism.
Theologically, the two faiths, as practiced today, have a different understanding of Jesus. However, both the faiths respect Jesus to the fullest extent possible. Both have the commitment to defend Jesus’s persona. Indeed, the Muslims and Christians joined together to protest against the film Da-Vinci, neither was willing to accept Jesus less than who he is. For Muslims, belief in Jesus is part of one’s faith, indeed it is a requirement for a Muslim to believe in all the messengers of God and their message to humanity. I hope, we can search for common grounds without having to cross the boundaries of the faith.
What are we going to do about it?
We have to accept and respect each others belief in respect to Jesus. A Muslims by his faith is required to believe in Jesus as a Messenger of God where as the Christians take him as a divine person. It should not be the reason to have a conflict, the difference it is, but conflict it is not.
The average Christian believes that those who do not follow Jesus will not get the salvation, at the same time most Christians understand, but may not verbalize, that any one who is a good human, will earn the Salvation with of without Jesus. What about the theology? Is Salvation available to every one whether one accepts Jesus or not?
A Muslim cannot compel any one to believe what the other does not want to believe and God has made it easy for Muslims with several verses, two of them are as follows:
1) There is no compulsion in the matters of faith
2:256 Let there be NO COMPULSION in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.
The issue for the literalist Christians or Muslims, (not for the majority) is the Word Allah – that it is a different entity. No Sir/Madam, Allah is another name for God. God is the most generic name.
2) To you is your faith and to me is mine.
109:1 SAY: “O you who deny the truth!
109:2 “I do not worship that which you worship,
109:3 and neither do you worship that which I worship!
109:4 “And I will not worship ~hat which you have [ever] worshipped,
109:5 and neither will you [ever] worship that which I worship.
109:6 Unto you, your moral law, and unto me, mine !”
You have the same rights as I do. What applies to you, applies to me as well. I am neither above or below you. I believe, arrogance is at zero level in the above chapter 109, called Kafirun.
I know we have fanatic Muslims who do not want to give other faiths the respect they are accorded by their own scriptures, and you will find them boys in every faith. Thanks God, Muslims do not have a monopoly over fanaticism. Just listen to the Falwell, Graham, Robertson, Osama Bin Laden, Mufti of Mecca, or the Suicide Bombers… they all have one thing is common – Arrogance, that which God does not like and is the root cause of all evil. It would be our mistake to consider their opinions main-stream.
At the end, if we can learn to accept and respect the God given uniqueness of each one of the 7 billion of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge.
Those who are in Dallas, please attend the workshop on “Understanding Islam” this Sunday. Do bring your non-Muslim friends, we are going to address some tough questions.
Understanding Islam
Sunday, October 21, 2007
5:30 – 6:30 Understanding Pluralism – Mike Ghouse
6:30 – 7:30 Understanding Islam – Imam Zia-Ul-Haq
7:30 – 8:00 Q&A Panel
Coffee and Light refreshments provided – We welcome sponsorships.
All are welcome – There is no fee.
Where: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 14315 Midway Road, Addison, TX 75001
Directions: Click Map : From LBJ, north on Midway, after Spring Valley.
Confirmation: ConfirmAttendance@gmail.com
Series Schedule: http://www.foundationforpluralism.com/Calendar.asp
Mike Ghouse, President
World Muslim Congress
Dallas, Texas
——————————————————
From: Mustafaa Carroll
Date: Sun Oct 14, 2007 11:42 pm
Subject: Re: MuslimAgenda :: Re: Muslim open letter to Jews and Christians
ASA Mike,
Thought-provoking conversation, but another mistake we Muslims make is not taking advantage of resources at our very finger tips. Many converts/reverts were practicing Christians before they accepted Islam, however do we ever think to ask them what it was they believed as a Christian before Islam? I was one of those active, practicing Christians before I accepted this deen at the ripe old age of 19 (I turned 20 shortly thereafter). We should be careful with this discussion that we are having on Prophet Jesus (may Allah be pleased with him) as the “son of God”. In much of Western Christianity today, this concept is much more than a “metaphor”. Many Christians do not just use it in the sense that God is the “father” of all things and therefore metaphorically speaking Jesus is the son of God.
Most Christians that I know believe that Prophet Jesus was the literal son of God and that he is God in the flesh on earth, and all salvation is through believing in and accepting him as such. This is juxtaposed to Islamic belief, and it is THE nerve that theologically can cause some stress between two religions. Muslims are strict monotheist, believe in Tawhid or the oneness of Allah (God), and Christians believe in the Trinity … that God is three in one. For Muslims, this is associating partners with Allah (God) which is forbidden in Islam, and Christians are just the opposite … that is – if you do not believe that Prophet Jesus is the son of God, you cannot go to the paradise. These are fairly mainstream thoughts respectively in the two religions.
Mike, in order for us to have a good understanding, I believe it is important for us to make clear those things that are distinctly different, especially with regards to religion. I think it may APPEAR to be misleading when we attempt to make all religions sound as though they are generic … or the same … but different names. We are definitely not all the same. I want Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, etc… to understand Islam and what Muslims believe. I do not want them to think that Islam is another form of Christianity although we have many, many commonalities. I embraced Islam because of it’s distinct characteristics in the Worship of our creator … other than that I could have remained a Christian. ASA.
Mustafaa
——————————————————
From: El-Hajj Mauri’ Saalakhan
Date: Mon Oct 15, 2007 6:25 am
Subject: Re: MuslimAgenda :: Re: Muslim open letter to Jews and Christians
In a message dated 10/14/2007 11:42:40 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, mike_ghouse@yahoo.com writes:
We say Jesus is not the son of God based on our interpretation of “Son” as one that was given birth to in a physical way, and they have come to believe that he is “the son of God” in a spiritual way or a representative way.
Assalaamu Alaikum:
With all due respect, Islam requires us, as Muslims, to make things clear. This is especially critical on such important matters as the reality of God. I come from a Christian background, and I know for a fact that when the vast majority of Christians say “Jesus is the son of God,” they mean Jesus is the manifestation of God in the flesh – that Jesus IS God (part of the trinity: “The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit/Ghost”).
The refutation of this idea is a constant theme throughout ALLAH’s last revelation to all humanity (the Qur’an). As such, this is something that CANNOT be compromised on or philosophized away (for the sake of interfaith harmony)! The implications of this issue – and the fate of those who are blindly attached to it – is much too grave to be played with. Let us be compassionate, respectful, and sensitive in our discourse around this issue with our non-Muslim friends – but let us also be CLEAR. JESUS IS NOT THE “SON” OF GOD!
El-Hajj Mauri’ Saalakhan
Director of Operations
The Peace And Justice Foundation
“They disbelieved indeed, those that say ALLAH is Christ, the son of Mary. Say: Who then has power against ALLAH, if His will were to destroy Christ, the son of Mary, his mother, and everyone else on this earth? To ALLAH belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between. He creates what He pleases; for ALLAH has power over all things. Both the Jews and the Christians say: ‘We are sons of ALLAH, and His beloved.’ Say: ‘Why then does He punish you for your sins?’ No you are but men – of the men He has created…” – Surah Al Ma’ida (5:17-18)
——————————————————
From: Rashid Samnakay
Date: Mon Oct 15, 2007 10:11 am
Subject: Re: MuslimAgenda :: Re: Muslim open letter to Jews and Christians
Dear Mike- The following refers with my humble comment:
“One of the mistakes, we, the Muslims make on our part is to view Christianity through our lens†Here it must be made clear that our lens is the ‘religious’ lens and not in the light of Quran.
Muhammad’s book, the Quran, came five centuries after Jesus’ teachings, hence the former was well aware of Injeel and Biblical dogma. In spite of that Quran designated the Christians, along with others, ahlul-kitaab- people of the book. The argument should end there for those with understanding!
“Your Deen with you and my Deen with me†is further confirmation of live and let live.
Rashid
——————————————————
From: javed jamil
Date: Mon Oct 15, 2007 10:12 am
Subject: Re: MuslimAgenda :: Re: Muslim open letter to Jews and Christians
Peace be upon all!
When we say God is “omnipresent”, we mean that God’s Rule prevails everywhere. God is present in every bubble, every drop of an ocean and every molecule not physically but through his all-pervasive Rule. Everything that is in the heavsns and the earth testifies to His presence; as I have discussed in “theory of Physics derivede from Quran”, everything rotates and revolves relative to God, and the universe as a whole too bows to Him in thankfulness to His guardianship. The whole universe is like a state and God is One who created it, governs and sustains it.
Muslims have no objection to calling God as Father and Jesus as the Son of God in the metaphorical sense. God of course is closest to what an ordinary human being can hope from his dad: affectionate, loving, caring but also one who wants his sons to be disciplined. But God is not a bilogical father and Jesus not a biological son. If we recognise the whole mankind as the sons of God, metaphorically speaking, Jesus was certainly a very special son. But if most of the Christians believe in him as the begotten child, this is where Islam differs from them. This is because it makes God as nothing more than a super human being. But of course, as long as these Christians are not endangering peace, even in Islam, they have full right to believe the way they like. Morevover, it is the right of both Muslims and Christians to air their views about the Nature of God. Muslims however believe that it will be more useful to discuss the functions of God, which human minds can understand, rather than His structure, which human minds and machines can never know.
Dr Javed Jamil
——————————————————
From: Marylou Ghyst
Date: Mon Oct 15, 2007 12:48 pm
Subject: Re: MuslimAgenda :: Re: Muslim open letter to Jews and Christians
Thank you immensely, Mike. Your explanation below is perfectly clear and accurate about Christian metaphor. While we’re on the subject we may as well deal with another scripture and make sure everyone understands that it also is spiritual metaphor. Ps. 82:6 – “Ye are gods, children of the Most High.” This is never to be taken literally, it’s only a metaphor to emphasize the power of spiritual guidance. If a scripture or story doesn’t sound logical in the Bible, treat it as spiritual metaphor.
There is one question I would like clarity on. Given the Muslim’s view of where God is located, does that mean that Muslims rely only on the Quran for guidance? In other words, personal divine guidance is not available?
Thanks again for all you do, and I continue to hold you and your wife in prayer.
Blessings, Marylou
——————————————————
In a message dated 10/14/07 10:43:26 PM, mike_ghouse@yahoo.com writes:
One of the mistakes, we, the Muslims make on our part is to view
Christianity through our lens, although it is natural to do that, as
that is generally our only reference point, but in a true dialogue
we miss out seeing another point of view completely. We say Jesus is
not the son of God based on our interpretation of “Son” as one that
was given birth to in a physical way, and they have come to believe
that he is “the son of God” in a spiritual way or a representative
way. If we can go beyond the words and make a serious attempt to
understand what the word “son” stands for, conflicts will fade and
solutions will emerge.
From Mike Ghouse
One of the mistakes, we, the Muslims make on our part is to view
Christianity through our lens, although it is natural to do that, as
that is generally our only reference point, but in a true dialogue
we miss out seeing another point of view completely. We say Jesus is
not the son of God based on our interpretation of “Son” as one that
was given birth to in a physical way, and they have come to believe
that he is “the son of God” in a spiritual way or a representative
way.
If we can go beyond the words and make a serious attempt to
understand what the word “son” stands for, conflicts will fade and
solutions will emerge.
This particularly came after 9/11 – when one of our mosques held an
open house for all. When the visitors started walking in for a tour
of the mosque, some of the tour guides started off, that we don’t
believe Jesus is the son of God… that was the most ridiculous thing
to start with. Thanks to the leadership of the Mosque at that time –
Mr. Mohammad Suleman listened to my idea that we need to orient the
tour guides, what to say and how to say. It worked like a charm
afterwards as the conflict was diffused at the very beginning.
As I have pointed out earlier, our concept of God is that of
energy, all pervasive, formless and abstract, thanks to Dr. Javed
Jameel for clarifying that in a physical sense God is a non-entity,
but God is not an non-entity spiritually. Marylou added that “Both
Christians and Hindus use metaphor to describe how we experience
God — Jesus introduced the metaphor of Daddy, Papa or Father.” And
personally I have given up using the world ” Idol” in reality it is
an ICON representing an aspect of the creation. Raouf Abdullah’s
has made some interesting comments as well. The bottom line is
faith. The reason and logic fails with faith, if it is applied to
Christianity, it has to be applied to Islam as well – then neither
will make sense to the other. It is indeed a privilege to have
Michael Arian – and several of our Christian, Jewish, Hindu,
Zoroastrian and members of other faiths.
The world would be a better place, if all of us understand each
other, help correct misperceptions and mis-understandings. Each one
of us is responsible for working for a world of co-existence and
harmony.
On the other hand, the mistake a few of the Christians make is,
pushing their idea of Islam on Muslims, that which it is not, and
sadly it gets currency through the media.
I will go back to one of my original thoughts about the phrases ”
follow me – Jesus “, “surrender to me – Krishna” or “Submitt to my
will – Allah”. I do not see conflict in any of these statements,
they all have the same essence – i.e., God is saying become like me –
then everything that surrounds you becomes yours, and when every
thing is yours, there is no conflict and that brings peace to the
humans.
I am glad to see the dialogue moving forward, unfolding some of the
delicate ideas and I urge, to be open about it, express it as you
understanding – not as absolute truth.
Mike Ghouse
——————————————————
From: Michael Arian
Dear Mike
First may I say, I was unaware your family was under such duress.Â
I will add your wife and yourself to my prayers.Â
Have always admired the respect and candor of your contributions,
and this “letter†just seemed out of sorts. I didn’t
perceive any threat from the letter, just a wish to press a
theological creed not my on.Â
As a Christian, I belong to this group at the pleasure of it’s
members. I appreciate this privilege.
May the Lord heal you wife and continue to work in you lives.
In Christ
Mike Arian
——————————————————
From Raouf Abdullah
The trinity is the human being. The human develops in three stages
(trimesters of 3 months each). The human has a body, an intellct,
and a soul. The human has three deaths. The Creator has no
beginnig, no end and no gender. The Creator has no father, no
mother, no brothers, no sisters, and no children. The
anthropomorphic god is the product of ancient wisdom devoid of the
guidance of the prophets. Jesus in the New Testament declares that
he is not G-d. Jesus prayed, despaired, was born, and died. Jesus
shall be resurrected. Jesus is the Word of G-d – this is the
revealed word of the Bible and the Qur’an. The worship of Jesus is
no more valid than the worship of Appollo or the worship of Hercules
(two other “sons” of an anthropomorphic god).
Jews struggle with the question of whether G-d is the symbol of the
Jewish community. Christians have fought wars for over one hundred
years on the question of the mortality of Jesus. Muslims who
understand the Qur’an and Prophet Mohammed know that there is G-d
and there is everything else. If Jesus is G-d, there can be no
Christians. Christians are people devoted to be like Christ. No
one can be like G-d.
Raouf M. Abdullah
——————————————————
Marylou,
The spirit you express is what I call the holy spirit. May G-d
preserve and bless you.
Raouf M. Abdullah
——————————————————
From Marylou
Responding to Dr. Javed Jamil:
Your explanation below is very welcomed — I appreciate it
immensely – it explains why Christians and Muslims sometimes have
difficulty relating to each other. Since I personally, and many
other Christians, do not believe in a literal trinity, or that Jesus
was God, I will not respond to your last sentence about God taking
form in the person of Jesus. However, I do defend the right of
other Christians to believe this. If half of Christianity wants to
believe in a literal trinity, I have no problem with it … as long
as they are peaceful, law abiding, and do not harass me or others
for our beliefs.
My Christian tradition believes that God is everywhere present
(omnipresent), including in the very air we breathe. God is the
life force in everything that exists, including the life force in a
flower, a bug, a person, etc. Therefore, God is “closer than hands
and feet” and becomes very, very personal — we are speaking of that
portion of omnipresent God that resides in our physical bodies,
giving spiritual life to our bodies, minds and emotions. God within
us is the spiritual dimension we seek and, according to Jesus, can
easily be found — Seek and you shall find … The Bible describes
experiencing God as “a resurrection from the dead.”
You say: He exists outside not inside the Universe. It is good to
know your teaching, so we can see each other’s frames of reference.
We teach the opposite – on the basis of Jesus’ teachings, heaven and
God are within each person and can be experienced now.
Jesus taught that God was unconditional love — our branch of
Christianity honors all peaceful paths (Jesus as God, Buddhism,
Hinduism, Islam, etc.). If God is unconditional love and,
therefore, honors all paths, why shouldn’t we do likewise? One of
the great Christians writers said: “We have the right to climb into
the lap of our heavenly father any way that we can.” Every one’s
path is slightly different – the goal is just to get there – on the
basis of Jesus’ teachings, we do not delay heaven or experiencing
God until after we die. Jesus had a personal relationship with
God. The term “father” Jesus used to described God is more
accurately rendered as “daddy” or “papa.” These are very endearing
terms and clearly show an extremely personal relationship between
Jesus and God — this is what Christians strive for. Do I
understand that Muslims believe this is not possible?
I have immensely enjoyed reviewing the 99 names of God. In fact,
before I retired, I challenged our congregation to come up with as
many names for God as they could, based on their own experience. It
challenged the members to think…. explore…. and experience …..
to open their minds and hearts to how many different ways they
experienced God. Then we reviewed the 99 names of God which they
found most interesting. You say: His creatures cannot describe Him
in the words they know. How can that be? How did Islam come up with
the 99 names?
My personal request is that Muslims and Christians dialogue more
about the nature of God and our own personal experiences in
particular, in an effort to bring more understanding and respect
between us. My thanks to you for taking time to explain the Muslim
view of God, and many thanks to Mike for setting up a forum where we
can dialogue in respect and peace.
Blessings, Marylou
——————————————————
Raouf Abdullah
Dear Friends,
The open letter directly speaks to the troubling practice of
showing the world any particular enthic group or image as the
manisfestation of G-d. When we show a picture of Jesus, the Son of
Mary, Peace on him, as G-d in the flesh as G-d, we are promoting
religious and social racism. Let us see G-d as above and separate
from the human family. That is how G-d presents himself in the holy
scriptures and that will allow us equal dignity before G-d.
Raouf M. Abdullah
Mike
The issue of the divine nature of Jesus, Peace on him, has been with
Christians since Jesus walked the earth. The first followers of
Jesus spoke and interacted with him as a man. They did not pray to
Jesus or ask him for mercy, blessings, or forgiveness. The debate
among Christians as to the divinity of Christ came from Paul. The
tactic of presenting Jesus as a blond, blue-eyed person is an
extreme example of the social injury and social injustice that
happens when we present G-d as a human.
Europeans would never accept an African or an Asia as G-d. Why must
we be asked to accept a European as G-d? Lets come to an agreement
that we will not raise up gods from our children.
Raouf M. Abdullah
——————————————————
From Marylou
“the concept of abstract, formless, genderless god of Judaism and Islam is alien to Christians and others. How do you worship the non-entity? And Muslims are bewildered how can Christians & Hindus worship to a definable limited physical entity?”
Mike,
The thought occurred to me: Both Christians and Hindus use metaphor
to describe how we experience God — Jesus introduced the metaphor
of Daddy, Papa or Father. Also mother, best friend, etc. appear in
the Bible along with others — these are metaphors, not “definable
limited physical entities.” And of course many Christians (not
all) feel right at home in a Hindu temple – every statute and
picture is a metaphor of how we experience God ….. not idolatry,
but metaphor!
When Paul went out to give the teachings of Jesus to the Romans and
Greeks, they had statues to their gods — the statues were metaphors
for the qualities of their unseen gods — they also had a statue to
an “unknown god” — Paul gave them Jesus — a metaphor for a loving
God to replace their “unknown god” — it appears that in time the
metaphor took on a life of its own and ceased to be only
metaphor.
Maybe this solves the mystery? Christians are so accustomed to
thinking in terms of metaphors – the Bible is filled with metaphors
that we have to interpret. Does this help to understand where
Christians and Hindus are coming from? Metaphor explains our
experience of the invisible God.
Blessings, Marylou
——————————————————
From Raouf Abdulla
ASA,
The expression “son of G-d” is not limitd to Jesus in the Bible.
That is why the term “begotten” was later added. When we use the
term “Son of G-d” without explaining the esoteric meaning, we are
complicit in perpetrating corrupt and pagan concepts. Jesus never
claimed to be the Creator and he ever said that he is the heir
apparent half god half man. Jesus said that he was the Word of G-d,
in human form. Paul was the person who sold Jesus as a man-god to
the innocent so-called Gentiles. His motive is clear that he saw
the Gentiles as fodder because he said that they were grafted and he
referred to them as his “little children.”
Those of us who insist on eradicating racism in religion, are
accused of religious bigotry. Those of us who love Jesus, the
Christ, decry the portrayal of Jesus as a man who sought to be
deified. Jesus said Our father our father hallowed be thy name.
Thy will be done. If G-d is our father, then I am the son of G-d.
Therefore, worship me.
Raouf M. Abdullah
——————————————————
From Dr. Javed Jamil
Assalmalaikum
The “abstract, formless and genderless God” does not mean a “non-
entity”. It only means that God is not a physical entity in a manner
that is understood by humna beings. To be a physical entity in the
way we understand it, God must be a part of the universe who follows
the physical laws of the universe and is made of the matter and
energy that too follow the physical laws of the universe. The
matter, energy and laws — all are the creations and not the part of
God; God created laws for the universe; He exists outside not inside
the Universe. He encompasses whatever is there in the heavens and
the earth, which folow His laws and receive all forms of supplies
from Him. As God is beyond the laws of the universe that he created,
His creatures cannot describe Him in the words they know. But they
can surely understand His functions within the universe. For that
too to understand fully, they need continuous exploration of the
metods they have been provided by God.
Did God assume His “gender” and “form” only after the birth of Jesus
(PBUH)?
Dr Javed Jamil
——————————————————
From Mike Ghouse
Dear Marylou Ghyst and Mike Arian,
Your immediate note is appreciated. I apologize for not reading
the “Open letter” thoroughly, nor did I write the usual commentary.
My laptop does not lend me do the things that I normally do through
my regular machines. I did overlook something like this letter.
I am in hospital since Friday, a week ago, 24 hours a day, with a 3-
4 hours break to go home, change and come back. My wife has reached
the normal white blood cell count today, after a full 8 days of low
count.
Let me study the letter in full and write back sometime today.
A thought came to my mind – if you shout “Vacation” in front of
North Dallas Rich kids – they will think of Hawaii, Disney or some
such exotic place – Same word will generate local entertainment for
folks who cannot afford it. And if you went to India and
utter “Vacation” to the kids there, it simply means going in the bus
to the next town or going to the park.
Unfortunately, the concept of Trinity is alien to most Muslims,
although it should not be, at least to the learned ones who wrote
that letter. Similarly the concept of abstract, formless, genderless
god of Judaism and Islam is alien to Christians and others. How do
you worship to the non-entity? And Muslims are bewildered how can
you worship to a definable limited physical entity?
The resolution to this dilemma is – understanding the essence of
God, what is that God does? What is it that he, she or it stands
for? (Hindus and other faiths do not limit God to a male gender).
I believe the essence of that letter was to work towards peace as
equal partners, by the virtue of goodwill, not just Christians and
Muslims, but all. For starters, the two faiths make up nearly half
of the global population and it become necessary for them to take
the lead.
Much of the conflict is really not religious, but political – who
wants to have the say in the world affairs is driven between the the
politicians in the guise of religiousleaders.
The language as you have pointed out in that letter is wrong, and
could be perceived as threat. Allow me to read the whole letter
again and, I will sincerely appreciate and criticize the letter.
Again, thanks for pointing this out… it is this propensity to
clarify and understand issues that will lead us to peace.
Peace is the basis of all faiths and I am humbled and grateful that
God has endowed me the ability to understand different points of
view. More than that understand the essence of the issue and see the
light.
Mike Ghouse
——————————————————
From: Marylou Ghyst
Date: Sat Oct 13, 2007 9:33 am
Subject: Re: MuslimAgenda :: MUSLIM “OPEN LETTER” TO
CHRISTIANS/JEWS/et.al.
Mike, am I misreading this? In my perception, it comes across as a
threat to those Christians (who knows what percentage?) who believe
in a trinity …. it’s one thing to disagree, but it’s quite another
to threaten ….. If a Christian had written something on your e-
mail forum resembling a threat, I would be the first to say “Back
Off.”
In essence, his email says: love God (not a trinity) and love your
neighbor, or the planet stands in grave danger. I cannot imagine a
Fundamentalist Christian saying: “Accept JC as your personal
savior or the planet stands in grave danger.” Marylou
From his e-mail:
Given the Qur’anic perspective, the Letter was inevitable, and
exceedingly  “timely.” World leaders, must know that unless such
a call for “peace and reconciliation” (such as this) is heard and
that  “timely” steps “with deliberate speed,”—are taken to halt
the rage for war—- the planet stands in great danger—such as Â
that described in all of the Holy Books.
Reconciliation ?? In the Holy Qur’an, God Most High enjoins
Muslims to issue the following call to Christians (and Jews—the
People of the Scripture): Say: O People of the Scripture! Come to a
common word between us and you: that we shall worship none but God,
and that we shall ascribe no partner unto Him, and that none of us
shall take others for lords beside God. And if they turn away, then
say: Bear witness that we are they who
have surrendered (unto Him). (Aal ‘Imran 3:64)
——————————————————
From: “Michael Arian”
Date: Sat Oct 13, 2007 9:06 am
Subject: RE: MuslimAgenda :: MUSLIM “OPEN LETTER” TO
CHRISTIANS/JEWS/et.al. seareachnorth@comcast…
Throughout this letter, you try to negate the fact that Jesus Christ
is the Son of God. Not that Jesus was created, rather that Jesus,
God the Father and God the Holy Spirit have always coexisted. What
you mean by saying there is no associate to Allah, is that Jesus is
but a man. So, this letter seems just another attempt at
proselytizing.
To be sure, we should all pursue peace, with respect and love
towards all. This includes respect and tolerance for other faiths.
In Christ Jesus, our risen Savior
Mike
——————————————————
From: Marylou Ghyst
Date: Sat Oct 13, 2007 11:06 am
Subject: PS — MuslimAgenda :: MUSLIM “OPEN LETTER” TO
CHRISTIANS/JEWS/et.al.
Forgive me Mike if I sounded rather “un”peaceful in the previous
email ….. my concern was and still is that we will never have
peace if peace depends on Muslims and Fund. Christians agreeing on
the nature of God. It’s not going to happen.
Fund. Christians will never give up the Trinity — I pray that this
never, never stands in the way of peace. I have dialogued briefly
with Fund. C’s on this issue – Jesus never taught a trinity – no
mention of “trinity” in the Bible, in fact, there is so much
emphasis in Jesus’ teaching of God being greater, but we get nowhere
with the Fund. C’s because they are relying on the Nicene Council.
And I have come to realize it just does not matter.
Here’s something to consider — I was raised Catholic – taught to
pray to saints — for years I did just that and for years I got
answers — good answers, answers that brought salvation from pain
and suffering. When I converted to Liberal Protestant, I learned
monotheism and continued to get good answers, answers that brought
the same salvation as before. I have learned that God honors what
is in our heart, not necessarily our head. Because God is
unconditional love, God honors prayers to saints, to Jesus, to
whomever and whatever …. I’ve known atheists who receive
guidance …. the closer we draw to God, the more we realize that
nothing should separate us from loving others – that is the key. I
asked God how I could love Osama bin Laden, and I got a beautiful
answer. Muslims have to learn to live with the trinity …. and
Fund. C. have to learn to live with Muslim’s refusal to accept the
trinity. You think that’s possible?
To me, that is what peace is all about – honoring, without
accepting, others beliefs. And I think that is what you and your
Foundation are all about.
Blessings, Marylou
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http://wisdomofreligion.blogspot.com/2007/10/jesus-islam-christianity.html
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Mike Ghouse is a Speaker, Thinker, Writer and a Moderator. He is president of thehttp://www.foundationforpluralism.com/ and is a frequent guest on talk radio and local television network discussing interfaith, political and civic issues. He is the founding president of the http://www.worldmuslimcongress.com/ with a simple theme: “Good for Muslims and good for the world.” His personal Website ishttp://www.mikeghouse.net/ and his articles can be found on the Websites mentioned above and in his Blogs: http://mikeghouseforamerica.blogspot.com/ andhttp://mikeghouse.sulekha.com/ Mike is a Dallasite for nearly three decades and Carrollton is his home town. He can be reached at MikeGhouse@gmail.com For a full bio: http://www.mikeghouse.net/ProfileMikeGhouse.asp