The Divinity of Christ

Hey Phillip,

Welcome to the Forum. I was raised Catholic. Left that at age 7-psychologically and physically at age 18- left parent's home. And basically you ask in essence why people "turn away" and find "answers" in Islam.  Here are a few for myself

1. The concept of original sin. Don't agree with it. God is most merciful and would not blame one for the sins of another. Kinda like how they put families in bondage and the children inherit this "debt." Not for me.  Children are not born into sin.  The slate is clean and until they reach the age of knowledge and reason they cannot be "sinning" as we know.

2. Did not agree with going to a dark box to "confess" by my sins at a t 7 with some guy "giving me absolution in as God' "envoy." 

3. Basically it is all illogical.. God send Jesus - his son- who is also God, but prayed to God- who is not himself.

4. That somehow Jesus, who would be God could be killed in any form by humans. Jesus cannot be God. God is too divine and too mysterious and too great for this to be.

5. Mary (PBUH), a human, gave birth to "God." 

I left religion many years ago, probably would have defined myself as an athiest years ago.  But a deeper understanding and reflection I came to the conclusion that there was something "greater" that created all of this we see. Its too majestic and incredible to be "random."

You can quote the Bible and that works for you. But I do believe that is was altered to suit man's purpose. The language has changed according to context.  What is the original of those words?  I do not know. Someone could have changed it (as there are quite the variations based upon which Bible you read).

Islam is about beliefs with actions. One God, Prophets sent, strive hard to improve and do right, ask forgiveness pray.  I don't have something illogical I need to figure out and just told its a "mystery" and just believe. Does not work for me.

Hayfa







Edited by Hayfa - 18 July 2011 at 10:26am

Greetings, Philip (As-Salaamu Alaikum):  My birth name is Robert, but my adopted Muslim name is Abdul Shakur, wich means "Servant of the Most Appreciative One{Allah,swt}".  Shakur happens to be one of Allah's (swt) Glorious Names.  I'm just His servant.  As to your dilemma: Most Arabic people do not quite understand the "Mystery of the Trinity".  It just wasn't taught to them.  Our Holy Prophet, Muhammad (saas) did understand this mystery, but he chose not to expound on it, nor was he instructed to do so.  His focus, in the context of the Qur'an, was on Salvation and living life to its fullest and most joyous aspects by obeying and following Allah's (swt) Will and Commandments.  Those Commandments were first given through Moses, in the Ancient Writings, known as the Torah.  Then, Jesus, Himself (saas) expounded on those very Commandments when He taught His disciples/Apostles.  Yes, Jesus did state that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life....and that no man can come to God but through Him.  If you look at that closely, you will find that His Teachings WERE the TRUTH, which indeed brings your inner person to life.  He lived and taught (by example) the WAY back to Allah (swt).  Therefore, you can now see how He is "The Way, the Truth, and the Life", by virtue of His Teachings and exemplary life.  With His Truth dwelling within your mind and very being, you may understand this very 'indwelling' as 'spirit'.  In theology, we know that every person has his/her own spirit, and if this Knowledge, which Jesus (saas) taught and lived also lives and thrives in you, you will indeed be blessed with His spirit.  The statement you quoted, at St. John 14:6, is not confusing, nor does Islam reject it....you simply need to understand the depth of it (not simply take it at face value, as so many Christians do).  Modern day Christianity has strayed from the very Revelations and Book it claims to teach & practice. There are so many Churches out there....just pick one that suites your fancy....but, please be careful which one.  Islam teaches only ONE way of life and Islam has only ONE Holy Book: Al-Qur'an.  As I feel sure you know, in the Christian world, you can find the Holy Bible in many translations (minus the original) and many versions (again, minus the original).  Do yourself a favor, my friend: go to a Mosque, talk to an Imam, and have him help you, with original documentation, to understand the Bible, as well as the Qur'an.  Rather than fall prey to the society you may live in, or other religious pressures, search for yourself and let Allah(swt) teach you His Word....He may even choose to let Jesus(saas) teach you by the Spirit.  I've been a practicing Muslim since 1974.  I've been a student of theology since 1972....and NO theology has proven itself, satisfactorily, outside Islam.  Our Holy Qur'an tells us, right from the beginning, that it was sent partly to CONFIRM the writings of the Prophets(saas) and those of Jesus(saas).  Feel free to respond to my dialogue anytime.  My personal e-mail is: [email protected] and I'm located in North California.  May Allah(swt) bless you abundantly in your search.

I absolutely agree with you Phillip about the similarities between Islam and Christianity.  Certainly, there are more similarities than differences and that should serve to break the ice and lead to more dialog.  I have really enjoyed conversing with you.  I hope you will stick around so we can have more discussion.

pfmobley wrote: As some one who is a Christian looking into the world of Islam from the outside looking in; it appears that most converts from Christianity to Islam had definate issues with the Holy Trinity of God, the Father; God, the Son; and God, the Holy Spirit.� Most converts from Christianity saw this as a confusing issue and could never rectify the idea in their minds.� I'd like to know, exactly why this is a difficult subject to grasp and how does Islam explain the verse in the Holy Bible in the book of St. John that states, John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Please elaborate. � Respectfully, � Phillip

Hi Phillip,
welcome to the forum and sorry for a late response.
Your question that Trinity being the main reason for those converting to Islam from Christianity. I personally think that Trinity is not hard to understand at all. It is just hard to accept as a substitute idea to God as One, who does not have parents, who does not have offspring, and where none equals to God, where all else only serve God as in Islam and Judaism.

Now, I do not understand the connection you made between the idea of Trinity not being understood to John 14:6.
Because, there is nothing in it that suggests anything other than what was true.
The same could be associated with any of God's prophets:
prophet Mohammed (pbuh) is also the way, because he brought the truth (from God) whoever accepts it will receive a life of goodness that is eternal, no one get to God unless accept God's word sent through him.
And we don't see a Trinity in that neither!
Hasan


Edited by honeto - 27 September 2011 at 4:02pm