Comparative ReligionMay 6, 2007 11:28 am
Mohammed says:
"Thus God leads astray whom He pleases, and guides him He pleases:" Chpt of the Covered v11
Jesus says:
"Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…" Matthew 6:13 and Luke 11:4
Here we can see two different attitudes toward God and His role is guiding people. From Mohammed, you get resignation. God guides or misguides and people are utterly powerless.
From Jesus, you get encouragement. In this model prayer, Jesus demonstrates that his followers should ask for God’s guidance (and deliverance) with the expectation of receiving it.
One teacher is resigned. The other is expectant.
You know, I was half expecting you to say something about Reformed theology and predestination here.
Comment by Robert — May 6, 2007 @ 10:35 pm
I’ve just started reading on this particular subject - that is - predestination.
Both Christianity and Islam teach that God is in Control. However, Christianity teaches us to pray to God “our father” because our prayers can make a difference on his judgment, mercy or grace. On the other hand, Islam seems a bit deterministic in that Allah is too transcendent (e.g. non-personable) and, thus, one can never really know him, or be sure of anything about him.
Of course, this is a complex topic and requires more lines than these…
Comment by E. I. Sanchez — May 7, 2007 @ 7:14 am
‘bert: i like to place the “dots” and leave it to other folks to connect them.
EI Sanchez: thanks for the comment. you’re right, there’s a lot to be written here but not by me. i’m just a Christian living in the Middle East writing what i see. haven’t made any sincere attempts at learning about islam.
Comment by amtog — May 7, 2007 @ 8:21 am