The ignorance in this forum is appalling. I confess, before I started my study, I was woefully ignorant too. (Not directed towards you, Cycel, I just wanted to also comment on this)
The history of Islam is one of interpretation. There are all kinds of interpretations, that have been done since the Qur'an was supposedly dictated by Allah (NO, I do NOT believe that - it is not inspired.)
Basically, Mohammed had a Catholic wife, and learned much about Christianity from her. He also went to Jerusalem and learned about Judaism. Then he twisted things around and added his own touches. That is why the Qur'an thinks that Jesus, God the Father and Mary are the Trinity. Wrong, but coming from 6th century Catholicism. (Not saying any Catholics here believe that!)
For one thing, the Qur'an is not just about Allah, but Jesus! They believe he is the Messiah! So that is a bridge to reach Muslims. The Qur'an says many things the Bible says.
He was the born of a virgin.
He was the son of Mary.
He had the power to perform miracles.
He was given revelation.
He had disciples.
These are open door to share with Muslims. Much closer than Hindus, or Sikhs or even Jews, let alone atheists who don't believe Jesus was even an historical person. That is what we are supposed to be doing right? Evangelizing the world, not starting wars with people we don't agree with!!
This forum is all about misinformation and American protectionism. I'm very sorry that people don't get that most of my original post was about being called to be missionaries, not hate-mongers. That is what this thread is.
And yes, Cycel is right that the fundamentalist Muslims lean to the literal interpretation, although technically Christians and Jews are not called infidels, but rather "People of the book." They are to be protected, and they have been for centuries. It is only since the US got rid of the Shah of Iran and invaded Iraq that things have become so totally screwed up and fostered Muslim extremism. These people have nothing, and their only hope is to die for their "cause". This is not Islam. And although we are supposed to be "second" class citizens, Muslims are to treat us with respect. Even under Sharia law.
I have not finished my studies. But I know in my heart that we are called to pray for those who persecute us, not throw out buzz words that people have picked up in the American media.
Jesus is the peaceful way. And I seem to be the only one standing for that. Here is Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount if you don't believe me.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ [SUP]44 [/SUP]But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [SUP]45 [/SUP]so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. [SUP]46 [/SUP]For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? [SUP]47 [/SUP]And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? [SUP]48 [/SUP]You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matt 5:43-48
"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them." Romans 12:14
And sorry once again to Cycel, this was not all directed at you.
This is supposed to be the Bible discussion forum, and I seem to be the only one posting Scriptures. About Muslims and our relationship with them, and how our JOB is to be sharing the gospel in a way that brings them to Christ.
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge;because you have rejected knowledge,
I reject you from being a priest to me.
And since you have forgotten the law of your God,
I also will forget your children." Hosea 4:6