What’s The Difference Between
Christianity & Islam?
by Len Evans
I am the WAY, the TRUTH and the LIFE.
No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6
A Brief History of Islam
Islam was founded by _Muhammad_ it started around _600 AD_
The _KORAN_ is the holy book of the Muslims.
The Five Pillars of Islam
1.Reciting the Creed.
Muslims must recite the following words at least once a day: “There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet:
The Bible shows: God is revealed as the Trinity & Jesus was not a prophet but God’s Son.
2.Praying
Five times a day Muslims must bow toward Mecca (Saudi Arabia) and pray
The Bible shows: Prayer isn’t saying the right words or saying them often enough but a heart issue.
3.Giving alms to the poor.
One fortieth of a Muslims income must be given to charity. (2.5%)
We should take care of the poor. James 1:27
The Bible shows: Giving isn’t giving the right amount but giving God your best.
2 Cor. 9:6-7 & 12-13
4.Fasting
The month of Ramadan is holy to Muslims. In that month, they must fast during the daytime.
The Bible shows: Fasting for the right reasons is good and biblical. Matthew 6:16-18
5.Making a pilgrimage
All Muslims must travel to Mecca at least once in their lives (or send someone in their place) to worship at the holy shrines there.)
The Bible shows: Worship is a matter of truth and spirit not location. John 4:21-24
Ice Breaker Option
Say your name and where you would swim if you could breathe under water for one day.
Questions
How are Christianity and Islam similar, and how are they different? Why do these differences matter?
If you learned something new today about Islam or something caught your attention please tell what it was.
How would you feel if the Church told you, you had to do 3, 5, or 10 different things to ensure your salvation? If you would not like being told that, could you tell them, from the bible, why you did not like it?
How would you talk with a Muslim about your faith, and what you believe?
Christianity focuses on Grace (What God did for us) rather than on what we can do for God. Eph. 2:8-9. What’s the distinction between these two? What seems to be the focus of Islam?
Why does it matter to compare different faiths and beliefs with Christianity?
Does it seem "arrogant" to say Christianity is the only way to God? If so, Why? If not, Why not?
How would you respond someone who said, “I’m a good person. I do good things like giving to charity, serving in a food kitchen on Thanksgiving day, I don’t cuss at crazy drivers, I even helped with a youth lock-in! I'm going to go to heaven because I’m better than most and doesn’t that count for something?"
What is there to respect in the Muslim faith? What if Christians were as faithful in doing “good things” as Muslims, do you think people would notice?
How sincere must someone be who follows the five pillars? Do you think Muslims are more committed to their faith than most Christians? Are Muslims more deserving of heaven than most Christians? Why or why not?