I Am Fascinated By Science, Religion, and Philosophy

Here's an interesting thought. We associate Christianity with the West. They've basque in it's glory and transformed it as a foundation or basis of their daily lives. It has become a dynamic element in the history of the West.

This concept of Christianity is borrowed from the Middle East, where it first came into existence. Jesus was a Middle Eastern man, born and bred in the Middle East. Even the God that Christians believe and pray to - is a God of the Middle East. He chose to reveal himself and his miraculous mighty power and miracles "only" to people of the Middle East.

If Christians can believe and taken in concept and foundation of beliefs of the East. Why are they hostile to the populace of beleaguered countries of the East when they seek refuge. The father of Abrahamic religion was not a White European man, he was an inhabitant and native of the East.

When I explain this concept to my parents, they're often bewildered and hush me up. I'm not religious but the behaviour of some religious people fascinate me.

Hey, we will take your God, adopt his teachings and apply his philosophy to make us holier than thou Middle East. But we refuse to accept you and your way of life.

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Bushranger · 70-79, M

Historically, wasn't it Christians who first persecuted Muslims and Jews? It amasses me that 3 religions that are based on the same God can be so hostile towards each other. The western practices of Christianity are slightly different to the eastern versions. Humans seem to have problems with people who are different. We see ourselves and our culture as being superior to others, making it easier to denigrate beliefs and cultures.

As an atheist with Buddhist tendencies, it's interesting for me to observe the way that people from the Middle East are perceived and treated in so-called enlightened countries such as Australia (I won't talk of countries other than my own, because i am not in a position to observe the attitudes of average people). Unfortunately, anyone who looks Middle Eastern is considered to be a Muslim and to not "... have the same beliefs as we have." (an actual quote from a person I know). Yes, there is fear of the "other", the evil demon who is trying to take over our country and way of life. It's unfortunate that this fear can be used to pass new laws that reduce the freedoms of all citizens.

Anyway, enough of my raving. I would like to finish by thanking Random1Thoughts for creating such an interesting topic.

hippyjoe1955 · 61-69, M

@Bushranger They don't worship the same God.

Bushranger · 70-79, M

@hippyjoe1955 All 3 are based on the Torah or Old Testament, so how aren't they the same God?

hippyjoe1955 · 61-69, M

@Bushranger Nope. You need to study theology. Look at a description of the Gods. Allah is not at all like Yahweh.

Bushranger · 70-79, M

@hippyjoe1955 http://theconversation.com/in-spite-of-their-differences-jews-christians-and-muslims-worship-the-same-god-83102 Not sure if you would consider this to be a viable reference, but he does seem to have some qualifications in the field.

As stated in the article, Muhammad saw himself as being the last prophet of God. As you pointed out, God was called Yahweh by the Jews, simply God by the Christians and Allah by the Muslims. Allah appears to be closer to the Old Testament God than the Christian version.

hippyjoe1955 · 61-69, M

@Bushranger Ha ha ha yeah some other "expert" that knows nothing. We Christians do no worship the same God. If we did there would be no need for the muslims to kill Christians and Jews like they have since the time of mohammed. The Christian God named Yahweh. The muslim god is named 'the god'. Sorry not even close. Keep trying though. Maybe you will figure it out one day.

Bushranger · 70-79, M

@hippyjoe1955 Ok, enlighten me and provide a link to a valid article that proves your point. I would prefer an article written by someone with actual qualifications.

hippyjoe1955 · 61-69, M

@Bushranger I don't need a link to anything. Here is basic history. The Christian God is made up of Three Persons God the Father God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Christians and completed Jews know that Jesus was the Second Person in the Godhead. muslims do not believe that Jesus was any more than a prophet that didn't always tell the truth. Not the same God/god at all. Simple minds think that believing in 'one God/god' means they are the same God/god. That is simply not the case at all. mohammed tried to bring in some silly 'divine' rules and was laughed at by the local Jews. mohammed became so mad he killed all the Jews. Not the same God/god at all.

Bushranger · 70-79, M

@hippyjoe1955 Not all Jewish traditions see Jesus as the prophet he was believed to be by the Christians. You suggested that I study theology, so I am making a presumption that you have at more than a hobby level. As such, you would be aware that there have been numerous scholars who have studied this field over the centuries. Again, please provide a reference to a valid paper to support your arguments.

I am always amazed at the way some people denigrate scholars who disagree with their perception of the world. If you can provide me with evidence to support your statements, I would be more than willing to reconsider my position. However, I have a background in physical and social sciences. As such, I will require valid proofs before such a change can occur.

hippyjoe1955 · 61-69, M

@Bushranger the rabinical council has declared that Christians ann Jews worship the same God. Christian churches all say they worship the same God as Jews. Neither Christians or Jews believe muslims worship worship the same God and muslims certainly don't think Christians and Jews worship the same God.

Bushranger · 70-79, M

@hippyjoe1955 Ok, to start off, I have to thank you for making me do some research. It's been a while since I've done so. Unfortunately, my local University library doesn't have much of a theology section and not being a student there, I don't have access to inter library loans. As such, I've had to rely on the internet for my research. As you would be aware, much of the information there is apocryphal, but the grain can be separated from the chaff.

Did the Rabbinical Council declare that the Muslim God was different, or was it just Jewish and Christian leaders who made the decision. A link to the declaration would be appreciated so that I can read what was decided for myself.

In my limited research so far (http://www.ameinu.net/frontier/jf_4-02_gertel.html, http://www.judaism-islam.com/the-islamic-view-of-judaism/, http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Abrahamic_religions) there would appear to be some consensus that Islam follows and Abrahamic God; the same God the Jews and Christians follow. The three religions differ in some interpretations of the core texts, but the underlying concepts are similar. The three major religions of today are, most likely, vastly different from when they originated. The Catholic Church has differences to the Coptic Church and Martin Luther brought about even further changes to how the word of God is interpreted.

Don't forget that at different times in history, Catholics and Protestants were both demonised. Is it possible that, given the current concern regarding Islamic radicalism, the whole Muslim faith is being demonised?

Looking forward to some documentation to support your argument.

Speedyman · 70-79, M

The Muslims and Jews belueve in the same Abrahamic God but Muslims believe that the line of blessing continued through Ishmael not Isaac. My source? An educated Immam I know. Christians of course belueve that the promises given to Abraham were fulfilled in the Messiah, Jesus, which Jews and Muslims do not. So to try and learn the three religions together is futile . Christians see Jesus as the fulfilment of the Jewish faith. @Bushranger

Bushranger · 70-79, M

@Speedyman Thanks for that. I will admit that I wasn't aware of Ishmael prior to this. They are all similar roots, however.

hippyjoe1955 · 61-69, M

@Speedyman Sorry to disillusion you but the rabbinical council recognizes that Christians worship the same God as Jews. Both Christians and Jews recognize that muslims do not worship the same god. 'the god' is not a name of Yahweh.