Islam is a peaceful religion. As long as you follow Sharia Law, you will not be stoned or beheaded. Isn't that fair?

What stands out to me when we compare Islam to Christianity is the stark difference in how both faiths view their relationship with God. In Islam, Allah is not portrayed as a Father, or even as a nurturing, loving figure. Instead, He is seen as a distant and powerful ruler, a sovereign tyrant who rules with an iron fist. I remember having a conversation with a Muslim woman where I said, "We are all children of the Most High," and she sharply corrected me, saying, "We are not His children. We are His servants."

In Islam, Allah is not viewed as someone with whom we can have a close, personal, loving relationship. We were created, they say, to worship Him, not to bring Him delight as his children. The relationship is one of submission and obedience, not affection and intimacy. Islam does not teach of a God who, when we sin, says, "You have stumbled, my child, but I love you and I will give you a chance to turn back to me." No! In Islam, the response is, "You have sinned against me, and you are cursed, destined for eternal Damnation." It's a harsh, rigid view of God's justice, with an emphasis on order, Not love.