Christianity and Islam

Christianity and Islam
By: Ashley Greene
Axia College

Intro
    Christianity and Islam are the world’s largest religions. While the religions are completely different they do share common fundamentals. I interviewed a friend of mine who is a Muslim about his religious beliefs to gain a better understanding of Islam. In this essay I will summarize the findings of my interview, explain the main beliefs of each religion, as well as, compare and contrast the religions.          
Christianity
    Christians believe in one God. Jesus Christ is the central figure in Christianity. Christianity is based on the life and teachings of Jesus. Jesus was born a few years before the Common Era or BCE. God sent an angel to a virgin named Mary in Israel to inform her that by God’s power she would conceive and bear a son. An angel was also sent to Mary’s fiancé Joseph to instruct him that the two must get married. The couple’s son was born in Bethlehem where they had gone to register for census. With no room at the inn Mary gave birth to Jesus and lay him in the manger. The birth of Jesus brought many shepherds to Bethlehem to worship him. The wise men brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to honor the Son of God. The birth of Jesus is celebrated on the Christmas holiday.
    It is believed that at the age of 30 Jesus was baptized which is a ritual for the forgiveness of sins, by John the Baptist although he was not a sinner.   When Jesus came up from the water the Holy Spirit descended and God spoke from Heaven. He said, “Thou art my beloved son; with thee I am pleased”.
          After the Baptism Jesus embarked on a forty day fast in the desert where he was tempted by Satan but refused to give in. Following the fast Jesus gathered a group of twelve disciples; Peter, Andrew, James the son of Zebedee, John, Phillip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, Thaddeus, Simon, and Judas Iscariot. Jesus told his disciples that they were to leave their... [continues]

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