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Islam vs. Christianity; compare and contrast two ancient religions

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Islam vs. Christianity; compare and contrast two ancient religions
Outline:

Thesis: Despite the fact that there are many similarities and differences between Islam and Christianity, both religions are significant in today's society, which is reflected in the grand number of followers each has amassed.

I. Similarities between Islam and Christianity

A. The "messenger" angel Gabriel

B. Message delivered of one God

C. Creation and Judgment

D. Concept of Forgiveness

E. Basic Rules of Guidance

1. Islam: Five Pillars

2. Christianity: Ten Commandments

F. "Book" Religion

1. Islam: Koran

2. Christianity: Bible

II. Differences between Islam and Christianity

A. Prayer

B. Pilgrimage/ No Pilgrimage

C. Giving of Money

D. Interpretations of the Bible

1. Abraham's Sacrifice

2. Virgin birth/ Nature of Jesus

3. Monotheism and the Trinity

III. Conclusion

A. Similarities

1. Messenger Angel Gabriel

2. God's role in creation and judgment

B. Differences

1. Jesus' role as divine savior

2. Trinity

3.Both religions relevant in today's society

Abstract

Islam vs. Christianity

In this paper we will examine some relevant similarities and differences between two widely known and practiced religions: Islam and Christianity. Although, these two religions have easily identifiable similarities and differences, they are both large players in the religious world today with an impressive number of followers.

There are many similarities between the two religions, which stems from the fact that the prophet Mohammad based the basic framework on Christianity. Mohammad believed that the Christians had been right with some aspects of Christianity, but they had stopped hearing God's message. This is where he came in to correctly tell what God wanted the world to do. Therefore, there are some significant similarities to be seen. For example, the angel Gabriel, found in both religions, is a messenger angel on both sides of the house. Also, the message was brought forth in both religions that there was only one true God, and both religions



Cited: Catherwood, Christopher. "Christians, Muslims, and Islamic Rage: What is Going on and Why it Happened". 2003. Zondervan. P. 99-100. Dew, Diane. "Islam and Christianity." 2001. Retrieved: August 15, 2005. Lewis, Bernard. "The Crisis of Islam". 2003. Toronto, Random House, Inc. p. 8, 44-45. Morris, Colin. "Christian Civilization". The Oxford Illustrated History of Christianity. 1990. New York, Oxford University Press. p. 197, 218. Peters, F.E. "Children of Abraham: Judaism, Christianity, Islam". 1982. New Jersey, Princeton University Press. p. 126-129. Pike, E. Royston. "Mohammed". 1969. Frederick A. Praeger, Inc. p.17, 62, 67. Shamoun, Sam. "Answering Islam." 2005. Retrieved: August 18, 2005. Wiles, Maurice. "What Christians Believe"? The Oxford Illustrated History of Christianity. 1990. New York, Oxford University Press. p.561.

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