http://live.huffingtonpost.com/r/archive/segment/538cb490fe34444c7f0003f6
Also see http://www.frequency.com/video/joel-osteen-on-difference-between/172531433/-/5-20454
Joel Osteen On The Difference Between Religion And Faith
Video
4
Tag Archives: Religion
Link
Sharing Some Information on Some Major Religions of the World
Article Title: Sharing Some Information on Some Major Religions of the World
Submitter: Craig Lock
Category (key words): Religion, religions, religious tolerance, religious unity, faith, beliefs, spirituality, spiritual unity, unity of religion(s)
Web sites: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lockhttp://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://goo.gl/vTpjk
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at
www.peacepursuit.wordpress.com
www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com
www.breakdownbarriers.wordpress.com
www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com
www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com
http://religiousunity.wordpress.com
http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com + so many others I can’t keep track (obsessive or WHAT!)
Other Articles are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig )
Publishing Guidelines:
These writings (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print.
“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”
#
SHARING SOME INFORMATION ON SOME OF THE MAJOR RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD
INTRODUCTION: Craig is studying the teachings of different religions (to find ‘common ground’/principles) and as he learns from his research, is sharing these notes in an attempt to ‘enlighten’ (himself and perhaps others). Hope this piece may be of interest to you too.
HINDUISM
The Four Holy Truths: There is pain and suffering in the world – like birth, death, sickness, old age. Root cause of suffering is DESIRE. Karma is conscious action that has spiritual results. Karma consists of a persons acts and their ethical consequences + universal justice, a kind of natural moral law, rather than through a system of divine judgement. The struggle and suffering decreases as the individual acquires merit and wisdom during their life. Release from suffering. Nirvana is a complete detachment from desires and final nirvana is attained at death. Hindus renounce worldly desires. (Release = moksha)
The 8-fold path:
right
· views
· resolve
· speech
· behaviour
· occupation
· effort
· contemplation and
· meditation.
People attain a state of perfection. Through self effort one can attain the state of peace and eternal peace called Nirvana. Buddha ignored the worship of Gods, but did not deny their existence. What was important to Buddha was not the worship of Gods or of himself, but the following of his teachings. Nirvana is not a place like heaven, but a state of being. It’s eternal – the end of suffering – no desires and individual consciousness comes to an end. It’s more of a moral philosophy, an ethical way of life.
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BAHAI
The nature of God is completely unknowable – he/she/it is transcendent to the point of total inaccessibility. Prophets are teachers – not saviours. God cannot incarnate himself and reveal himself to man. Therefore Jesus cannot be God. Jesus is seen as one of God’s manifestations sent to human beings to assist in our spiritual evolution. The raising of the body of Jesus was actually the coming to life of Christ’s teachings in the disciples, the restoration of their beliefs and conviction.
BAHAI work for world peace and believe in freedom of expression.
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MORMONS:
Definition of the Trinity as 3 separate individuals, God the Father and Jesus Christ being physical persons united in purpose; also a belief that human beings, can, if they live the commandments of God to the full, attain the status of godhood in future aeons.
#*
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
The main purpose of Jesus coming to earth was to let it be known that he is supreme and exercises sovereignty over the universe. Salvation is only for those who believe in Jesus.
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MUSLIMS (ISLAM)
Muslims regard the Koran as the speech of God to Mohammed, mediated by Gabriel, the Angel of Revelation. They believe that God himself, not Mohammed, is the author and therefore that the Koran is infallible. Collection of passages revealed in his prophetic life – 610-632. 114 chapters. Earliest teachings – one transcendent and personal God. Last Judgement and social and personal justice. God, he asserted, had sent prophets to other nations throughout history; but having failed to reform, these nations had been destroyed. Mohamed was the last prophet. Monotheistic. Well ordered, harmonious whole – everything has its proper place and limitations. God presides over and governs the universe, which with its orderly functioning, is the primary sign and proof of God and His unity. Mohammed’s miracle is the Koran, the like of which no human can produce. Last Judgement:
The “successful ones” will go to the Garden (heaven) and the “losers” (the evil) will go to hell; although God is merciful and will forgive those who deserve forgiveness. Besides the last judgment, which will be on individuals, the Koran recognizes another kind of divine judgement, which is meted out in history to nations, peoples and communities. Nations, like individuals, may be corrupted by wealth, power and pride, and, unless they reform, these nations are punished by being destroyed or subjugated by more virtuous nations. Islamic Beliefs: ONE God. Thus it’s a monotheistic religion. Muhammad proclaimed that Allah alone is God and that other idols were not to be worshipped. Muslims believe that the faith of Christianity has been corrupted and reject the Christian concept of the Trinity. They believe in angels, who are sinless. God’s messages were brought directly to Muhammad by Gabriel. God is believed to be too exalted to speak directly with men. Belief in God’s prohets: Adam, Noah, Abraham, etc. The Koran is believed to be the exact revelation of God to humanity. Koran is believed to have taken the place of all previous revelations of God’s will – only the Koran is considered binding. A trumpet sounds – the dead will be raised and judged for their deeds – going to paradise or hell. Only those who die as martyrs slain in the battle for Islam are considered to be granted immediate access to paradise.* (see Christianity below). Prosperous and evil nations will ultimately be destroyed by God. “Islam” means surrender or submission to the will of God. Muhammad was closest to God, so his example is to be followed. Muslims believe in and honour many of the prophets of the Old Testament. But they also say that the Bible must have been corrupted; because it points out the errant behaviour of these prophets, and since no prophet of God would ever err, the Bible must be wrong. Muslims have high respect for Jesus, but the view that Jesus is divine or the son of God is, to them, the highest blasphemy. The Koran says that God is not a man, therefore he cannot have a son. He would never stoop to enter our world. Story of Christ’s death reinforces their belief that the Bible has been corrupted over the years.
Basic tenets – the 5 pillars of Islam:
· Confession of faith
· Ritual prayer
* Obligatory alms – ‘zakat’ to help those less fortune
· The holy fast of Ramadan: a time where there is no smoking, drinking, swearing, anger, sex – use month of fasting to draw closer to God and renew their spiritual strength.
· Pilgrimage to Mecca, the “Hajj”. Every Muslim who is not sick and can afford must complete. It is a time when all are deemed equal before God, regardless of social or financial position. As part of their purification process, participation heightens their social status.
Mohamed was a prophet, yet he never performed a miracle. He was not a mystic; he had no formal schooling, consequently Mohamed had no gift with words. In addition, he did not begin his mission till he was age 40. The impetus for the rise and raid spread of Islam was three-fold: Based upon the power of words, the efficacy of prayer and man’s kinship with God.
Mohamed observed the decline of Christianity into warring sects (it’s the same today!). The archangel Gabriel appeared to him and said that he was to be the Messenger for God. Mohamed had invited the Jews and Christians to join him, for he was not building a new religion – Mohamed was calling all who believed in ONE GOD to join in a single faith….
but that vision never materialised, as the Jews and Christians did not want to pursue that path.
Mohamed’s legacy is that of persistence. Because after he had been preaching for ten years, he had nothing to show for it: but banishment, poverty and ridicule. Yet before another ten years had passed, he headed the rise of a new religion out of the Arabian desert, a faith spreading rapidly westwards, a flame which would not be extinguished.
Persistence changes the course of history
From ‘The Last Great Prophet’
Reviewed by Thomas Sugrue (as published in ‘Think and Grow Rich’ by Napoleon Hill)
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CHRISTIANITY
Christianity and Islam are missionary religions. Both faiths believe they have a monopoly over the truth. Both want to share their version of truth with others and both compete in seeking converts. However, there is a fundamental doctrinal incompatibility between the major faiths of Islam and Christianity. Together with the Jews, they worship the God of Abraham. These three religions have many prophets in common and consequently have “shared values” that have shaped societies over the past two millenia.
Most “informed” Christians, however, do not believe the Koran is the un-intermediated word of God. Simply put, the faith of Christianity exists solely on the basis that Jesus Christ is the ‘son of God’*; whereas the faith of Islam exists purely on the basis that God dictated his laws to Mohammed and that the Koran contains God’s actual words.
* (And Christians may take this literally or “metaphorically”, symbolically, depending on their interpretation).
The concept of salvation (instant) coming purely through faith in Christ and not because of one’s life works is unique to Christianity (because there is no guarantee of salvation with Islam…unless one dies as a martyr). It’s the notion of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), which Islam and rationalists find to be the most implausible aspect of Christianity.
This debate of religions is really a battle of ideas, a ‘clash of ideologies and civilisations between east and west’. Catholic Cardinal Ratzinberger once said: “Islam simply does not have the separation of the political and religious spheres which Christianity had from the very beginning. The Koran… insists that the whole order of life be Islamic. One must understand that Islam is not simply a denomination that can be included in the free realm of a pluralistic society.” True Muslims cannot accept either the separation of powers or the freedom under the law which are the hallmarks of Western civilisation. *
* From an article in ‘The Independent’ by Dominic Lawson.
*
A few personal thoughts to end off..
Everybody’s truth is different, because our experiences, our environments, our cultures, our life paths are different. So every person’s faith is different (even the state of having NO faith). Finally, perhaps no religion can ever represent the Absolute Truth (because ‘Absolute Truth’ has a degree of subjectivity – at least I believe so!). Rather, religions can be different paths to the same Truth, with God, Infinite Spirit, the Grand Designer, the Essence of Life at the centre. (Like spokes leading to the hub, the Ultimate Source of Life). It’s up to YOU to CHOOSE your set of beliefs, those which fit best with YOUR truth, your being.
I am motivated to share these sets of beliefs, these “eternal truths” with others, so people may benefit and enhance their lives in a meaningful way…if they so CHOOSE. I hope that this information may be of interest to you… and that’s my reason for sharing.
With UNDERSTANDING comes TOLERANCE
and
with TOLERANCE comes UNDERSTANDING.
Shared by Craig Lock (“Information and Inspiration Distributer, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder… and a ‘passionate moderate’ for religious tolerance”)
“There is neither east nor west, tribe nor ethnicity, male or female, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist. Christian nor Jew. There is only a God-filled humanity.”
“Let each one of us build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls.
Let us look at distant horizons together in a spirit of acceptance, helpfulness, co-operation and peace.
Let our leaders look at the future with a vision – to see things not as they are,
but what they could one day become.”
– craig
“Someday, after we have mastered the winds, the waves, the tide and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love. Then, for the second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire.”
– Teilhard De Chardin
“”God’s greatest gift to us is allowing us to find, then choose to follow our own truths.”
“When people’s hearts are filled with love, the world is full of hope”
– craig
About the submitter:
In his various writings Craig strives in some small way to break down and economic, social, cultural and religious barriers. Craig believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share in the form of our common humanity is way more important than what divides us.
The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://goo.gl/vTpjk
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at
www.peacepursuit.wordpress.com
www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com
www.breakdownbarriers.wordpress.com
www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com
www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com
http://religiousunity.wordpress.com
http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com + so many others I can’t keep track (obsessive or WHAT!)
“Whilst we can (and should) celebrate our differences, our unique cultures, let not our different beliefs set us apart as human beings, but rather let our shared humanity be what defines and unites us as common citizens of our planet.”
– me
This piece may be freely published, electronically or in print
PS
“Instead of the limits of borders (of countries and of our minds) let us and our leaders expand our sense of possibility… and together let’s look at building bridges to distant horizons, far and great. Lord, help us all lift our eyes a little higher.”
Together, one mind, one heart, one life, one small step at a time, let’s plant the seeds, the hope of a better and brighter future.
What’s the Difference between Religion and Spirituality?
Article Title: What’s the Difference between Religion and Spirituality?
Submitted by: Craig Lock
Category (key words): Religion, Spirit, Spirituality, “Spiritual Thoughts”, The Spiritual Path, “Inspiration”, “Inspirational Thoughts”, “Empowerment”
Web Sites:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://goo.gl/vTpjk
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at
+ www.sharefaith.wordpress.com
Other Articles by Craig are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig
Publishing Guidelines:
This piece (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print.
“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”
#
What’s the Difference between Religion and Spirituality?
from my blog www.godandformula1.wordpress.com and my book at http://www.amazon.com/God-Formula-One-Beyond-Zone/ (paperback)
(Also available from Amazon as an e-book at http://www.amazon.com/GOD-AND-FORMULA-ONE-F1-ebook/dp/B005Z6BFX0)
What is RELIGION?:
In his book ‘VISION OF POWER AND GLORY’, John Kehoe examines the difference between spirituality and religion: Like him, I believe that you do not have to have any one particular belief to nurture yourself spiritually. It is not adopting a religion, which is of critical importance; but rather by undergoing a spiritual awakening, which gives us comfort to get through the trials and tribulations of life. Why is that? Because all that religion is, is a set of beliefs. You adopt a set of principles or body of knowledge, eg. Christian, Jewish, Malay, Indian, Buddhist, Muslim, etc. Anything at all…and hasn’t religion and other rigid dogmas caused so many wars over the years – from the beginning of man. However, everyone is convinced there is the one true way – that theirs is the only religion to hold. And this often causes strife in family’s and countries. But is there only one true religion which is correct? There is no one true way, I believe. There are as many ways as there are people to find God, the spirit of the Universe itself…and all that is good in life.
I believe that all religions can comfort and nourish the soul – as long as you are a true believer in the ALMIGHTY, a Power Greater than Oneself…and have FAITH in “his” (why does God have to be a “Him”?) will (or God’s plan for you or whatever you may wish to call Infinite Spirit). Religion brings comfort and “security of belief”, a “certainty” to people. So religion in itself can be a very good thing. * SPIRITUALITY:
What is spirituality?
Spirituality goes much deeper than religion. At least I believe so. It is the innermost sense of you. Spirituality is far more than what is in your heart – it is all of you: your heart, your soul and your entire BEING (including your spirit).
What is the Spirit?: Awaken to the spirit deep within you. The universe is pouring out to us all the time. Follow the spirit that leads to your heart. It’s a matter of our EVOLUTION as human beings. It belongs to every single human being – this feeling of belonging to the human race. The feeling of spirituality is pouring out to us and beckoning us to make the most of our lives through the power of the ALMIGHTY. “Reborn Christians” often say they have this feeling. I truly believe there is more to life than myself. It is your own thoughts and beliefs which are all-important; but they are guided by ourselves and by the “Person/Higher Power” way up above us. I believe God, as the Ultimate Source gives us hints through thoughts entering our subconscious mind about what path to take, following our dreams (perhaps dreams far bigger than we could conceive on our own). Or people we meet along our path who can help us…and we in turn help them. I truly believe God, our Creator or whatever you understand Him to be (why does “it” have to be a “He”?) is the Source of everything, the Ultimate Source or ‘Ground of All Being’). And one day we will be able to see the fruits of our labours and our BELIEFS for ourselves. This is what keeps me going on my long and arduous quest as a writer. Just like Odysseus from Greek mythology. Reap, sow, then wait for the bumper harvest. It is sure to come. You too can plant that first seed to inner peace and serenity, joy, fullness, compassion for others, and especially love. Then see the fruits of the germination of your spirit, just like the rose bud blooms in spring. With true spirituality your life will be filled with tranquillity and happiness. Spirituality is taught to us as a duty and obligation (we have to go to church and pray, otherwise ‘the devil’ will wreak havoc upon our lives); but it is a path that brings us great joy and enlightenment (or as John Kehoe in his book ‘Vision of Power and Glory’ calls it “enlightened self interest”), if we simply relax and TRUST the process and enjoy the journey. I believe this new feeling of serenity and calm acceptance can make us all become better sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, wives/husbands, parents – but more importantly, better human beings (even a more astute businessman, who makes a lot of money- if that is what you really want). Because with true spirituality every aspect of your being becomes enhanced. This feeling of spirituality is experienced deep within yourself. In your heart, but more in your soul, you feel a closeness to nature and to your CREATOR. It’s as if you are having a personal chat with Him. Then you will see the fruits of your new spirituality in your own life. It’s just like a new spirit of awakening deep inside you and you feel released from the problems clouding your sky, the pressing burdens which are weighing you down.
*
A few short definitions to summarise and end off this section…
Religion is “living in order to die” – that is, preparing on earth for the next life.
Spirituality is “living in order to live life to the fullest”. It’s a feeling of being at peace with oneself.
“Peace: It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. it means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.”
I believe those two definitions encompass the true differences between religion and spirituality.
Remember to always strive for balance in your life: between your material wants and your desire for spirituality.
Getting a bit “heavy” in this section, Mr Philosopher. And a tiny bit of humour to end off this very serious subject that we have been looking at…
“Religion is for those who fear going to hell; whilst spirituality is for those who’ve already been there.” – anon
Elevate your thoughts to live at the highest level of humanity. Then shine YOUR own bright light on the world.
Shared by Craig Lock (“Information and Inspiration Distributor, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)
“God is a mystery, the ‘mystery of life’, a Creative Presence, Who/That allows me to be who I really want to be and become.”
“God, the Essence of Life, is the great mystery in the vast unknown; yet He (??) is understandable.”
“There is neither east nor west, tribe nor ethnicity, male or female, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist. Christian nor Jew. There is only a God-filled humanity” .
from http://www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com
“If I can throw a single ray of light across the darkened pathway of another; if I can aid some soul to clearer sight of life and duty, and thus bless my brother; if I can wipe from any human cheek a tear, I shall not have lived my life in vain while here.
If I can guide some erring one to truth, inspire within his heart a sense of duty; if I can plant within my soul of rosy youth a sense of right, a love of truth and beauty; if I can teach one man that God and heaven are near, I shall not then have lived in vain while here.
If from my mind I banish doubt and fear, and keep my life attuned to love and kindness; if I can scatter light and hope and cheer, and help remove the curse of mental blindness; if I can make more joy, more hope, less pain, I shall not have lived and loved in vain.
If by life’s roadside I can plant a tree, beneath whose shade some wearied head may rest, though I may never share its beauty, I shall yet be truly blest though no one knows my name, nor drops a flower upon my grave, I shall not have lived in vain while here.”
Anonymous (no, I think it was St Francis of Assisi)
Today, don’t just try to make a living… try to make a difference
“If a man is called to be a street-sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well, that all the hosts of heaven will pause to say, here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.
– Martin Luther King, Jr
from http://www.drmartinlutherking.wordpress.com
“Success. It is open to each individual to choose the goal and go after it – growth and human essence known as character. Perhaps the ultimate purpose of life itself is the testing of the human spirit, to develop out of it something better, more nearly perfect. For after the sands and the dust of the human body has been buried, only the human spirit is left to go on. Each individual in his or her lifetime is entrusted with a fragment of that human essence, to be a spark of his own existence from birth to death. Rich? Has he or she enriched the life spirit, which was given to them? Successful? Has he or she made the spark glow more brightly.”
– Howard Whitman in Og Mandino’s ‘University of Success’.
from http://www.craigsquotes.wordpress.com
You may also have an interest in my blog The Link (Overlap) Between Mind and Spirit
About the submitter:
Craig believes in (and loves) sharing information and insights to make a difference in this world: to help and especially encourage people along life’s magical journey … and that brings him the greatest joy
Craig’s mission is to encourage people to believe in themselves and try to help inspire people around the world to achieve their goals and dreams in life, whatever they may be.
The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://goo.gl/vTpjk
All proceeds go to needy and underprivileged children –
MINE!
“A good book should take you from your everyday life to another place entirely.”
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at
“Together, one mind, one life at a time, let’s see how many people we can impact, encourage, empower, uplift and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials.”
“Happiness deep down within Serenity with each sunshine Success in every facet of your life Family beside you, friends close and caring Health inside you Love that never ends Special memories of all the yesterdays A bright today with much to be thankful for A path that leads to tomorrow Dreams to come true Appreciation of the wonderful things in life A quiet wish, a gentle wish, for peace and happiness.”
– “a humble talented anon lady” (but I know who)
“These powerful, deep and moving words from Neale Donald Walsh have great significance to me in my journey…and this is my reason for sharing…
“The moment of your greatest darkness may yet become your grandest gift. As you are gifted, so too will you gift others, giving to them the highest treasure: to BE THEMSELVES.
Let this be your task, let this be your greatest joy: to give back to themselves…even in their darkest hour.” – adapted (slightly) from Neale Donald Walsch (‘Conversations with God 3’)
and to end off (at last!) thanks so much for sharing these beautiful and inspiring words, Larry…
“I wish you well on a rainy day I wish you rainbows to brighten your day To feel your quiet moments with a special kind of warmth to remind you that happiness can happen when you least expect it.
I wish you rainbows to make you laugh and smile to show you the simple beauty of life and to give you the magic of dreams come true.
I wish you rainbows I wish you well.”
– Larry S. Chenges
THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED
from my blog www.godandformula1.wordpress.com and my book at http://www.amazon.com/God-Formula-One-Beyond-Zone/ (paperback)
(Also available from Amazon as an e-book at http://www.amazon.com/GOD-AND-FORMULA-ONE-F1-ebook/dp/B005Z6BFX0)
PPS
“If the Lord makes you successful, I’ll keep you humble.”
– a wife (I won’t say whose)
“Life each day as if it’s your last… and one day you’re sure to be right!”
As they carry me to my deathbed, I’ll be saying: “Lord, Can you just give me one more hour to finish off one last article. PLEASE!”
– craig (as inspired by the quote of singer, Barry Manilow)
What Do Muslims Believe about Jesus? (from ‘Basic Principles of Islam’)
Article Title: What Do Muslims Believe about Jesus? (from ‘Basic Principles of Islam’)
Author: Mohammed F Thompson
Submitted (with permission) by: Craig Lock
Category (key words): religion, Islam, Jesus, faith, beliefs, peace, spiritual, spiritual growth, spiritual unity, unity of religion (religions)
Web site: www.voiceofislamtv.com
Submitter’s web sites: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007IX0MNWhttp://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://goo.gl/vTpjk
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at
www.peacepursuit.wordpress.com
www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com
www.breakdownbarriers.wordpress.com
www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com
www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com
http://religiousunity.wordpress.com
Other Articles by Craig are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig
“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”
WHAT DO MUSLIMS BELIEVE ABOUT JESUS? (from BASIC PRINCIPLES OF ISLAM)
Introduction:
Craig is studying the teachings of different religions (to find ‘common ground’/principles/ for his novel ‘A New Dawn: Let the Journey Begin’. And as he learns from his research, is sharing these notes in an attempt to ‘enlighten’ (himself and perhaps others) regarding ‘eternal and universal truths.’ And as I share these basic principles regarding the Islamic faith, I learn too. Hope this piece may be of interest to you.
*
The Miracle of the Holy Quran, the Spirit of Truth.
# Islam is a Complete Way of Life: A Muslim’s whole purpose in life is to worship Allah (God). The concept of Allah in Islam is that there is only one Allah for ALL of mankind. He is the Allah for Christians, the Jews, the Muslims, the Buddhists, the Hindus, the atheists and all human beings, whether they believe in Him or not.
# Islam rejects the idea of a chosen people
# Prayer is the foundation of Islam, which literally means “submission”
The nearest to Muslims are the Christians.
*
CHRIST IN ISLAM
Muslims believe in Jesus. The Muslim belief in Jesus Christ (pbuh) as a prophet of Allah is a fundamental article of faith in Islam. Muslims accept Jesus as one the most distinguished apostles of Allah. A Muslim believes that the greatness of Jesus (pbuh) arises from the fact that he was chosen by Allah and honoured with His word. Then he was entrusted with the revelations of Allah and commissioned to teach His message.
The Qu’ran Affirms the 2nd Coming of Jesus. It has been revealed in the Qu’ran that Jesus Christ (pbuh) will be returning to this world before the day of resurrection.
All Muslims believe, that Jesus (pbuh):
* Was one of the mightiest messengers of Allah.
* That he was the Messiah
* That he was conceived miraculously
* That he gave life to the dead with His (Allah’s) permission
* That he healed those born blind and the lepers by His (Allah’s) permission
In fact, no Muslim is a true Muslim, if he or she does not believe in prophet Jesus, his works, his teachings and his miracles.
* *
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MUSLIM AND CHRISTIAN BELIEF?
The oneness of Allah: In Islam the greatest sin is to associate partners with Allah. It is forbidden for a Muslim to adolize any person or thing, like movie stars, singers, saints or any created beings (living or dead). This is why a Muslim cannot accept either that Jesus (pbuh) could be the son of Allah, or the notion of trinity.
The rejection of trinity: “Christ Jesus, the son of Mary was (no more than) a Messenger of Allah.”
Jesus was NOT crucified. Holy Qur’an: An-Nisa (4) Ayah:157-158 157. That they said (in boast), “We killed Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah.” “But they killed him not, nor crucified him; but it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no (certain) knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture. For surely they killed him not.” 158: But Allah raised him up to Himself. And Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.”
However, Jesus (pbuh) is NOT Allah. A Muslim is not considered a Muslim, if he does not believe in Jesus (pbuh); but we believe in him as a Prophet, not as a God or the only begotten son of Allah and so on. The acceptance of Jesus Christ by Muslims is a fundamental article of faith in Islam. Muslims accept Jesus as one of the most distinguished apostles of Allah.
Islam is the way of ‘Unity’. Any relationship with Allah is direct and personal, without the mediation of a priest or Imam (learned Islam scholar). Only Allah can forgive sins.
INFORMATION SOURCED (directly with permission) from a booklet BASIC PRINCIPLES OF ISLAM by Mohammed F Thompson
(Published by Voice of Islam. Copyright C 2005
website: www.voiceofislamtv.com
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QUALITIES OF CHRIST IN THE QU’RAN
Sura 2.87 He is endowed with the Holy Spirit.
Surah 3:45 He is the Messiah, the Christ.
Surah 3.45-46 He is the Mediator.
Surah 3.49 He healed the sick and raised the dead.
Surah 4.158 He ascended to God.
Surah 4.171 He is a messenger of God (Allah), the Word.
Surah 5.49, 110, 111
In Surah 5.49, it says about Jesus:
‘Confirming that which came before him in the Torah, we sent him the Gospel.
He brought the gospel of guidance and light.
Surah 6.85 He is Righteous.
Surah 19.19. He is Pure and Holy.
When the angel announced to Mary the ‘gift of a holy son’ in Surah 19.19, it meant that he would be faultless, without sin.
Surah 43.61 He is coming before the hour of Judgment.
And in the Bible St Paul declares that it was actually Jesus who brought this gospel to the world.
As Paul writes in Romans 1.
16: ‘I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
and
17: For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written,
‘The just shall live by faith.”‘
website: www.voiceofislamtv.com
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ISLAMIC WEB SITES
Listed below are some useful web sites (for you to browse), if you are interested to know more about Islam and Muslims
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I hope that this information may be of interest to you…and perhaps get you thinking about these “deep and serious subjects”… and that’s my reason for sharing.
“Religion divides; whereas truth unites.”
“The way we live is far more important than what we believe.”
“Those of us who long for moderation will continue to hope for understanding of complex issues with reasoned dialogue and a spirit of understanding between different faiths.”
Humanity has far more in common than our differences, what separates us.
So isn’t WHAT UNITES US IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN WHAT DIVIDES US?
With UNDERSTANDING comes TOLERANCE and with TOLERANCE comes UNDERSTANDING.
Walk your OWN path to Highest Truth and be happy
Shared (with permission) by craig
Former Archbishop of Cape Town, South Africa Desmond Tutu once said these wise and inspiring words: “We have come to a time in the history of the world, where we need to rediscover the path to peace, and the path to peace can never be war. This pathway is lined with the concept of co-existence and co-inhabitance of the world.”
“A moment comes, which comes but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends and when the soul of a nation, long supressed, finds utterance.”
– Jahrulal Nehru, first Prime Minister of India
“It is time for people of good will from every faith, culture and nation to recognise that a terrible danger threatens humanity. We must set aside the partisan bickering between nations and join together to confront the danger that lies before us. Let us seek common ground between peoples around the globe… because what unites us is far more important than what divides us.”
“There is neither east nor west, tribe nor ethnicity, male or female, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist. Christian nor Jew. There is only a God-filled humanity.”
“Let each one of us build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls. Let us look at distant horizons together in a spirit of acceptance, helpfulness, co-operation and peace. Let our leaders look at the future with a vision – to see things not as they are, but what they could one day become.”
Let us build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls. Rather than borders, let us look at distant horizons together…in the common spirit of the value and dignity of a shared personhood – our common humanity as citizens of planet earth.”
– craig
“When people’s hearts are full of love, the world is filled with hope.”
“With passion and purpose in our individual lives we can touch others and in so doing illuminate the hearts and minds of humanity to make a better world (through helping raise the ‘collective consciousness’). Let us encourage our leaders towards an alternate vision for the world to embrace: one that banishes the fanatical ideology of intolerance and hatred to the darkness from which it emerged. Each one of us in our own little ways can offer (and most importantly, LIVE) this compelling new horizon: a bright future of justness and justice, tolerance, respect for other traditions and values. Especially a vision of hope and thoughts of peace fuelled by the eternal flame of love, which can light the darkest night… always “
– me
“God, The Essence of Life, the Ground of All Being, is leading us to the light. What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light.”
“Nothing that I can do will change the structure of the universe. But maybe, by raising my voice I can help the greatest of all cause – goodwill among men and peace on earth.”
– Albert Einstein
“What we believe is not nearly as important as how we relate, interact with each other… and how we live. Only when we can say, ‘I am first and foremost a human being, and second a Jew, Muslim, Shi’ite, a Sunni, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, or a Sikh …’ will we progress and break down barriers between peoples, nations and cultures, east and west. Let not our beliefs , but our shared humanity (ALL of us) define who we really are.”
– craig
“Whilst we can (and should) celebrate our differences, our unique cultures, let not our different beliefs set us apart as human beings, but rather let the Spirit of our shared humanity be what defines and unites us as common citizens of our planet.”
About the submitter:
In his various writings, little by little, one mind, one soul, one life at a time, Craig strives to break down social, cultural, religious and economic barriers through sharing information and “planting, then watering uplifting ideas and seeds of hope”. He truly believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share as ‘human beans’ is way more important than what divides us.
Craig’s new manuscript, ‘A New Dawn’ is set in the Middle East: In it he attempts to find ‘common ground’/principles between different religions and cultures and to try to make some difference in building bridges in an ever more dangerous, turbulent and uncertain world. A passionate story of inspiration: hope, faith, peace and especially love.
The various books that craig “felt inspired to write” (including A New Dawn’ ) are available at:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007IX0MNWhttp://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://goo.gl/vTpjk
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at
www.peacepursuit.wordpress.com
www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com
www.breakdownbarriers.wordpress.com
www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com
www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com
http://religiousunity.wordpress.com
http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com + so many others I can’t keep track (obsessive or WHAT!)
“Together, one mind, one heart, one life at a time, today let’s plant the seeds, the hope of a better and brighter future (for tomorrow)”
“God is a mystery, the ‘mystery of life’, a Creative Presence, Who/That allows me to be who I really want to be and become.”
“God, the Essence of Life, is the great mystery in the vast unknown; yet He(??) is understandable.”
“God, The Essence of Life, the Ground of All Being, is leading us to the light.
These writings may be freely published with acknowledgment to the source (Mohammed F Thompson), thanks
What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light.
“Instead of the limits of borders (of countries and of our minds) let us and our leaders expand our sense of possibility… and together let’s look at building bridges to distant horizons, far and great. Lord, help us all lift our eyes a little higher.”
– craig
– craig
May the Grace of our loving Creator care for and watch over you all … always
Beyond the Zone: God and The Spiritual Journey 