A Common Word?
IT’S WORTH CONSIDERING
I’ve written a lot about the differences between Islam and Christianity. Here are some that strike at the heart of each. They go beyond the outward details to the core beliefs.

Christianity stresses the worth and individuality of each person. We are unique expressions of our creator. Islam is all about conformity to a rigid set of standards. Individuals are subservient to the cause (of Islam).

Christianity produces freedom from condemnation since Christ took our punishment (for our sins- past, present, and future) on the cross. Islam is all about fearing punishment for disobedience.

Christianity demands humility and seeing others as more important. Islam promotes feeling proud and superior to non-Muslims.

Christianity rejects the judging of non-believers (a judgmental attitude). (This does not mean acceptance of their beliefs.) Islam despises everything that is not Islamic.

Christianity is all about experiencing true freedom in Christ. Islam is all about being subjected to an endless stream of demands in every area of life.

Christianity is about loving your enemies. Islam is about mistrust and hatred of Jews and Christians.

Christianity is about fathers leading, loving, and protecting their children. Islam is about Muslim fathers (in many countries) selling their daughters (before puberty) to older men.

Christianity is all about the value of life. Islam elevates death over life. Honor killings of family members are considered good since they protect Islam from being “corrupted” by disobedient females.

Christianity offers eternal life and heaven to those who believe (trusting in Christ alone for their salvation). Islam offers the promise of paradise only to those who are killed or wounded fighting for the cause of Allah.

Christianity produces a willingness to die for what you believe. Islam requires that others die for what the Muslim believes.

Christianity is all about the certainty of eternal life based on the finished work of Christ. Islam is all about never knowing if you’ve done enough.

AS I SEE IT
I could cite many more differences, but I think these make my point. They show two opposing mindsets-one of hope and one of fear. They show two completely different motivations. They reveal that there is absolutely no common ground. The two aren’t even close. They’re exact opposites. This is why Muslims’ overtures to “build bridges” between the two must be seen for what they are-disguised attempts to cover the truth in the name of tolerance. Biblically, it amounts to “suppressing the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18).

These supposed “bridge-building” attempts most often involve what Muslims call “A Common Word.” It is a document based on a verse for the Qur’an. It is also deceptive at its core, just as Islam’s prophet was deceptive in his strategies to promote his new religion. My point is that whenever you hear of any church coming together in any way with an Islamic organization, you can be certain that the deception has already made great inroads. Once again, there is no “common word” between Islam and Christianity. They are mutually exclusive at every level.

When a church is willing to “come together for an inter-faith dialog,” it has already lost the battle. Muslims have become adept at telling their enemies what they want to hear and making them believe it.

Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? (2 Cor. 6:14)

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