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Islam and Christianity

Christianity and Islam share much common ground. Both trace their roots to Abraham. Both believe in prophecy, God's messengers (apostles), revelation, scripture, the resurrection of dead, and the centrality of religious community.  This last element is especially important. Both Christianity and Islam have a communitarian dimension: what the church is to Christianity the "umma" is to Islam.

Despite these significant similarities, however, these two world religions have a number of significant differences as well.  I would like to comment on these -- not to engage in any kind of polemic (since I consider polemic a sign of religious immaturity) but to foster better understanding.  A true dialogue between religions can be built only on nuanced understanding and not caricature.

I will discuss these differences under four general headings: The Understanding of God, The Understanding of Revelation, The Understanding of Sin and Salvation, and The Religious Community.

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