Christian Theism and Islam

Subcategories of Theism

Christianity, Islam, and Judaism

Tenants of Christan Theism (God is…)

infinite, personal, omniscient, transcendent, immanent, and sovereign

Transcendent

God is beyond us in our world, lofty

Immanent

God is with us

Ominiscent

All-knowing. The Alpha and the Omega.

Sovereign

God cares to pay attention and nothing is beyond his interest, control, and authority.

Christianity Orgin

God created everything and still interacts with creation. Humans can know God and God knows humanity.

Christianity M/P

God-given. Ultimately, humanity is to glorify God nd enjoy him forever.

Christianity Morality

Objectively determined by God.

Christianity Destiny

Either with God or without the presence of God.

Christian Theism-Humanity

With Adam and Eve, humanity was created good, but something happened: The fall (leading to a sinful nature).

Christian Theism- The Fall

Genesis 3 details the account where the serpent (Satan-a fallen angel that left heaven in order to be worshipped) changes what God said to Adam and Eve about the tree. Eve is tempted.

Christian Theism- Redemption

Jesus Christ and the Gospel.

Structure of the Bible

Creation, Fall, Redemption, Sanctification, Glorification.

What God says about right and wrong

Morality is not left up to the individual to determine on their own. Theists capture the idea that morality is objectively determined by God.

The Cosmological Argument

-The argument for the existence of God

-God is the “first cause.”

-Morality is what “ought” to be done according to propositional information that is always obligated to behavior.

-The first mover (did someone intentionally put the world together?

-The argument that, if God exists, objective moral values must also exist.

-Ideas in this moral sense do matter

-Morality with God being at the center

Teleological Argument

-The argument that God put the world this way through design. Intelligence went through it.

-Intelligent design, purpose, understanding, foresight, wisdom, and intention are all explored here.

-Humans are complex. The solar system is complex.

-Things in nature without knowledge do what they are intended to do.

Basic History of Islam

-originated around Mecca

-Muhammed penned the Qur’an after having an experience in a cave with the angel Gabriel.

-Four holy books: The torah, zabur, injil, and Qur-an

-Highly steeped in the idea of submission or surrencer

-The only guarantee of paradise is Jihad or holy way. You must die as a martyr.

Pillars of Islam

Confession, prayers, fasting during Ramadan, giving of alms, pilgrimage to Mecca.

The confession

Known as the shahada “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet.”

The Prayers

Known as Salat-performed FIVE times a day facing Mecca

Fasting during Ramadan

9th month of the islamic calendar set aside for sun up to sundown fasting. No food or water.

Giving of Alms

2.5% of their overall estate each year to the poor.

The pilgrimage to Mecca

At least once in your life.

Islam Orgin

Allah (God) created everything ex nihilio. Functionally, Allah has many characteristics of the Christian God: infinite, transcendent, sovereign, and oneness. The world is a closed system.

Islam M/P

Surrender to Allah and his teachings provide a peaceful, merciful life

Islam Morality

Completely determined by Allah and the teachings of Muhammad

Islam destiny

In paradise when men enjoy luxurious life or Hell where torment awaits

Unlike the Christian God, Allah is NOT

personal, omniscient, or immanent

Islam- Humanity

Humans are the heights of God’s creation. They have been given the ability and responsibility to live up to God’s standards.

Islam’s Satan

Iblis

Actions in Islam

Fard, halal, and haram

Fard

Those that are directly commanded

Halal

Those that are permitted

Haram

Those that are prohibited

Islam- Sunni

90%. Mainstream and traditional branch. Abu Baker was chosen as the successor. 4 schools of theology (law).

Islam- Shia or Shittes

Wanted the power to pass to Ali, Muhammad’s son in law, and follows his family line from there. Great influence in the contemporary world. 3 schools of theology (law).

Islam- Kharijites

The more extreme version of Islam most notably known for their extreme view on excommunication of any Islamic sect other than their own. They broke away from the Shia during the Islamic civil war.

Islam- Ibadi

Conservative but tolerant. Violence is never their answer. Most live in Oman. No central religious figure is needed.

Islam- Ahmadiyya

The only sect that believes in the coming Messiah. They do not believe Muhammad was the final prophet. Separate the mosque and the state. Figure: Mirza Ghulam Ahmod

Islam- Sufi

Mystical Islam. Seeking a path of divine love and knowledge through personal experience. Renounce physical things in order to maintain purity in life. Chants and rituals are used.

Beliefs of Islam

-Goal to unite the world under one Islamic government

-The Qur’an is the “Good News”

-Men cannot wear clothing that is cut above the elbows, cannot wear gold, cannot wear silk

-cannot eat blood, pork, or strangled meat

People can only come to Allah if it is

His will

The three rivers in paradise

Milk, water whiskey (you can’t get drunk)