I have been thinking about the claims I see many Muslims making about the Holy Spirit or Advocate of God, identifying him with either Mohammed or the angel Gabriel. I believe the Bible verse that Muslims most frequently quote in reference to Mohammed is John 14:15-17, where it says “If you love me, you willContinue reading “Why do Muslims think the Holy Spirit is either Mohammed or the angel Gabriel?”
Tag Archives: muslim
No sacred language
Jew believe the word through which God spoke creation into existence was Hebrew. Muslims believe the word through which God spoke creation into existence was Arabic. Christians believe the word through which God spoke creation into existence was Jesus. I think that goes a long way to explaining why Christians have no sacred language.
Ban The Burka?
Did the prophet Jesus consider any food forbidden?
Many have suggested to me that Jesus advocated the same food laws as Mohammed and Moses. The gospel of Mark, however, tells another story: The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus and saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were defiled, that is, unwashed. (TheContinue reading “Did the prophet Jesus consider any food forbidden?”
A visual guide to Muslim head coverings
Not all hijab (head coverings) are burkas. It’s important to know the difference, especially if you’re going to shoot your mouth off about them. Burkas are the most extreme form of head covering, as they mask the eyes, but they are also the least common, at least where I live.
Speaking of Jesus in more Arabic ways
I have been finding it interesting to explore how the greetings and affirmations of the New Testament authors sound when phrased in a more Arabic ways. Consider these examples: Salam to all of you who are in al-Masih (1 Peter 5:14) Mercy and salam to you from Allah our Father and from Ar-Rabb Isa al-Masih. (RomansContinue reading “Speaking of Jesus in more Arabic ways”
Practicing reconciliation between Muslims and Christians
As a moderator of the The Christian-Muslim Interfaith Bridge it shouldn’t be any surprise that I’m interested in how we practically practice (yes, I know I’m verging on tautology) reconciliation between Muslims and Christians. Recently I came across these comments in Peace-Building by, between, and beyond Muslims and Evangelical Christians by Mohammed Abu-Nimer and David Augsburger (Editors):Continue reading “Practicing reconciliation between Muslims and Christians”
Hot under the collar over dress codes?
There have been some vigorous debates over dress codes lately but I have to ask, what would a universally acceptable dress code even look like? In some (sub)cultures full body coverings including face coverings are mandatory for all. In some (sub)cultures clothing is optional. Two extremes on a spectrum. In my own culture jeans andContinue reading “Hot under the collar over dress codes?”
Interpreting the Quran more carefully
There are many verses in the Quran which, at face value, seem quite hostile to Jews and Christians, sometimes violently so. However, if I have learnt anything from my interactions with Muslims it is that we need to interpret the Quran more carefully. And that means contextually. Problem is, the Quran itself provides no narrativeContinue reading “Interpreting the Quran more carefully”
What are the five pillars of Islam?
If you know nothing else about Islamic ritual and practice make sure you know this. These are known as the five pillars of Islam. Shahadah: declaring there is no god except God and that Muhammad is God’s Messenger Salat: ritual prayer five times a day Zakat: giving 2.5% of one’s savings to the poor andContinue reading “What are the five pillars of Islam?”
Curious Christian 