It's Virtual Crusade..

I had the most interesting conversation this week. A dear friend, God love her, ask me how I could agree to marry a man who is muslim.

I smiled and asked what did she mean by this? She said - aren't you concerned about committing your life to a man who does not believe in anything that you believe in?I took a deep breathe and realized- this is a question I will be asked at least one million times in my lifetime.I thought, maybe - just maybe, I can help shed some light on this very controversial subject.

Perhaps if you take the time to see the similarities between the two, as well as the differences, perhaps you can simply say - Oh, ... now I see. There is no one trying to convince one person of changing their view. We are all God's children. I would prefer people had the facts - and walk away informed, versus scared and ignorant.

Many blessings - and enjoy!!

Meaning of our names:Christianity - Believer in Christ (a Greek word meaning Messiah).Islam - Submission to the will of God.

Name of a believer: Christian. Muslim.

Date of founding:Christianity- circa 30 CE. Islam - 622 CE.

Name of founder(s): Christianity -Yeshua of Nazareth (aka Jesus Christ, & Paul. )Islam - Most religious historians credit Muhammad as the founder. However, Muslims generally regard Islam as dating back to the time of creation Internal divisions:

Christianity - Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, Protestant, and others. Islam - Shi'ite, Sunni, Sufi. Sufi is a mystical tradition

Concept of deity: Chrisitinas -Most believe in the Trinity; three persons in one Godhead: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Islam - God (Allah) is one and indivisible. They believe in a strict monotheism. "Allah" means God in Arabic.

Status of Yeshua of Nazareth (Jesus Christ): Christians - Generally considered the Son of God, worshiped as God; part of the Trinity.Islam - Very highly respected as the second-last prophet.

Birth of Yeshua: Christians - Conservatives: virgin conception. Liberals: conventional birth. Islam - Virgin conception.

Death of Yeshua: Chrisitans -Executed by Roman Army circa 30 CE. Islam - Was not killed, crucified, or suffered death. Muslims believe that he ascended alive into heaven.

Yeshua's location -Christians - Ascended into Heaven Islam - Ascended into Heaven Identity of "another helper" or "comforter" Christians -* Holy Spirit Islam - Muhammad

Second coming of Jesus Christians - Conservatives: expect in near future. Liberals: varied. Islam - Anticipate the second coming in the future.

Status of Adam: Christians - Disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden. Islam - Free from all major sins and faults. Some regard him as a prophet.

Main holy book: Christians - Bible Islam - Qur'an

Original languages:Christians - Hebrew, Aramaic, GreekIslam - Arabic.

Status of the holy book: Christians-Conservatives: the inerrant Word of God.Liberals: a historical spiritual document. Islam: God's word and final revelation, dictated by angel Gabriel.

Additional guidance:Christians - Writings of the leaders of the early Church.For Roman Catholics: church tradition.

Islam - The Hadith -- sayings of Muhammad .

Ethic of reciprocity (Golden rule): Christians - "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." Matthew 7:12

Islam - "Not one of you is a believer until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself."

Fourth Hadith of an-Nawawi 13

A baby's status at birth Various views.Christianity - One is that a baby is born with a sin nature, separated from God. God needs to grant grace so that he may be saved.Islam - All babies are a born in a pure state of submission to Allah. However, as they mature they are often taught other beliefs by their parents and their culture.

Life after death: Christianity - Either Heaven or Hell. Catholics believe in Purgatory as a third state. Islam - Heaven or Hell.

Basis of determining destination after death: Christianity - There is no consensus in Christianity. Different faith groups hold

Various diverse beliefs: trusting Jesus as Lord and Savior, good works, church sacraments, baptism, avoiding certain actions.

Islam - Once they reach puberty, his/her account of deeds is opened in Paradise. To attain paradise, at death, their good deeds (helping others, testifying to the truth of God, leading a virtuous life) must outweigh their evil deeds.

Confessing sins:Christianity - Roman Catholic: to God or Jesus, either directly or through a priest; Others: to God or Jesus Islam -To Allah

Probably the most misunderstood term:

Christianity - Immaculate Conception: Roman Catholics believe that the conception of the Virgin Mary, circa 20 BCE, was without sin. Many incorrectly relate it to Yeshua's' conception.

Islam - Jihad: internal, personal struggle towards the attainment of a noble goal. Many incorrectly equate it to "holy war."

Current interpretation of the Holy Book:Christianity - Ranges from statements of the Pope in Roman Catholicism to resolutions at conventions among Protestants. Learned scholars in various countries. Islam - There is no single spokesperson or authoritative group.

Name of worship center:Christianity - Church, cathedral. Islam - Mosque.

Main worship: Christianity - Sunday; Saturday for some.Islam - Friday.

Church and state: Christianity - Largely considered separate. Most Christian countries are democracies Integrated. Islam - Most Muslim countries are dictatorships with restricted human rights.

Use of statues:Christianity - Common in some denominations Islam - Absolutely forbidden. Considered a very serious form of idolatry.

Main holy days: Most Christians celebrate at least Christmas, Easter, and associated holy days. Islam - Ashura; Mawlid; lunar month of Ramadan; Eid al-Fitr; Eid al-Adha.

Most misunderstood practice: Christianity -The sacrifice of the Mass, a Roman Catholic ritual. Some Native Americans and others interpreted it as a form of ritual cannibalism.I hope that helps!!!