The Divinity of Christ. (does it get more blunt than that?)

I have been challenged by a very well-meaning, God Fearing man to prove that Jesus Christ is the son of God.

*sigh*

Tall order for a girl who just recreationally dabbles in religious debates.

This well-meaning person is my wonderful, intelligent husband. He is a devout Sunni Muslim.

*cringe*

Okay.

So - last night, my egyptian was praying, and then as he does everyday, he stops to read a chapter or so in the Qu'ran. The Qu'ran is the holy book of muslims, believed to be the actual word of God.

He ran into the living room and says, "I read the most amazing thing a moment ago. Nicole - look up the Qu'ran translation in English on the web. Then read the chapter on Mary. (Known as Miriam in Arabic.)

I decided, okay.. okay. I will humor him. I pulled up the Surah 19 and he asked me to read it aloud. I did.

At the end, the most controversial "verse" is written - the one verse that separates what my beloved and I believe:

019.086 And We shall drive the sinners to Hell, like thirsty cattle driven down to water,-
019.087 None shall have the power of intercession, but such a one as has received permission (or promise) from (God) Most Gracious.
019.088 They say: "(God) Most Gracious has begotten a son!"
019.089 Indeed ye have put forth a thing most monstrous!
019.090 As if the skies are ready to burst, the earth to split asunder, and the mountains to fall down in utter ruin.
019.091 That they should invoke a son for (God) Most Gracious.
019.092 For it is not consonant with the majesty of (God) Most Gracious that He should beget a son.
019.093 Not one of the beings in the heavens and the earth but must come to (God) Most Gracious as a servant.
019.094 He does take an account of them (all), and hath numbered them (all) exactly.
019.095 And everyone of them will come to Him singly on the Day of Judgment.
019.096 On those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, will (God) Most Gracious bestow love.
019.097 So have We made the (Qur'an) easy in thine own tongue, that with it thou mayest give Glad Tidings to the righteous, and warnings to people given to contention.
019.098 But how many (countless) generations before them have We destroyed? Canst thou find a single one of them (now) or hear (so much as) a whisper of them?

I read this aloud. I paused. I looked at my husband. He smiled and said - see.

I took a breathe and I said, "I understand what you want me to see. But I believe Jesus is the Son of God."

We went on for about an hour, discussing our reasons, and challenging one another. I took strong measures to make sure I was calm, kind, and listened. As I was talking, I prayed to God to give me the right words to say.

I want my readers to understand. My husband means well. He loves me so much - he is honestly concerned that we will not be together for eternity. He told me this. He believes that I will go to hell for believing, in what he says, polytheism. He believes that the Holy Trinity is me worshiping three Gods. Of course I tried to explain this mystery of faith, but he cannot seem to wrap his mind around it.

At the end of the conversation, I promised to provide as much information as I could in the coming weeks, to "prove" that Jesus is the Son of God. *scratching of throat.*

Okay - I am no theologian. Nope. I can hardly quote bible versus. Yes, I read the bible. Yes, I go to church. Yes, I attend a bible study from time to time. But I am not the authority on these matters.

No I am not what some might call a bible-thumper. I believe in God. I have a strong faith - but I am not armed with the right verbiage.

My husband, the love of my life, is concerned for my soul. :-) I better get to work.

In closing, I told my egyptian that it is a win-win situation for me. (Open your mind with the following statement.) I told him if I am wrong, then God would reveal it to me and by living with him I would revert (not convert - they believe we are all born muslims) and then my soul would be saved. Then I explained if I am right - then all the better. This quest will confirm and reaffirm my belief structure.

YIKES.

Should be fun... should be interesting.. time to break out the old catechism books.

LOL

If anyone has any good "evidence" - ie. verses, etc. that would help my wonderful muslim understand what it is we believe and why, I would greatly appreciate a comment or two to help create the most convincing debate.

Until next time...