Christian Faith and Global Islam - Essay Example

Christian Faith and Global Islam Camp’s work, ‘Who is my Enemy?’ is a book emphasized on the Jesus teaching on how to love your enemy. The Camp uses the book to analyze the relationship between Muslims’ and Christians’ practices and beliefs and works on proving that the Christian and Muslim principles are different. Volf’s book, ‘Allah: A Christian Response’ is aimed at ensuring peace and reconciliation between Christians and Muslims. Through this book, Volf appreciates the difference between Christians and Muslims and the same time argues that they have similarities. As per the work of Camp and Volf; Christians and Muslims might have the same God, but the principles that govern the two religions are totally different. Global Islam The major difference that Christians and Muslims always want to know is if they really have the same God. Miroslav Volf answers this question in a positive manner, claiming that Muslims and Christians serve the same God and therefore common actions. Volf answers this question in terms of three influences and a given agenda. One of the formative influences that Volf base his arguments on is the reconciliation theology. Volf beliefs that the difference between Muslims and Christians can be solved and all they need is to embrace one another. This is based on the fact that they have common practices and given a chance they can understand one another and live peacefully. This has been supported by his comprehensive dialogue that that he has shared with the Muslims through the platform of Common Word. This teaching of Christians and Muslims worshiping the same God was impacted to him first though his father, who was a Muslim. This therefore shows the kind of excluded embrace that the Muslims are ready to offer for their understanding of Christianity (Volf 142). In the book, what Volf is adamantly trying to prove is that Muslims and Christians can live comfortably under the same roof of politics (Volf 220). And his answer to this is yes, based on his argument that the two religions share one God thus the same belief. Volf sees to it that what some of the Christians might view as differences in terms of Muslims and Christians is really not a difference if analyzed in detail. For example the fact that Muslims don’t recognize Trinity should be seen as a difference between the two religions. This is based on the fact that some Christians like the Orthodox also believe in the same principle (Volf 143). As much as some of the Volf’s arguments are strong, one would argue that they have limitations too. This can be confirmed by the inductive thinking approach that he places on his arguments. This is seen by his proclamation of the engagement rules in which he wants the followers of the two religions to focus on the common things they share and not the difference (Volf 91). Volf contends that there are similarity between the Christian and Muslim God to the extent that they are one (Volf 123). Based on these similarities, Volf beliefs that the two religions can exist peacefully and this is what makes his political solution. He argues that the major principle that governs both Christianity and Islam is that they focus on the principle of loving their God and neighbors (Volf 124) Christian Faith Lee main argument is based on the fact that one should understand the opponents point of view, more so when it comes to our enemies (Camp 7). This is an element that shows the practice of loving our neighbors, but it does not mean we have to agree with them. In the book, Lee views Muslims as enemies to the Christians. This is based on their actions and omissions that see make them to be of the opposite teaching of Christianity (Camp 14). Lee discusses the orientation of Muslims when it comes to making of war and use it in the comparison of the Christian kind of war that ever existed. Contrary to Muslims, Lee sees the teaching and the life of Jesus to be non- violent thus opposing war making and violence. This makes it hard for the two religions to live together peacefully, but rather as distinct entities (Camp 32). Lee portrays the Christian community as one that loves peace, understands the enemies and just as contrary to the Muslims. This is based on the Jesus politics that is compounded by unlimited love and suffering for the sake of others (Camp 37). This is the similar politics that was initially employed by Mohammed (condemning retaliation) but later changed as there was an increase of persecution incidences in Mecca and Medina rise to power. Contrary to Christian teachings, Muhammad encouraged the followers to attack those that impacted on their lives negatively as a defense mechanism. As considered in this scenario, Jesus condemns the use of violence while Muhammad employs violence as a means to get justice (Camp 45). Lee’s book (Chapter 14), lays emphasis on the difference between the Christians and Muslims based on the principles that govern them. He uses the chapter to analyze the difference between Jesus and Muhammad actions in which the two religions base their faith in. Contrary to Jesus who gives his life for the sake of humanity, Muhammad uses retaliation to end conflicts (Camp 105). According to Lee, any act of vengeance that is practiced by Christians is not as per the Jesus teaching. The acts that are seen in the Old Testament are in the logic and shape that could only be compared to the practices supported by Muhammad and not Jesus (Camp 106). The work of Volf tries to bring forward the similarities that are witnessed between the two religions while that of Camp shows the differences between the two. As much as Christians and Muslims might have the same God, but the principles that govern the two religions are totally different. The practices that are shown by Volf in his work are based on the principle of the ultimate God rather than the practices that govern the Muslims themselves. This is different with Camps work that lays emphasis on the practices and the rules that govern the two religions. Works Cited Camp, Lee. Who Is My Enemy?: Questions American Christians Must Face About Islam-and Themselves. Grand Rapids: Baker Pub. Group, 2011. Print. Volf, Miroslav. Allah: A Christian Response. New York: HarperOne, 2012. Print. Read More