Introduction
I put my hands together to thank the almighty for giving me the strength to write on this topic. The readers may agree or may not but my task is to write and your task is to read. I have no hidden agenda and I write the truth based on the facts. You need to read this subject without PRECONCEIVED perception. You need to read and understand as what is written. In other words, you see what you feel instead of feeling what you see. Our mind is also a master of deception. For instance, you may judge someone to be intellectually inferior to you simply because they share another opinion.
Many of you believe in the religion you were born in. You are taught about your religion from a very young age until it becomes embedded to your subconscious. When this process happens, it’s very difficult to discuss based on logic. Logic is often superseded by blind faith. The result of embedment in your subconscious mind often would supersede what you read. As an example, you may read the word “red” but your mental picture of the colour “red” will be the colour embedded in your subconscious mind. If your subconscious embedded storage represents “red” to the colour of “yellow”, then every time you read the word “red” but you’ll understand it as “yellow”. That’s the power of your subconscious mind.
The subconscious mind
Think of the subconscious mind as the storage room of everything that is currently not in your conscious mind. The subconscious mind stores all of your previous life experiences, your beliefs, your memories, your skills, all situations you've been through and all images you've ever seen.
The best way to understand the subconscious mind is to look at the example of the person who wants to learn how to drive a car. At the beginning he wouldn't be able to hold a conversation with anyone while driving as he would be focusing on the different moves involved. That's because he's still using his conscious mind to drive.
The subconscious mind; your Autopilot!
Few weeks later driving becomes a natural habit that happens automatically without needing to think about it. That person could even start using his cell phone or talking to his friends while driving. This happened because the driving habit has been transferred to his subconscious mind and so the conscious mind becomes free. This allowed him to use it to talk in his cell phone.
The subconscious mind is responsible for the automatically triggered feelings and emotions that you suddenly experience upon facing a new situation. If you were about to give a presentation then all the fear and anxiety feelings you might experience are in fact launched and controlled by your subconscious mind.
The conscious mind is, on the other hand, responsible for logic, calculations and all actions that are performed while you are conscious. The subconscious mind also controls other functions in your body like breathing and heart beats.
Another good example that can help you better understand the subconscious mind is the process of breathing. Before you started reading the previous line your breathing was controlled by your subconscious. I want you now to try and control your breathing for one minute. You will be able to do so of course. This time it was the conscious mind that was controlling your breathing, but when you let go of your focus your subconscious mind will take over again.
How you can you program your subconscious mind
When the information about driving is stored into your subconscious mind it's stored as a program. Think of your mind as a computer and the driving information as software that can be run automatically whenever needed. The same goes for lots of other activities and emotions. If someone annoyed you the installed program of anger is going to be launched and the result will be a behaviour that you may regret later. By programming the subconscious mind with new programs you can fix many problems in your personality. Just make sure that your autopilot is capable of running your system without ruining your life or causing you any problems.
Programming your subconscious can be done through hypnosis. The subconscious mind learns by repetition and not by logic. This is why you can convince someone to believe in something by repeating your argument again and again rather than using logic.
Religion
In today’s world people wants to adopt a religious faith just because of a fear of death and for psychological needs. A journey to the unknown world, people are scared. People need security in the unknown. Many people believe that there is only one "top-down" religion: i.e. there is only a single religion revealed by God to humanity. That sole religion is, of course, their own. Meanwhile they believe that all other religions are "bottom-up" faiths: i.e. religions created by humans to express their concept of God. It is difficult for a person to respect other religions if they "know" that their religion, alone, is the true one. Many feel that they are God's only representatives on Earth; in fact, they are God's arms and legs. They feel a need to be God's defenders. Religious beliefs are largely based on faith rather than reason. This means that conflicts among religions cannot be easily settled through dialogue. Disagreements can often escalate.
Among all the religions, Islam is one of the most common misunderstood religion by majority of human race. Many people percepts Islam as terrorist organisation, where civilians are trained to be suicide bombers and a professional terrorist. Well, I can't blame people for having such a perception because of the way some Muslims behaves and the way some medias exaggerate their reports on Islam. Simply calling oneself a Muslim, while ignoring the commands of God, does not make one a Muslim. By the way, Islam does not manufacture suicide bombers and terrorist. People who claim themselves as Muslim and become suicide bombers and terrorist is because as the famous saying "too many cooks, spoil the soup", meaning too many people following too many books apart from Quran as a book of guidance to Islam. Islamic teachings are simple and misunderstood even by the Muslims.
One Way Ticket To Heaven
Many of you believe by converting to another religion, you are given a ticket to go directly to heaven. This is the most common misconception about converting. People think they can adopt a name of a religion, change their own name and appearance, recite a one line declaration or be baptized by water or by fire or by ash and they are magically changed into another person. Once they become a new person by name, they believe they are automatically saved, many people are deceived with this misconception.
I have heard especially monotheistic religion teaches that after converting to their religion, your past sins are forgiven. You start with a clean sheet of paper. Example, you have raped, robbed and murdered and if you become a Muslim or a Christian, your sins are forgiven. Can this theory be practiced in a Islamic or a Christianity country? Let’s say you have committed a crime in Malaysia or in Philippines and you are a non Muslim or non Christian, just before the verdict you repent and become a Muslim or a Christan. Can the judge forgive your crimes and immediately set you free? If the answer is no, why not?
Your sins are not forgiven and you must pay for your past crimes. At present time you don’t need religious teachings to judge what’s right or wrong. Unless you tell me you never knew to rape was wrong and against all religious teachings and the country’s constitution. Even then you’ll still be punished by the jury. So what happened to the forgiveness of sins, or is it your sins are forgiven but you still need to serve the punishments.
Belief!
Religion is a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny. It’s an institution to express belief in a divine power. Belief is an acceptance of something exist or it’s true, it’s a firmly held opinion especially one without prove. Beliefs can heal a person, can kill a person, and can motivate a person to do evil or to do well. When beliefs are challenged, people can react emotionally and sometimes violently.
When you say you believe in God, meaning you believe in His existence. Now the question is, do you want to participate in His teachings? No, I believe in His existence but I don’t want to participate in any religious teachings. They want to play safe and don’t want to hurt anybodies feeling or don’t want to be govern by any law restricting their freedom.
The other kind of belief is, they believe and want to participate. Then again, are they committed hundred percent or just for name sake. Usually, people frighten away from religious teachings because of the unnecessary self made law. They make self made laws and blame it on God.
Christianity
The Christians believes in the Torah, Psalms & The Gospel. The Christians believes in the Trinity, God as The Father, Jesus as The Son & The Holy Spirit as The Spirit of God. The Christians have many different denominations and congregations. Generally, it's Roman Catholic and Protestants. The first Christians are Roman Catholics and they believe The Holy Spirit inspired them to write their Bible of 73 Books.The Protestants are broken into uncountable denominations and after about 1300 years later Holy Spirit inspired them to reduce 7 Books from the original 73 Books and now their Bible consist of 66 Books. Roman Catholic 73 Books and Protestant 66 Books.
Protestantism is one of the three major branches of Christianity, along with Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. It shares with all other Christians core beliefs in the doctrines of the Trinity and the divinity of Jesus, the necessity of grace to save humans from the consequences of sin, and the centrality of Jesus' death and resurrection for salvation.
Protestantism formed from the split with Roman Catholicism during the Reformation in the 16th century. Led by Martin Luther, John Calvin, and others, the reformers broke from the Roman Catholic Church due to theological differences.
There are more than 500 million Protestants worldwide—they make up over 40 percent of Christians. All have their origins, some more directly than others, in the 16th-century Reformation begun by Martin Luther.
Christian Beliefs
Did Jesus deny being God ?
Did Jesus make statements regarding his status, the words, the will and the power he used ? Let us find out.
Some Christians, (not all) claim that Jesus implied that he was God. From the above verses, we see that Jesus denied being God. It now leaves the Christians who believe Jesus is God to provide just one single verse in the Bible where Jesus says "I am God". There is no such verse, so we see from the many quotes above, that the House did not belong to Jesus, it belonged to the ONE WHO SENT him.
Is Jesus the Unique son of God ?
The Bible confirms that Jesus is not the unique son of God.
"And thou [Moses] shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my first born." (Exodus 4:22)
"He [Solomon] shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. I will be his father and he shall be my son." (II Samuel 7:13-14)
"I am a father to Israel and Ephraim is my firstborn"(Jeremiah 31:9), 'long before Jesus was born'
"I will declare the decree:the Lord hath said unto me [David], Thou art my son; this day have I begotten thee."(Psalm 2:7)
and "Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God"(Luke3: 38).
Is Jesus still unique because he had no father?
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Submission [Islam]
Submission [Islam] began with the first man, Adam, when he submitted himself to God. Therefore, the word “Islam” simply means Submission to God. The word "Muslim" in Arabic means "one who submits to the will of God". So anyone who believes in God and follows the commands of God is considered a Muslim. Prophet Abraham is reported in the Quran as the first user of the word “Islam” and the one who called us “Muslims,” i.e., Submitters (22:78). Islam is called The Religion of Abraham throughout the Quran (2:130, 135; 3:95; 4:125; 6:161; 12:37-38; 16:123; 22:78). Moreover, the Quran informs us that Muhammad was a follower of Abraham (16:123).
Islam is the third and final Abrahamic religion, after Torah and Gospel. It is believed that the descendents of Islam can be attributed directly to Abraham. "Abraham married Sarah. Sarah had no son, so Abraham, wanting to continue his line, took Hagar for his second wife. She bore him a son Ishmael, whereupon Sarah conceived and likewise had a son, named Isaac. Sarah then demanded that Abraham banish Ishmael and Hagar from the tribe. This is where the first divergence arises between the biblical and Qu'ranic accounts. According to the Qu'ran, Ishmael went to the place where Mecca was to rise. His descendants became Muslims; whereas those of Isaac were Hebrews and became Jews.
The message of Islam was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad . It was revealed through angel Gabriel and was thus preserved in the Holy Quran. The Holy Quran carries a Divine guarantee of safeguard from interpolation (Quran 15:9), and it claims that it combines the best features of the earlier scriptures (Quran 3:3). The prime message of Islam is the Unity of God, that the Creator of the world is One and He alone is worthy of worship.
A Muslim’s other beliefs are:
A Muslim has five main duties (5 Pillars)
Misconceptions
1. Dogs in the Quran ?? Are'nt they forbidden - dirty (Najis)?
It is interesting to know that dogs are mentioned in the not just once, 7:176, 18:18, 18:22 (three times). NO WHERE does God call the dogs dirty animals or give any indication that they should be avoided or treated the way many Muslims think they should.
2. Is gold and silk forbidden for men?
No, it's not forbidden for men. (Quran 7:32)
3. Are musical instruments forbidden for Muslims?
It is a great blessing from God that He committed in our service everything. The Quran does not exclude music from His blessings. Music is one of God's wonderful creations. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that music can make us feel good!
4. Can Muslim men have several wives?
It is allowed in extreme circumstances where it would be the lesser evil as such. For example, if one wife cannot conceive but does not want to be divorced, the man can marry again to have children. Or if one wife is in jail, or if there was a war and several women were left widowed so to protect women they could be taken as second wives...each situation can be different but if you feel you cannot be equitable and it will create more problems then solve them, then don't do it! (Quran 4:3,19,20,129; 33:4)
5. Should new Muslim converts change their name?
Islam is to denounce idolatry and no identity. ...He has chosen you and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion.... (Quran 22.78)
6. Are men and women equal in Islam?
Of course. God says in the Quran that men and women are equal. If God says this, then who are we to dispute it? (Quran 3:195, 4:32, 9:71 )
7. Why do Muslims follow Muhammad?
Muslims do not follow Muhammad. They follow the word of God that was revealed to prophet Muhammad. (Quran 3:79-80)
8. Is Muhammad the last prophet?
Yes, according To the Quran, Muhammad is the seal of the prophets. But the Quran says that a messenger is sent to every community. (Quran. 7:35, l0:47, 33:40)
9. In some cultures there is a system of dowry. Does one exist in Islam?
Yes. The dowry is to be paid to the bride. (Quran 2:236, 4-4)
10. Is Prophet Muhammad allowed to HARAM (prohibit) & HALAL (lawful or allow) anything?
No, the Prophet is not allowed to do so. Only God (Allah) is allowed to do so. (Quran 66:1)
11. At the present time is there any other scriptures for the Muslims to follow apart from the Quran?
Only The Quran
FAQ
1. What is Islam?
That is the most misunderstood Word. It simply means submission. Anyone submitting to the one God is practicing Islam and is a Muslim or a Submitter. (Quran 3:19, 3:85, 21:92)
2. One God? Which God? Allah?
Yes, but Allah is simply an Arabic word meaning 'The One God', that being the Creator of the Universe. (Quran 2:255). Arab Christians and Jews also use the same word (Allah) for God.
A verse in The Quran says "Such is God your Lord, there is no god except He, The Creator of all things. You shall worship Him alone..." (Quran 6:102). This is The same God that Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad worshipped.
3. So anyone who submits to Allah or God is a Submitter [Muslim]?
Yes. Again Islam means submission. Anyone who submits to the One God, believes in the Hereafter and leads a righteous life is called a Muslim or Submitter. (Quran 2:62)
4. If that's all that's required, then why do Muslims pray five times a day?
It's for our benefit. God decrees these prayers as a means of remembrance of Him and to keep us on the right path. God doesn't need our prayers. (Quran 2:3, 23:1,2, 24:41)
The Quran specifies the times for the prayer as was given to Abraham and his two sons. (Quran 22:26)
5. Abraham? I thought Muhammad was the founder of Islam.
No, Muhammad was not the founder of Islam. He was the prophet who received the Quran and he was told in the Quran to follow the religion of Abraham including the practices such as salat or prayer, fasting, charity, and the pilgrimage. (Quran 2:97,128, 6:161, 16:1-3, I7:1, 21:72,73, 53:1,18)
6. You mentioned Muhammad as a prophet. Do Muslims believe in other prophets?
Yes, the Quran mentions several messengers and prophets by name and says there are many other messengers. Some of the ones mentioned are: Lot, Job, Jonah, Moses, David, Solomon, Joseph, Jacob, Noah Jesus, the son of Mary. Their stories are recounted in the Quran. (Quran 10:47, 13:7, 16:36)
7. Jesus, The son of Mary. Is That the Virgin Mary?
Yes, we believe in Mary, The mother of Jesus. In fact, chapter 19 of the Quran is entitled MARY and tells the story of MARY and the birth of Jesus. (Quran 19:16-36).
8. I believe There are some common practices in your religion.one of them being fasting. Could you tell us what that is about?
Fasting is observed during the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. While fasting, Muslims are not permitted to eat, drink or have sex from dawn to dusk. After sunset and before dawn they can do these things as they please. (Quran 2:183, 184, 187. 194, 5:89,95, 19:26, 58:4)
9. How about the pilgrimage?
The pilgrimage is called the Hajj and is supposed to be performed at least once in a lifetime if one is able. It requires making a trip to Mecca in Saudi Arabia and performing certain rites which are outlined in the Quran. The main purpose of the pilgrims is to perform the Hajj as decreed to them and commemorate God all the time during the Hajj period. The rites mainly take place around the kaaba, which is the focal point for all Muslims when performing the prayers. The kaaba was originally built by Abraham as a place of worship, (Quran 2:158,196-2OO,203, 3:97, 5:1,95-96, 9:3,19, 22:26,29, 28:27, 48:25-27)
I0. I've heard the word "zakat" mentioned by Muslims. What is this?
Zakat is a form of charity generally accepted at a rate of 2.5% of one's earnings. It is payable when one receives income and should be distributed amongst one's family, the orphans, the poor, or needy travelers according to their need. (Quran 2:43,2 ! 5, 6:141, 7:156)
I1. I understand that Muslims get together on Fridays, what is the reason for that?
God tells us in the Quran that all believers, male and female, should attend the Friday congregational prayer which is the noon prayer of the five daily prayers. This prayer is required to be done as a group rather than individually, on Fridays. (Quran 62:9). Just a note here that before Muslims pray they prepare themselves by washing their faces, arms and feet and wiping their head with wet hands. Sometimes people see us in a bathroom doing this and they wonder what we're up to. (Quran 4:43, 5:6)
12. All religions have a moral code That they follow. What is expected of a Muslim in terms of conduct and morality?
This is a very big topic but to give you some idea:
13. We've heard a lot about jihad during many of the military conflicts around the world. can you tell us what it means?
The word actually means striving in the cause of something. Jihad when used in reference to Holy War would mean that people are striving or struggling to practice their religion in the face of oppression or opposition. (Quran 2:190, 4:94, 60:8-9)
14. Americans in some Islamic countries were prohibited from drinking alcohol. Is There an Islamic basis on this?
First of all, a Muslim cannot impose his or her religious beliefs on anyone else. I think it has already been mentioned that there is no compulsion in religion (Quran 2:256). However, God makes it clear in the Quran that alcohol has some benefits but the evil far outweighs the good. Therefore, God says, stay away from it. (Quran 2:219, 5:90). Another verse mentions that intoxicants and gambling are satanic abominations. This again shows how God abhors these practices.
15. How would you then view prescribed drugs or drugs for treatment ?
There is a precedent in the Quran where in extenuating circumstances one is allowed to take something which is normally prohibited. For example, eating of pork is permissible if facing starvation. So it seems that life saving measures are allowed. (Quran 2:173, 5:3, 6:145)
16. So normally pork is prohibited. Are there any other dietary prohibitions ?
Yes, the Quran also prohibits eating animals that die of themselves (or carrion), running blood, and animals dedicated to other than God. Injured animals are also prohibited. (Quran 2:173, 5:3, 6:145)
17. If there is a major commandment in the Quran, what would it be?
Without a doubt, the major commandment is to refrain from all forms of idolatry. Our basis of faith is that there is no god but the One God. He alone is worthy of worship. Worshipping other than God in any way would be considered idolatry which is defined as an unforgivable sin if maintained until death, (Quran 4:48,116)
Thank you very much for reading The Truth Beyond The Truth!
References:
I put my hands together to thank the almighty for giving me the strength to write on this topic. The readers may agree or may not but my task is to write and your task is to read. I have no hidden agenda and I write the truth based on the facts. You need to read this subject without PRECONCEIVED perception. You need to read and understand as what is written. In other words, you see what you feel instead of feeling what you see. Our mind is also a master of deception. For instance, you may judge someone to be intellectually inferior to you simply because they share another opinion.
Many of you believe in the religion you were born in. You are taught about your religion from a very young age until it becomes embedded to your subconscious. When this process happens, it’s very difficult to discuss based on logic. Logic is often superseded by blind faith. The result of embedment in your subconscious mind often would supersede what you read. As an example, you may read the word “red” but your mental picture of the colour “red” will be the colour embedded in your subconscious mind. If your subconscious embedded storage represents “red” to the colour of “yellow”, then every time you read the word “red” but you’ll understand it as “yellow”. That’s the power of your subconscious mind.
The subconscious mind
Think of the subconscious mind as the storage room of everything that is currently not in your conscious mind. The subconscious mind stores all of your previous life experiences, your beliefs, your memories, your skills, all situations you've been through and all images you've ever seen.
The best way to understand the subconscious mind is to look at the example of the person who wants to learn how to drive a car. At the beginning he wouldn't be able to hold a conversation with anyone while driving as he would be focusing on the different moves involved. That's because he's still using his conscious mind to drive.
The subconscious mind; your Autopilot!
Few weeks later driving becomes a natural habit that happens automatically without needing to think about it. That person could even start using his cell phone or talking to his friends while driving. This happened because the driving habit has been transferred to his subconscious mind and so the conscious mind becomes free. This allowed him to use it to talk in his cell phone.
The subconscious mind is responsible for the automatically triggered feelings and emotions that you suddenly experience upon facing a new situation. If you were about to give a presentation then all the fear and anxiety feelings you might experience are in fact launched and controlled by your subconscious mind.
The conscious mind is, on the other hand, responsible for logic, calculations and all actions that are performed while you are conscious. The subconscious mind also controls other functions in your body like breathing and heart beats.
Another good example that can help you better understand the subconscious mind is the process of breathing. Before you started reading the previous line your breathing was controlled by your subconscious. I want you now to try and control your breathing for one minute. You will be able to do so of course. This time it was the conscious mind that was controlling your breathing, but when you let go of your focus your subconscious mind will take over again.
How you can you program your subconscious mind
When the information about driving is stored into your subconscious mind it's stored as a program. Think of your mind as a computer and the driving information as software that can be run automatically whenever needed. The same goes for lots of other activities and emotions. If someone annoyed you the installed program of anger is going to be launched and the result will be a behaviour that you may regret later. By programming the subconscious mind with new programs you can fix many problems in your personality. Just make sure that your autopilot is capable of running your system without ruining your life or causing you any problems.
Programming your subconscious can be done through hypnosis. The subconscious mind learns by repetition and not by logic. This is why you can convince someone to believe in something by repeating your argument again and again rather than using logic.
Religion
In today’s world people wants to adopt a religious faith just because of a fear of death and for psychological needs. A journey to the unknown world, people are scared. People need security in the unknown. Many people believe that there is only one "top-down" religion: i.e. there is only a single religion revealed by God to humanity. That sole religion is, of course, their own. Meanwhile they believe that all other religions are "bottom-up" faiths: i.e. religions created by humans to express their concept of God. It is difficult for a person to respect other religions if they "know" that their religion, alone, is the true one. Many feel that they are God's only representatives on Earth; in fact, they are God's arms and legs. They feel a need to be God's defenders. Religious beliefs are largely based on faith rather than reason. This means that conflicts among religions cannot be easily settled through dialogue. Disagreements can often escalate.
Among all the religions, Islam is one of the most common misunderstood religion by majority of human race. Many people percepts Islam as terrorist organisation, where civilians are trained to be suicide bombers and a professional terrorist. Well, I can't blame people for having such a perception because of the way some Muslims behaves and the way some medias exaggerate their reports on Islam. Simply calling oneself a Muslim, while ignoring the commands of God, does not make one a Muslim. By the way, Islam does not manufacture suicide bombers and terrorist. People who claim themselves as Muslim and become suicide bombers and terrorist is because as the famous saying "too many cooks, spoil the soup", meaning too many people following too many books apart from Quran as a book of guidance to Islam. Islamic teachings are simple and misunderstood even by the Muslims.
One Way Ticket To Heaven
Many of you believe by converting to another religion, you are given a ticket to go directly to heaven. This is the most common misconception about converting. People think they can adopt a name of a religion, change their own name and appearance, recite a one line declaration or be baptized by water or by fire or by ash and they are magically changed into another person. Once they become a new person by name, they believe they are automatically saved, many people are deceived with this misconception.
I have heard especially monotheistic religion teaches that after converting to their religion, your past sins are forgiven. You start with a clean sheet of paper. Example, you have raped, robbed and murdered and if you become a Muslim or a Christian, your sins are forgiven. Can this theory be practiced in a Islamic or a Christianity country? Let’s say you have committed a crime in Malaysia or in Philippines and you are a non Muslim or non Christian, just before the verdict you repent and become a Muslim or a Christan. Can the judge forgive your crimes and immediately set you free? If the answer is no, why not?
Your sins are not forgiven and you must pay for your past crimes. At present time you don’t need religious teachings to judge what’s right or wrong. Unless you tell me you never knew to rape was wrong and against all religious teachings and the country’s constitution. Even then you’ll still be punished by the jury. So what happened to the forgiveness of sins, or is it your sins are forgiven but you still need to serve the punishments.
Belief!
Religion is a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny. It’s an institution to express belief in a divine power. Belief is an acceptance of something exist or it’s true, it’s a firmly held opinion especially one without prove. Beliefs can heal a person, can kill a person, and can motivate a person to do evil or to do well. When beliefs are challenged, people can react emotionally and sometimes violently.
When you say you believe in God, meaning you believe in His existence. Now the question is, do you want to participate in His teachings? No, I believe in His existence but I don’t want to participate in any religious teachings. They want to play safe and don’t want to hurt anybodies feeling or don’t want to be govern by any law restricting their freedom.
The other kind of belief is, they believe and want to participate. Then again, are they committed hundred percent or just for name sake. Usually, people frighten away from religious teachings because of the unnecessary self made law. They make self made laws and blame it on God.
Christianity
The Christians believes in the Torah, Psalms & The Gospel. The Christians believes in the Trinity, God as The Father, Jesus as The Son & The Holy Spirit as The Spirit of God. The Christians have many different denominations and congregations. Generally, it's Roman Catholic and Protestants. The first Christians are Roman Catholics and they believe The Holy Spirit inspired them to write their Bible of 73 Books.The Protestants are broken into uncountable denominations and after about 1300 years later Holy Spirit inspired them to reduce 7 Books from the original 73 Books and now their Bible consist of 66 Books. Roman Catholic 73 Books and Protestant 66 Books.
Protestantism is one of the three major branches of Christianity, along with Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. It shares with all other Christians core beliefs in the doctrines of the Trinity and the divinity of Jesus, the necessity of grace to save humans from the consequences of sin, and the centrality of Jesus' death and resurrection for salvation.
Protestantism formed from the split with Roman Catholicism during the Reformation in the 16th century. Led by Martin Luther, John Calvin, and others, the reformers broke from the Roman Catholic Church due to theological differences.
There are more than 500 million Protestants worldwide—they make up over 40 percent of Christians. All have their origins, some more directly than others, in the 16th-century Reformation begun by Martin Luther.
Christian Beliefs
- The Bible is the Word of God. It is inspired and inerrant in its original autographs. It is a complete and final revelation of God.
- There is one God and only one God. He is personal and knowable. He manifests Himself in three persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
- Jesus Christ is God manifest in the flesh, born of a virgin, without sin, and the chosen Messiah who will one day set up his kingdom on earth.
- Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins, was buried, rose again from the dead, ascended back to heaven, and will one day return to this earth again.
Did Jesus deny being God ?
Did Jesus make statements regarding his status, the words, the will and the power he used ? Let us find out.
- Joh 7:16 Jesus answered them and said, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me.
- Joh 14:24 "He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father's who sent Me.
- Joh 12:49 "For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak.
- Joh 4:34 Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me, and to accomplish his work.
- Joh 6:38 "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.
- Lu 22:42 saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done."
- Joh 5:30 "I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.
- Joh 8:42 Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I proceeded and came forth from God; I came not of my own accord, but he sent me.
- Mr 13:32 "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
- Mt 24:36 "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.
- Joh 7:16 So Jesus answered them, "My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me;
- Mt 7:21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
- Mr 10:18 And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.
- 8:50 "And I do not seek My own glory; there is One who seeks and judges.
Some Christians, (not all) claim that Jesus implied that he was God. From the above verses, we see that Jesus denied being God. It now leaves the Christians who believe Jesus is God to provide just one single verse in the Bible where Jesus says "I am God". There is no such verse, so we see from the many quotes above, that the House did not belong to Jesus, it belonged to the ONE WHO SENT him.
Is Jesus the Unique son of God ?
The Bible confirms that Jesus is not the unique son of God.
"And thou [Moses] shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my first born." (Exodus 4:22)
"He [Solomon] shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. I will be his father and he shall be my son." (II Samuel 7:13-14)
"I am a father to Israel and Ephraim is my firstborn"(Jeremiah 31:9), 'long before Jesus was born'
"I will declare the decree:the Lord hath said unto me [David], Thou art my son; this day have I begotten thee."(Psalm 2:7)
and "Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God"(Luke3: 38).
Is Jesus still unique because he had no father?
- Well brothers and sisters, Adam and Eve had no father or mother. Jesus is a word of God, God said "be" and then Jesus was create. Jesus called himself son of man and refused to be called son of God.
- "And the devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak; for they knew that he was Christ." (Luke 4:11)
- and again "He [Jesus] said unto them [the disciples], But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God. And he straightly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing." (Luke 9:20 and 21).
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Submission [Islam]
Submission [Islam] began with the first man, Adam, when he submitted himself to God. Therefore, the word “Islam” simply means Submission to God. The word "Muslim" in Arabic means "one who submits to the will of God". So anyone who believes in God and follows the commands of God is considered a Muslim. Prophet Abraham is reported in the Quran as the first user of the word “Islam” and the one who called us “Muslims,” i.e., Submitters (22:78). Islam is called The Religion of Abraham throughout the Quran (2:130, 135; 3:95; 4:125; 6:161; 12:37-38; 16:123; 22:78). Moreover, the Quran informs us that Muhammad was a follower of Abraham (16:123).
Islam is the third and final Abrahamic religion, after Torah and Gospel. It is believed that the descendents of Islam can be attributed directly to Abraham. "Abraham married Sarah. Sarah had no son, so Abraham, wanting to continue his line, took Hagar for his second wife. She bore him a son Ishmael, whereupon Sarah conceived and likewise had a son, named Isaac. Sarah then demanded that Abraham banish Ishmael and Hagar from the tribe. This is where the first divergence arises between the biblical and Qu'ranic accounts. According to the Qu'ran, Ishmael went to the place where Mecca was to rise. His descendants became Muslims; whereas those of Isaac were Hebrews and became Jews.
The message of Islam was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad . It was revealed through angel Gabriel and was thus preserved in the Holy Quran. The Holy Quran carries a Divine guarantee of safeguard from interpolation (Quran 15:9), and it claims that it combines the best features of the earlier scriptures (Quran 3:3). The prime message of Islam is the Unity of God, that the Creator of the world is One and He alone is worthy of worship.
A Muslim’s other beliefs are:
- Belief in one God
- Belief in the Prophets, from Adam to Muhammad
- Belief the four Holy Books - Torah, Psalms, Gospel, Quran
- Belief in Angels
- Belief in The Day of Judgement
- Belief in the Decree of God.
A Muslim has five main duties (5 Pillars)
- Bearing witness to the Unity of God
- Observing the prescribed prayer
- Payment of Zakat
- Keeping the fasts of Ramadhan
- Performing the pilgrimage to Mecca
Misconceptions
1. Dogs in the Quran ?? Are'nt they forbidden - dirty (Najis)?
It is interesting to know that dogs are mentioned in the not just once, 7:176, 18:18, 18:22 (three times). NO WHERE does God call the dogs dirty animals or give any indication that they should be avoided or treated the way many Muslims think they should.
2. Is gold and silk forbidden for men?
No, it's not forbidden for men. (Quran 7:32)
3. Are musical instruments forbidden for Muslims?
It is a great blessing from God that He committed in our service everything. The Quran does not exclude music from His blessings. Music is one of God's wonderful creations. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that music can make us feel good!
4. Can Muslim men have several wives?
It is allowed in extreme circumstances where it would be the lesser evil as such. For example, if one wife cannot conceive but does not want to be divorced, the man can marry again to have children. Or if one wife is in jail, or if there was a war and several women were left widowed so to protect women they could be taken as second wives...each situation can be different but if you feel you cannot be equitable and it will create more problems then solve them, then don't do it! (Quran 4:3,19,20,129; 33:4)
5. Should new Muslim converts change their name?
Islam is to denounce idolatry and no identity. ...He has chosen you and has imposed no difficulties on you in religion.... (Quran 22.78)
6. Are men and women equal in Islam?
Of course. God says in the Quran that men and women are equal. If God says this, then who are we to dispute it? (Quran 3:195, 4:32, 9:71 )
7. Why do Muslims follow Muhammad?
Muslims do not follow Muhammad. They follow the word of God that was revealed to prophet Muhammad. (Quran 3:79-80)
8. Is Muhammad the last prophet?
Yes, according To the Quran, Muhammad is the seal of the prophets. But the Quran says that a messenger is sent to every community. (Quran. 7:35, l0:47, 33:40)
9. In some cultures there is a system of dowry. Does one exist in Islam?
Yes. The dowry is to be paid to the bride. (Quran 2:236, 4-4)
10. Is Prophet Muhammad allowed to HARAM (prohibit) & HALAL (lawful or allow) anything?
No, the Prophet is not allowed to do so. Only God (Allah) is allowed to do so. (Quran 66:1)
11. At the present time is there any other scriptures for the Muslims to follow apart from the Quran?
Only The Quran
FAQ
1. What is Islam?
That is the most misunderstood Word. It simply means submission. Anyone submitting to the one God is practicing Islam and is a Muslim or a Submitter. (Quran 3:19, 3:85, 21:92)
2. One God? Which God? Allah?
Yes, but Allah is simply an Arabic word meaning 'The One God', that being the Creator of the Universe. (Quran 2:255). Arab Christians and Jews also use the same word (Allah) for God.
A verse in The Quran says "Such is God your Lord, there is no god except He, The Creator of all things. You shall worship Him alone..." (Quran 6:102). This is The same God that Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad worshipped.
3. So anyone who submits to Allah or God is a Submitter [Muslim]?
Yes. Again Islam means submission. Anyone who submits to the One God, believes in the Hereafter and leads a righteous life is called a Muslim or Submitter. (Quran 2:62)
4. If that's all that's required, then why do Muslims pray five times a day?
It's for our benefit. God decrees these prayers as a means of remembrance of Him and to keep us on the right path. God doesn't need our prayers. (Quran 2:3, 23:1,2, 24:41)
The Quran specifies the times for the prayer as was given to Abraham and his two sons. (Quran 22:26)
5. Abraham? I thought Muhammad was the founder of Islam.
No, Muhammad was not the founder of Islam. He was the prophet who received the Quran and he was told in the Quran to follow the religion of Abraham including the practices such as salat or prayer, fasting, charity, and the pilgrimage. (Quran 2:97,128, 6:161, 16:1-3, I7:1, 21:72,73, 53:1,18)
6. You mentioned Muhammad as a prophet. Do Muslims believe in other prophets?
Yes, the Quran mentions several messengers and prophets by name and says there are many other messengers. Some of the ones mentioned are: Lot, Job, Jonah, Moses, David, Solomon, Joseph, Jacob, Noah Jesus, the son of Mary. Their stories are recounted in the Quran. (Quran 10:47, 13:7, 16:36)
7. Jesus, The son of Mary. Is That the Virgin Mary?
Yes, we believe in Mary, The mother of Jesus. In fact, chapter 19 of the Quran is entitled MARY and tells the story of MARY and the birth of Jesus. (Quran 19:16-36).
8. I believe There are some common practices in your religion.one of them being fasting. Could you tell us what that is about?
Fasting is observed during the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. While fasting, Muslims are not permitted to eat, drink or have sex from dawn to dusk. After sunset and before dawn they can do these things as they please. (Quran 2:183, 184, 187. 194, 5:89,95, 19:26, 58:4)
9. How about the pilgrimage?
The pilgrimage is called the Hajj and is supposed to be performed at least once in a lifetime if one is able. It requires making a trip to Mecca in Saudi Arabia and performing certain rites which are outlined in the Quran. The main purpose of the pilgrims is to perform the Hajj as decreed to them and commemorate God all the time during the Hajj period. The rites mainly take place around the kaaba, which is the focal point for all Muslims when performing the prayers. The kaaba was originally built by Abraham as a place of worship, (Quran 2:158,196-2OO,203, 3:97, 5:1,95-96, 9:3,19, 22:26,29, 28:27, 48:25-27)
I0. I've heard the word "zakat" mentioned by Muslims. What is this?
Zakat is a form of charity generally accepted at a rate of 2.5% of one's earnings. It is payable when one receives income and should be distributed amongst one's family, the orphans, the poor, or needy travelers according to their need. (Quran 2:43,2 ! 5, 6:141, 7:156)
I1. I understand that Muslims get together on Fridays, what is the reason for that?
God tells us in the Quran that all believers, male and female, should attend the Friday congregational prayer which is the noon prayer of the five daily prayers. This prayer is required to be done as a group rather than individually, on Fridays. (Quran 62:9). Just a note here that before Muslims pray they prepare themselves by washing their faces, arms and feet and wiping their head with wet hands. Sometimes people see us in a bathroom doing this and they wonder what we're up to. (Quran 4:43, 5:6)
12. All religions have a moral code That they follow. What is expected of a Muslim in terms of conduct and morality?
This is a very big topic but to give you some idea:
- we are required to look after and honor our parents. (Quran 17:23).
- to look after the orphans and the needy. (Quran 2:215).
- we are not to backbite, steal, or be unchaste. (Quran 49:12).
- life is sacred so we are not allowed to commit murder except in the course of justice. (Quran 4:92-93, 6:!51)
- we must be truthful, trustworthy, stand by our word, and give accurate testimony. (Quran 23:8, 33:24)
- bribery and corruption are condemned. (Quran 2:188).
- God tells us to be tolerant of other religions because there is no compulsion in religion. (Quran 2:256)
- Oppression is worse than murder. (Quran 2:217).
- To be equitable in all ways is highlighted throughout the Quran and we are commanded To treat each other amicably. (Quran 3:195, 4:32, 5,.8).
- we are also enjoined to be humble. (Quran S2:26)
13. We've heard a lot about jihad during many of the military conflicts around the world. can you tell us what it means?
The word actually means striving in the cause of something. Jihad when used in reference to Holy War would mean that people are striving or struggling to practice their religion in the face of oppression or opposition. (Quran 2:190, 4:94, 60:8-9)
14. Americans in some Islamic countries were prohibited from drinking alcohol. Is There an Islamic basis on this?
First of all, a Muslim cannot impose his or her religious beliefs on anyone else. I think it has already been mentioned that there is no compulsion in religion (Quran 2:256). However, God makes it clear in the Quran that alcohol has some benefits but the evil far outweighs the good. Therefore, God says, stay away from it. (Quran 2:219, 5:90). Another verse mentions that intoxicants and gambling are satanic abominations. This again shows how God abhors these practices.
15. How would you then view prescribed drugs or drugs for treatment ?
There is a precedent in the Quran where in extenuating circumstances one is allowed to take something which is normally prohibited. For example, eating of pork is permissible if facing starvation. So it seems that life saving measures are allowed. (Quran 2:173, 5:3, 6:145)
16. So normally pork is prohibited. Are there any other dietary prohibitions ?
Yes, the Quran also prohibits eating animals that die of themselves (or carrion), running blood, and animals dedicated to other than God. Injured animals are also prohibited. (Quran 2:173, 5:3, 6:145)
17. If there is a major commandment in the Quran, what would it be?
Without a doubt, the major commandment is to refrain from all forms of idolatry. Our basis of faith is that there is no god but the One God. He alone is worthy of worship. Worshipping other than God in any way would be considered idolatry which is defined as an unforgivable sin if maintained until death, (Quran 4:48,116)
Thank you very much for reading The Truth Beyond The Truth!
References:
- The Bible
- The Quran
- 2knowmyself.com
- http://christianity.about.com/od/denominations/a/catholicdenom.htm
- http://www.patheos.com/Library/Protestantism.html
- submission.org
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