Comparing Islam and Christianity

Although they share several basic theological ideas, Christianity and Islam differ on countless key characteristics.   The most prominent differences include atonement, the identity of God, heaven, view of Jesus, and the means views of the Bible.   It is these not-so-subtle contrasts of thoughts that separate the two most prevalent religions in the world.

One of the most important differences in Christianity and Islam is the concept of atonement.   In Christianity, Jesus’ death on the cross allows Christians to repent from their sins and gain forgiveness from God.   Conversely, in Islam there is no atonement from sins with Allah, though they still repent and confess their sins.   While Christians believe that their sincere repentance provides them with a new, clean slate with God, Muslims believe that, despite their repentance, their sins will always be held against them when judged on the final day.   These differing views on forgiveness set the tone for each respective religion, with Christianity seen as a forgiving, loving religion, and Islam being viewed as a hard-nosed, action-based religion.

Another important difference between Christians and Muslims is their views of God.   Despite the fact that Muslims claim Allah is the same as God the Father, Christians deny such claims, citing the fact that they worship the Holy Trinity.   Christians follow a triune God, equal parts God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.   Though each has specific roles and responsibilities, Christians view them as one God.   This differs from the Islamic point of view of a singular God, called Allah, holding a similar role as creator and maintainer as God the Father.   Interestingly, Muslims apply a similar role of Christians’ Holy Spirit to the angel Gabriel, who makes appearances in both religions’ history.   These very different beliefs in the nature of God as either triune or singular prove to be one of the key differences between Christianity and Islam, and have long...