Do we worship the same God?

[chipusa]

Just to make sure that everyone understands me here. I love everyone here. But don’t mistake capitulation as love. Love sometimes is harsh, that’s why it’s love. Love isn’t a warm, fuzzy feeling. It’s laying down even your reputation to be truthful for the care of another.

 

[chipusa]

Karin, the key to the false idea that muslims worship the same God is that they claim the faith of Abraham. When the Jews were confronting Jesus they told Him that they worshipped the God of Abraham and were Abraham’s father. But, they rejected Christ. Jesus told them that their father was the devil, pointing out, quite eloquently, that if you reject Me (Jesus said) you reject God, no matter what form you may think you are worshipping Him in. Why? Because Jesus is God, and if you reject Him, no matter how sincere you are, you have sincerely missed God. The Father.

 

[chipusa]

Sadly it’s so simple. If you don’t believe in Christ as God, it doesn’t matter how sincere you are, you won’t get to heaven. I don’t know how so many in Catholicism miss that. For goodness sake Jesus said this Himself.

 

[Reuben_J]

chipusa:

Just to make sure that everyone understands me here. I love everyone here. But don’t mistake capitulation as love. Love sometimes is harsh, that’s why it’s love. Love isn’t a warm, fuzzy feeling. It’s laying down even your reputation to be truthful for the care of another.

Hi,

I made comments on this thread a few weeks ago. depend on how one sees them (my comments), they might be considered not very charitbale. I’m not very good at PR and the impression might remain.

I do agree with you but I fear of getting the hatred label.

I think basically Christians and Muslims think they are worshipping the same God, but that’s about all to it. Our understanding of this One God is nearly like day and night. The biggest problem is of course the person of Jesus. Personally I cannot accept that Muslims worshipping the same God if they don’t accept Jesus, which they don’t.

I hope as Catholics we’d be given leeway on differences of opinions without necessarily being hateful.

God bless.

 

[chipusa]

Why is speaking truth called hateful? In today’s society, if you dissent or disagree, even slightly, your’e called hateful and bigoted. I only know that as Christians, we are going to be called that and shouldn’t worry because we have a God who backs us up. My goodness, if Justin Martyr relented to the heresies of his day he wouldn’t be an historic figure. And there is no doubt he didn’t hesitate to speak out about the heresies of his day. Why are we so weak-kneed and accepting of the new-age ideas of God and salvation? Our most venerated Apostles had no problem with preaching painful truth to Kings and Prelates who had no issues with beheading them. Why do we now feel like we can pander to anyone’s religious ideals when Jesus Himself called us to sacrifce for truth? Just a thought. God bless and keep you. May our Mother shine prayers over you.

 

[Reuben_J]

chipusa:

Why is speaking truth called hateful? In today’s society, if you dissent or disagree, even slightly, your’e called hateful and bigoted. I only know that as Christians, we are going to be called that and shouldn’t worry because we have a God who backs us up. My goodness, if Justin Martyr relented to the heresies of his day he wouldn’t be an historic figure. And there is no doubt he didn’t hesitate to speak out about the heresies of his day. Why are we so weak-kneed and accepting of the new-age ideas of God and salvation? Our most venerated Apostles had no problem with preaching painful truth to Kings and Prelates who had no issues with beheading them. Why do we now feel like we can pander to anyone’s religious ideals when Jesus Himself called us to sacrifce for truth? Just a thought. God bless and keep you. May our Mother shine prayers over you.

There are lots of good points in what you say. But maybe for many people, it would be nice to say our difference gently (?). I guess it’s the way we say them. If we don’t have hatred in our heart (and it’s not easy to rid of them) but love, sooner or later love will show. Problem is, love can be very scarce in many of us (esp me). It take the grace of God to fill up that tank full of love.

love of Christ,

GBU

 

[chipusa]

Isn’t it true though, that God gives each of us a different gift? I mean look at Jeremiah. He pi**ed a lot of people off speaking the truth and got whacked for it. I’m not saying that is a way to go in life but could it be that God gives different gifts to different people? Sometimes we have to be strong in word and faith. Remember, the way of the people of God has always been rough, never tender and capitulating.

 

[MonicaC]

chipusa:

I totally understand your heart. But isn’t it our job to make Jesus present for those who don’t know Him? Not to accept their idea of God out of hand? I mean, didn’t St. Paul say that the Jews were our enemy? Of course, he said it was for Christ’s sake so that they would be jealous of us and turn to Him. But it is the position of Scripture, not our own reasoning, that we are to proclaim Jesus as the only way. It should burden us that so many do not know Him. You seem so caring and reasonable. I respect that.

As St Francis said Preach often and sometimes use words.

If you want someone to love Jesus you must repersent him in a positive light. Now are you doing this by bashing them. No, you are only making them think negitive of you and who you are representing. And in doing that I would have to say that you in danger are leading others astray.

Just a thought!

 

[Reuben_J]

chipusa:

Isn’t it true though, that God gives each of us a different gift? I mean look at Jeremiah. He pi**ed a lot of people off speaking the truth and got whacked for it. I’m not saying that is a way to go in life but could it be that God gives different gifts to different people? Sometimes we have to be strong in word and faith. Remember, the way of the people of God has always been rough, never tender and capitulating.

Oh yes, God gives different gifts to different people but it for the purpose of serving the same God. (1Cor 12). But gifts mean nothing without love. Love (agape) is always short in supply and thus we need God to give and equip us with His love. And then, by all means go out, utilize the gift God has given us individually for the greater glory of His church.

Strength in word and faith is a positive not negative. It must be used for the purpose to archieve God’s glory. I always feel that I’m dim light for the Lord, but I can always ask Him for the grace so that I can be a light for Him.

The rough way of the Lord is the cross - sacrifice that is necessary for each and everyone of us (in this case it may be giving up eg our anger or rudeness) so that we can be more and more like Jesus. I always feel that if my focus is on Jesus, everything would gonna be alright.

I pray that God truly bless you so that you can become a light for Him by using the gift He given you for His purpose. And you know that, everything will work out good for those who love Him and being called according to His purpose.

God Bless you.

Peace.

 

[manx]

I believe that Jews, Christians and Muslims worship the same God. The BIG difference is in the concept of God.

 

[Milliardo]

manx:

I believe that Jews, Christians and Muslims worship the same God. The BIG difference is in the concept of God.

Sadly, though, there are those who don’t seem to get it. Again, let us repeat this: we worship the same God; we differ in how we view Him to be. That is where our differences lie. Monica, thank you also for the kind words. If only we could get past these misunderstandings, we’ll be able to preach the Gospel more effectively, instead of sticking through our biases and misunderstandings. We ask people to learn about our Faith; we should then accord the same respect we ask them to give us.

 

[losav]

I have Muslim friends from Chenya, Lebanon, Syria who are all moderate should I say. At the same time, I have Catholic friends purely Lebanese, Syrian and Egyptian all Arabs, Arabic speakers, using Arabic Bibles and they call God the same as “Allah” (the Arabic equivalent of God).

Yes I agree, we worship the same God (Allah).

 

[losav]

I guess, Muslims see God in a different angle that’s why they worship God uniquely, very different from the Christians-- but their purification (washing) has simililarity that of Jews I guess.

 

[hdbarton]

Muslims Worship the One True God

					 [Only Their ‘Receiving Apparatus’ Is Defective](http://www.catholic.com/thisrock/2003/0301fea4.asp)

In recent years many self-styled “traditionalist” Catholics have expressed shock that Pope John Paul II has stated on various occasions—usually during his apostolic journeys to nations with a strong Muslim presence—that the followers of Islam, together with Christians, worship “the one true God.” But the Holy Father has done nothing more than restate the teaching of the Second Vatican Council, which said, “The Church also views with esteem the Muslims, who worship the one and only God, living and subsistent, merciful and omnipotent, the Creator of heaven and earth” (Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions 2).

Some “traditionalist” Catholics cite these statements of the Council and the Pope as evidence for the sedevacantist position, which holds that the See of Peter is vacant, i.e., that there has been no true pope since Vatican II. Their thinking is that since Allah is a false god, the statements of Paul VI and John Paul II to the contrary constitute public heresy—even apostasy and idolatry—which is incompatible with their being true popes.

These people use this issue as a litmus test for determining who is Catholic and who isn’t. Simply ask a professing Catholic, they say, whether Muslims worship the one true God (as John Paul II says they do). If the person answers yes, then you can know without further ado that he has already reached “the end of the road”—total apostasy.

I have long been in public discourse with sedevacantists via letters and articles in various publications. (See, for example, “White Smoke, Valid Pope,” This Rock, March 2001.) I am on record agreeing with Pope John Paul II that it can be said truly that the Muslims “worship the one true God” even though they deny his trinitarian character. At the same time, I believe unequivocally in the revealed mystery of the most blessed Trinity—as does John Paul II along with all his predecessors.

As for the sedevacantists’ litmus test concerning Allah as the one true God, they err by confusing two distinct questions: whether one person or two separate persons are being referred to in a given situation; and what the qualities or attributes of a given person are. Let me explain.

more…

Yes, as you say, "worship “the one true God.” But the Holy Father has done nothing more than restate the teaching of the Second Vatican Council, which said, “The Church also views with esteem the Muslims, who worship the one and only God, living and subsistent, merciful and omnipotent, the Creator of heaven and earth” (Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions 2).
And they do try to worship that God and so they get an “E” for effort! However, you are forgetting that they also worship, to the very death, the God who says He is not a Father to anybody and those who say He is are going to the lowest Hell, and Jesus did not die on the cross, or redeem mankind and baptized persons are not children of God, and make no friends of christian, and it is ok to off someone who tries to quit the moslem church. Allah is not Jesus Christ - therefore it is not God. You must see it this way, the way all christians see it and the moselums see it a completely different way. Remember, there is a part of every religion that is true, but that does make every religions’ God true. :bible1:

 

[Booklover]

Yes, as you say, "worship “the one true God.” But the Holy Father has done nothing more than restate the teaching of the Second Vatican Council, which said, “The Church also views with esteem the Muslims, who worship the one and only God, living and subsistent, merciful and omnipotent, the Creator of heaven and earth” (Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions 2).
And they do try to worship that God and so they get an “E” for effort! However, you are forgetting that they also worship, to the very death, the God who says He is not a Father to anybody and those who say He is are going to the lowest Hell, and Jesus did not die on the cross, or redeem mankind and baptized persons are not children of God, and make no friends of christian, and it is ok to off someone who tries to quit the moslem church. Allah is not Jesus Christ - therefore it is not God. You must see it this way, the way all christians see it and the moselums see it a completely different way. Remember, there is a part of every religion that is true, but that does make every religions’ God true. :bible1:

Okay, Muslims profess to believe in the God of Abraham, but what I’d like to know is whether the God of the Quran is in fact the God of Abraham or simply a figment of Mohammed’s imagination created by him to give credibility to his claims of prophethood and thus gain power over his opponents?

Vickie

 

[losav]

Booklover:

Okay, Muslims profess to believe in the God of Abraham, but what I’d like to know is whether the God of the Quran is in fact the God of Abraham or simply a figment of Mohammed’s imagination created by him to give credibility to his claims of prophethood and thus gain power over his opponents?

Vickie

I can only say this as my personal reflection but it doesn’t necessarily mean to be true.

I guess during Mohammed’s early career as merchant, he came accross the idea of the oneness of God which he eventually got. Therefore, his idea of the Oneness of God is not something alien to our belief, maybe his notion of the oneness of God get tangled somewhere…

 

[Faith101]

Booklover:

Okay, Muslims profess to believe in the God of Abraham, but what I’d like to know is whether the God of the Quran is in fact the God of Abraham or simply a figment of Mohammed’s imagination created by him to give credibility to his claims of prophethood and thus gain power over his opponents?

Vickie

Vickie

What exactly the did the Prophet Mohamed peace be upon him, gain from telling everybody to worship ONE God? Why would it say in the Quran that Mohamed is JUST a man. Why does Allah correct Mohamed on things that he’s done (things that no body saw him do).

Please cite your sources as well. Thank you

 

[Faith101]

losav:

I can only say this as my personal reflection but it doesn’t necessarily mean to be true.

I guess during Mohammed’s early career as merchant, he came accross the idea of the oneness of God which he eventually got. Therefore, his idea of the Oneness of God is not something alien to our belief, maybe his notion of the oneness of God get tangled somewhere…

How does refusing to ascribe ANY partners to God, or worship anything EXCEPT God make ones idea of the oneness of God tangled up?

 

[Lance]

As I said in the thread about whether Jesus and Allah are the same, “If Muslims say they worship the God of Abraham, I’ll take their word for it. They should also take my word that I am not a polytheist just because I believe in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, they are just 3 aspects of the one God. Even Mohammed called Christians ‘people of the book’.”

 

[hdbarton]

Faith101:

Vickie

What exactly the did the Prophet Mohamed peace be upon him, gain from telling everybody to worship ONE God? Why would it say in the Quran that Mohamed is JUST a man. Why does Allah correct Mohamed on things that he’s done (things that no body saw him do).

Please cite your sources as well. Thank you

What in the world are you trying to talk about? We Catholics are taught that faith and REASON can not be separated! If it has no reason in it it is not Faith, but something else. The Prophet Mohamed gained a whole bunch of wifves, one just nine years old, and a whole lot of booty and giant armies to conquer the whole world with! What do you mean, what did he gain out of it? Truely you are well named, faith 101, but you might consider taking faith 102 someday