I suppose we have no problem with the Jews worshipping the same God as us since both are using the same Scripture (the OT). Since we still accept the OT as part of the Bible hence everything contains therein is the truth. Since the Jews are using the OT, we accept that they do have the truth up to that level.
Well the Covenant with Abraham was also with God to Himself, so it still stands. While Islam differs with Isaac, its then an imperfect understanding IMHO. Cousre I may be wrong here. Yet it still reflects the God of Abraham.
As for Islam, it is more problematic. On the whole it does not accept both the OT and the NT except for the claim of some similarities but contradiction on where it really counts. I believe most Catholics find it difficult to reconcile Islam rejecting Jesus’ death and resurrection and yet worshipping the same God as us, except for the fact that we are duty bound to accept the CCC 841. And that’s actually scratching a surface based on the fact that Muslims acknowledging the God of Creation which we also do, and as to what that God is, we are very much opposing each other.
Orthodox Jews do no accept the NT either, Islam sees Mohammad as the Last Prophet thus their issue with the OT in general. But rejecting Jesus in Judaism and Islam would be in essense an area of disagreement with both towards Christianity? Yet we don’t view Judaism as we do Islam by large and in particular on many threads here.
Not what or who that God is, since there is but one God the Father, the issue resides in disageements over Jesus as Christ in both Islam and Judaism. No?
The CCC 841 seems to be more of trying to be politically correct especially in an era where we cannot simply dismiss the overwhelming presence of Muslims in our midst. I would say for those Catholics who find CCC 841 to be problematic, it may be a consolation that it is trying to be as short as possible thus avoiding of being dragged into bigger controversy.
Right I see the ecumenical aspect of this in light of the Apostolic Churchs view of Islam from early on, thus it was viewed as heresy. Also the area of dialogue with Judaism has changed greatly since JP-II.
841 The Church’s relationship with the Muslims. “The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind’s judge on the last day.”
Right the key word is “profess” then from there what I touched on with Abraham and earlier with the assigned attributes of God thus Allah.
Its not hard to see aspects of other religions in this same light, such as JWs etc. The question then arrives in how do we correctly view these religions so dialogue can be available where open minds are to acheive peace if this is or ever was possible. I have my doubts. This is a two way street which leads back to Islam.
In other words if we say for example, JWs have a corrupt understanding of scripture, and claim “heresy” straight out of the lake of fire. Where does this leave the option of life together? And in particular with Islam which compounds the issue in its strident radical aspect.
IMHO these Good Muslims we talk about? They too are responsible to bring peace love and unity to Islam, so Islam can live among all countries and religions. The idea of world-wide Allah converstion is folly and a path to destruction as we see with the implosion of the middle east. Thus then Islam claims “radical aspects” not coonected or in line with the larger teaching, then Islam is responsible for dealing with “their issue” thus correct teaching. This I do not see “at all”. In fact I see just the opposite, and in the imperfect understanding of God. Which again complicates by understanding the essense of God the Father.
Which cannot be based of a idea of forced conversaion, violence, hate, God Deceives to obtain a desired goal of an Islamic world which will continue to lead to War etc etc. Thus while one may not accept Jesus Christ as savior, they certainly must understand the correct essense of God the Father or Allah. And certainly must come to a mutual understanding in this nuclear time, that will be no world Allah. Do you see their neighbor China embracing this?
Perhaps its me, I see many half-truths which lead to a lack of compassion, thus love, this misunderstanding I don’t see with Orthodox Judaism. I certainly don’t see Judaism as seeking world control. I also do not see an Islamic country which embraces Freedom of Religion to any degree but “tolerence” not that this uncommon for Christains in many areas worldwide.
Peace
they need to read the New Testament, as well as the Old. That’s the entire theme of the Bible!
