This list of questions was excerpted from Answering Islam.org. Which has good resources for understanding the Muslim view of Christianity, and being equipped to answer objections. Most of the site's resources are available in multiple languages.
1. When exactly do you believe that the Bible was corrupted and by whom?
This question is important because it is actually quite easy to demonstrate to a Muslim that when Muhammad recited the Qur'an, he made clear statements which show that he did not believe that the Bible was corrupt at that time. The Qur'an calls on Christians to adhere to the Scriptures that they possessed. There are also verses in the Qur'an which state that John the Baptist and Jesus were taught the Torah by Allah. If this is the case, then the Torah was still intact (according to the Qur'an) during the first century. Add to this the fact that we have in our possession the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Septuagint which predate John and Jesus' birth by some 200 years. Thus it is easy to demonstrate (for anyone who is willing to examine the facts) that according to the Islamic worldview and the manuscript evidence, it is impossible for the Bible to have been corrupted. The logical questions go on and on here. See:
www.answering-islam.org/Bible/multi.html
www.answering-islam.org/Bible/Text/wijngaards.html
www.answering-islam.org/Bible/jrwhy.html
Another one of my favorites is a question which revolves around the false Muslim notion that the incarnation (the ultimate demonstration of God's love for us -- particularly as it culminated in the crucifixion) somehow diminishes God's "greatness". So my question here is something along this line...
2. Philosophically speaking, which is greater, a God who demonstrates his love to the utmost extent (see Philippians 2) or one who refrains from doing so in order to preserve his image of "greatness"?
When we begin to see the world through a Muslim's eyes, and understand their perspective toward the incarnation and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, and when we imagine a world without the incarnation, it is like having a "It's a Wonderful Life" (Jimmy Stuart movie) experience. We begin to see what an awesome thing the incarnation is, and we appreciate more then ever before what God has done for us! It is my belief that when Muslims are able to see this fact (that true greatness is found with the one who loves the most), then they begin to see the superiority emotionally and philosophically of the Biblical concept of God over the Islamic concept of God. See also the story that is told about the two fathers in this response: www.answering-islam.org/Emails/trinity-where.htm
Another question that one might ask a Muslim would be:
3. If you claim to be born without a sin nature (an inborn propensity toward sin rather than a natural propensity toward righteousness), then how long can you go without sinning? Can you go for a week without sin? How about a day? If you are born basically good, then why does one need to struggle and make a conscious effort to be good and not need to struggle to be bad? Why do we naturally drift toward selfishness and not righteousness?
See a great discussion that covers this and a whole lot more here: www.answering-islam.org/Intro/discussion.pdf
A fourth question might be: Would you be willing to pray with an honest heart and ask God to guide you to His truth, even if that truth is found in the Bible and not in Islam?
Thanks for posting. Another question Christians need to raise with Muslims is, "Did Jesus die on the cross?"
ReplyDeleteThe law/Torah requires that a matter be established by two or three witnesses (Deuteronomy 17:6-7). The testimonies of Jesus, Old Testament prophets, Jesus’ followers, non-Christian historians, etc. is true, legal and believable compared to the testimony of Muhammad/Qur’an, which was written nearly six hundred years after the event. To put it simply, the Law of Moses makes it unlawful to believe the Qur’an.
Aaron,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your contribution, brother! May I offer a suggestion, if you are willing?
We believe God has established and is using this blog to equip believers in sharing the gospel, and for those who are equipped to collaborate in this effort. Among us, we don't call it "our blog"...we refer to it as "God's blog" :D
Because I suspect that some of those who may read your post may have little or not experience in sharing the Good News with Muslims, and others may not follow your explanation, because they may not be familar with the references, some further explanation would make your post very useful to all in equipping them to preach the Gospel.
Since we are considering creating a separate page just to have tools/links in equipping believers in witnessing to certain groups, I believe your expanded comment would be a great tool to link to there.
So, if you are led, and have time, I have some suggestions/requests that might help:
1. Put the information you shared in a Q&A format--a hypothetical discussion that one might have in a discussion with a Muslim about whether Christ died on the cross.
2. Include specific references that the believer can use in establishing that testimonies you refer to (ie. ,OT prophets, NT witnesses, non-Christian historians)...I am familiar with what you are referring to, but I believe many may not be.
2. Continue the Q&A to include what the fact of Christ's death would mean to the Muslim, and some possible objections a Muslim may have to that.
3. Your last point about the Law making it unlawful to believe in the Qu'ran is true, and I understand it, but I also suspect some may not understand why. It would be great if you could you explain that more clearly.
In His Love,
Todd