Times Of Swaziland: What divides Christians and the Muslims?

What divides Christians and the Muslims?
================================================================================
The Editor on 19/07/2010 00:00:00


Sir,
In Friday’s Times, ‘Swazi Citizen’ decries a rude letter (‘The Wrath of
Satan’) from a Christian. I missed that letter; it’s sad if it was a hurtful
letter. All inter-religous dialogue should be respectful. It’s also true that
a lot of food items in Swaziland are already marked ‘halaal’ (including
macaroni noodles and jam).
These two items also carry the ‘Parev’ (Jewish) marking, indicating it is
acceptable for Jews to eat them on some occasions. And although I cannot find an
item right now, I seem to remember seeing some sort of seal indicating some food
items are acceptable for Hindus. So we have reached interreligious common ground
on a number of food items already.
‘What would Jesus do?’ I think Jesus would want Christians to clearly
propose the truths Christ taught in respectful interreligious dialogue. If we
are clear in the use of our terms; it will make it much easier to know where
both parties stand. Then, understanding-if not perfect agreement, right away-can
grow.
We know what Jesus said about Himself, because we have His words in the Bible:
‘I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through
me’. Also, ‘I and the Father are one’. Also, ‘Before Abraham was born, I
am!’ Also, ‘My son, your sins are forgiven’-a statement the religious
people nearby understood to be Jesus’ claim to be on equal standing with God.
‘Swazi Citizen’ says his Quran respects Jesus; but I think we can all agree
that there is a big difference between 1) showing someone respect and 2)
believing they are God incarnate (which Christians hold is true) and deserving
of worship as such. Jesus also says ‘I told you that you would die in your
sins, for you will die in your sins unless you believe that I am He’. In this
case, Jesus means ‘unless you believe I am the Messiah’.
The issue of Jesus’ identity is a major dividing issue, perhaps the biggest
one, between Muslims and Christians. Muslims believe Jesus was a prophet, but
not on equal standing with God; Christians believe He is God the Son, who lived
on this earth then died on the cross and rose again to save humans from sin and
to bring them into restored relationship with God the Father. It is good to
learn each others beliefs accurately so that we can communicate well about the
things that we hold dear the most .
Rudy Poglitsh