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Who is Jesus - Final Paper
Survey of History of Christianity (Liberty
University)
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LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF
DIVINITY
Who is Jesus? Christianity and Islam
Submitted to Dr. John Landers, in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the completion of the course
CHHI 510
Survey of the History of Christianity
by
Anissa Chambers
October 17, 2018
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Contents
Introduction....................................................................................................................................1
Origination of Christianity...........................................................................................................2
Origination of Islam.......................................................................................................................3
Who is Jesus?.................................................................................................................................5
Christianity’s Jesus..............................................................................................................6
Islam’s Jesus........................................................................................................................7
Conclusion......................................................................................................................................9
Bibliography..................................................................................................................................10
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Introduction
The world in which we live, people everywhere are looking for the truth. They are
looking for what is real, and many look to some form of religion. There are a multitude of
religions and beliefs in the world today each with some form of truth they want to proclaim. Of
all the different religions Islam and Christianity make up over fifty-five percent, or roughly 3.8
billion people across the globe.1 It is believed that Islam will surpass Christianity by the end of
the 21st century.2 Within every lie is a grain of truth from which the lie was built, this is true
regarding false religions. The Bible says in Ephesians 5:14-16 “Therefore be careful how
you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are
evil.”3 The purpose of this paper is to show the difference between Christianity and Islam
regarding who Jesus is in a world where Christians are to share the good news of Jesus which is
the foundation of Christianity. Christians need to know and understand the people they are to
reach including the lies and the truths they believe.
Origination of Christianity
Christianity is based on a man called Jesus. Jesus while on the earth predicted that the
church would be coming when he told Peter, “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this
rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” It started with one
hundred twenty of his believers in an upper room gathering after his resurrection. Acts 1:13a
“When they had entered the city, they went up to the upper room where they were staying”
1 Liu, Joseph. "The Global Religious Landscape | Pew Research Center." Pew Research Center's
Religion & Public Life Project. Accessed October 11, 2018. http://www.pewforum.org/2012/12/18/global-
religious- landscape.exec/.
2 Bill Chappell. “World’s Muslim Population Will Surpass Christians This Century”. NPR Network
(April 2015). Accessed September 11, 2018.
https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/04/02/397042004/muslim- population-will-surpass-christians-this-
century-pew-says .
3 Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages referenced are in the New American Standard
Bible (Anaheim, CA: Foundation, 1998).
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where they “continually devoting themselves to prayer” according to Acts 1:14. On the day of
Pentecost they received the gift of the Holy Spirit which Jesus had promised in Acts 1:8, “but
you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses
both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” On
that day Peter stood up and spoke to a crowd that had gathered outside. According to Acts 2:41
“those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three
thousand souls” thus the beginning of Christianity. Luke’s account written in the book of Acts
“is the presentation of the beginnings of Christianity in Jesus’s life and the extension of
Christianity in early church history so as to convince readers by the irresistible advance of the
gospel that God through His Spirit really is working in human history for the redemption of all
people.”4
The Christian era started with peaceful sharing of the truths that Jesus taught and the
ideals that corresponded with those beliefs. The disciples out of love and obedience spread the
gospel throughout the Roman Empires and beyond. Almost from the beginning, Christians
experienced persecution from both Jews and Romans, Acts 8:1 says, “And on that day a great
persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the
regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.” They were persecuted by the Romans
because of their exclusive obedience to Jesus alone and not the Roman emperor and the
Christians unwillingness to go against their beliefs and principles. Christianity “appearing not as
a national religion but claiming to be the only true universal one making its converts among
every people and every sect, attracting Greeks and Romans in much larger numbers than Jews,
4 David Alan Black and Thomas D. Lea The New Testament Its Background and Message. Nashville, TN:
Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2003, 288. Accessed October 13,2018 Kindle.
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refusing to compromise with any form of idolatry, and threatening in fact the very existence of
the Roman state religion, even limited toleration could not be granted.”5
The persecution of the church did not stop until around A.D. 313 when Constantine
issued the Edict of Milan.6 This then led to a period of church history when the church aligned
itself with the government. This led to the advancement of Christianity sometimes not by
preaching so much but by political influence and sometimes by military force.7
Origination of Islam
Islam has two beginnings, the first is from Ishmael, the first son of Abraham from the
Bible found in Genesis 16:11, “So Hagar bore Abram a son; and Abram called the name of his
son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.” Genesis 17:20 “As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I
will bless him, and will make him fruitful and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall become
the father of twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation.”
The second beginning is based on the teaching of one man, Muhammad. Muhammad
was born in Makkah in 570. His farther died before he was born and his mother shortly after.
He was raised by an uncle who is from the tribe of Quraysh. He was raised illiterate and never
learned to read or write. He was a religious person and at the age of forty claims to have
received his first revelation from God by the angel Gabriel. He continued to receive these
revelations for the next twenty-three years which became known the Quran. He is considered a
prophet for God.8
5 Philip Schaff. “History of the Christian Church, VOL II.” (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1888).
Accessed October 12, 2018. https://www.ccel.org/s/schaff/history/2_ch02.htm.
6 Ibid.
7 Philip Schaff. “History of the Christian Church, VOL IV.” (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1888).
Accessed October 12, 2018. https://www.ccel.org/s/schaff/history/2_ch02.htm.
8A. Abu-Harb. “Who is the Prophet Muhammad?” A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam
(1996-2002). Accessed October 13, 2018. https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-8.htm
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Muhammad ‘s goals were “to replace idolatry with monotheism; to replace tribal
differences with Arab unity; and to replace tribal rules with a central state.”9 Muhammad set up
in Islam, “there is a from the beginning an interpenetration, almost an identification cult and
power, or religion and the state: Mohammed was not only a prophet, but a ruler.”10 Although
Muhammad did not start Islam with the idea of violence, however he changed his view of
religious tolerance to proclaim unbelievers must follow Islam, pay tribute, or die.11 Sahih
Muslim 1:30 says “The Messenger of Allah said: I have been commanded to fight against
people so long as they do not declare that there is no god but Allah.”12 It also says in Medinan
66:9 “O Prophet, strive against the disbelievers and the hypocrites and be harsh upon them. And
their refuge is Hell, and wretched is the destination.”
Muhammad had a hard time following his own rules, he himself would receive
revelations that excused his own actions. He married fourteen wives, which is ten more than
allowed in his teachings.13 In Al-Nisa’: 3, “Marry women of your choice, two or three, or four;
But if ye tear that ye shall not be able to deal Justly (with them) then only one, or that which
your right hands possess. That will be more suitable to prevent you from doing injustice.” His
final words to his followers were “to protect the weak, the poor, and the women, and to abstain
from usury.”14
9 Kazem Almandari, “Religion and Development Revisited: Comparing Islam and Christianity with
Reference to the Case of Iran.” Journal of Developing Societies 20, no. 1-2 (June 2004)124-144, Accessed October
12, 2018 http://journals.sagepub.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/doi/pdf/10.1177/0169796X04048307.
10 Ibid.
11 Shaff
12 Unless otherwise noted the passages from the Qur’an are from The Noble Qur’an (2016) Accessed
on October 8, 2018 https://quran.com/
13 Shaff
14 Ibid.
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Mohammad’s followers, after his death took Islam over the next two hundred years
from India in the East to the Mediterranean. They conquered the southern Mediterranean from
Egypt to Morocco and all of Spain.15 The Christians, Jews and non-Muslims were faced with
conversion to Islam, paying poll taxes, being a second-class citizen or being killed.16
Who is Jesus
Christianity is founded on a man named Jesus, who is both God and man, born of the
virgin Mary. He was Jewish and monotheistic. There are few references to Jesus outside the
gospels however, “The Jewish historian Josephus designated Jesus as a wise man who ‘wrought
surprising feats’ and state that after his crucifixion ‘on the third day he appeared to them restored
to life.’” 17 Then a Roman historian Tacitus only refers to Jesus’ death and recognizes the church
as he discussed persecution under Nero18. Suetonius also referred to the persecution when he
wrote “punishment was inflicted on the Christians, a class of men given to a new and
mischievous superstition.”19 Although these references provides nothing new regarding Jesus it
does show “evidence of his life and death and of the rapid spread of Christianity as far as
Rome.”20
Christianity’s Jesus
Jesus proclaimed himself to be the long-awaited Messiah, the Son of God. Luke 24:44
says, “Now He said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with
15 Robert Louis Wilken, “Christianity Face to Face with Islam,” First Things, 189 (January 2009):19-
26 Accessed on October 12, 2018 https://search-proquest-
com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/docview/209942045/fulltextPDF/B36C12BC68E4B6EPQ/1?accountid=12085
16 Ibid.
17 Black and Lea (2003), 86.
18 Ibid.
19 Ibid.
20 Ibid.
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you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the
Psalms must be fulfilled.” People who heard Jesus’ teachings “were gripped by the authority
with which he spoke.”21 His message was not like others but fresh and engaging which “resulted
in listening and acceptance.”22 Jesus came not to create an earthly kingdom but to die and pay
the price of his life for the sins of mankind. Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man did not come
to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Jesus taught to resist evil and
to turn the other check in response, Mathew 5:30 says, “But I say to you, do not resist an evil
person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” Jesus’ theme was
loving God and loving others. Matthew 22:37-39, “And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord
your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great
and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Jesus was convicted and sentenced to death, however his only charge was claiming to be the Son
of God and the Messiah. John 10:33 says, “The Jews answered Him, “For a good work we do
not stone You, but for blasphemy; and because You, being a man, make Yourself out to be
God.” Jesus rose from the dead three days later, Matthew 28:6, “He is not here, for He has risen,
just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.” After his resurrection, Jesus
commanded his disciples to spread the good news to all nations, Matthew 29:19-20 says, “Go
therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the
Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with
you always, even to the end of the age.”
Islam’s Jesus
21 Ibid., 91.
22 Ibid
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Followers of Islam are referred to as Muslims and like Christianity they believe in and the
worship of one God.23 Muslims follow a doctrine of the oneness of God, referred to as
“tawhid.”24 In Islam, prophets are portrayed as having an infallible nature and are above sinning
which would also include Jesus since he was a prophet.25
Muslim’s believe Jesus was born of Mary, a virgin and says in The Noble Qur’an 19:19-21
says, “He said, ‘I am only the messenger of your Lord to give you [news of] a pure boy.’ She
said, ‘How can I have a boy while no man has touched me, and I have not been unchaste?’ He
said, ‘Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, 'It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign to the
people and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter [already] decreed.'” They believe that he was
created like Adam, the Qur’an says in 3:59, “Indeed, the example of Jesus to Allah is like that of
Adam. He created Him from dust; then He said to him, "Be," and he was.” They believe that
Jesus was of a Pure Spirit and a prophet in says in the Qur’an 2:87, “And We did certainly give
Moses the Torah and followed up after him with messengers. And We gave Jesus, the son of
Mary, clear proofs and supported him with the Pure Spirit. But is it [not] that every time a
messenger came to you, [O Children of Israel], with what your souls did not desire, you were
arrogant? And a party [of messengers] you denied and another party you killed.” It goes on to
show him as a prophet in 19:30 “[Jesus] said, ‘Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given
me the Scripture and made me a prophet.’” Islam does not believe that he was the Son of God
and deny his divinity or him being the messiah. The Qur’an says in 4:71 “O People of the
Scripture, do not commit excess in your religion or say about Allah except the truth. The
23 Christopher Partridge and Melton J. Gordon. Encyclopedia of New Religions. Oxford: Lion Publishing,
2004. Accessed on October 1, 2018. Kindle.
24 E.M. Caner and E.F. Caner. Unveiling Islam: An Insider’s Look at Muslim Life and Beliefs.
Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications (2002). Accessed September 28, 2018. Kindle.
25 Badru D Kateregga and David W. Shenk. Islam and Christianity: A Muslim and a Christian in dialogue.
Grand Rapids: Eerdmans (1981).
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Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allah and His word which He
directed to Mary and a soul [created at a command] from Him. So, believe in Allah and His
messengers. And do not say, ‘Three’; desist - it is better for you. Indeed, Allah is but one God.
Exalted is He above having a son. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is
on the earth.
And sufficient is Allah as Disposer of affairs.” They believe that Jesus was a miracle worker it
says in 3:49 “And [make him] a messenger to the Children of Israel, [who will say], 'Indeed I
have come to you with a sign from your Lord in that I design for you from clay [that which is]
like the form of a bird, then I breathe into it and it becomes a bird by permission of Allah . And I
cure the blind and the leper, and I give life to the dead - by permission of Allah. And I inform
you of what you eat and what you store in your houses. Indeed, in that is a sign for you, if you
are believers.” They do not believe in the crucifixion of Jesus, so therefore there did not need to
be a resurrection. It says in 4:157, “And [for] their saying, ‘Indeed, we have killed the Messiah,
Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah.’ And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify
him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are
in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they
did not kill him, for certain.” They believe that God just took him to be with him and a look alike
person died rather than Jesus.26
Conclusion
The world would have you believe that Christians and Muslims are the same, it is just
two world religions and they can be at peace. However, this idea ignores the fact that both
religions have a mission of converting the world. Christians believe they are to go out into all
the world sharing the good new of Jesus according to Matthew 28:19. Muslims believe they are
26 John Renard. Islam and Christianity: Theological Themes in Comparative Perspective. 1st ed.
Berkley: University of California Press (2011). Accessed September 29, 2018. Kindle
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to convert all to the Islamic view and make Muhammad known to everyone according to Al-
Ma’idah 5:67. The problem is that Jesus is the answer to solve this problem and to bring peace,
however the Muslim’s believe he was just a prophet and that it is only through works that you
can change your destiny. Christians believe that through the love of Jesus and forgiveness of sin
they can be saved. It is important that Christians know what Muslims believe regarding Jesus so
that they can adequately share the good news of Jesus and his forgiveness of sin. The Bible says
in Ephesians 5:14-16 “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise,
making the most of your time, because the days are evil.”27 This has never been so true as it is
today, the days are evil and we must know and understand how to share the gospel with the
people who believe Islam.
27 Unless otherwise noted, all biblical passages referenced are in the New American Standard
Bible (Anaheim, CA: Foundation, 1998).
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Bibliography
Abu-Harb, A. “Who is the Prophet Muhammad?” A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding
Islam, 1996-2002. Accessed October 13, 2018. https://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-8.htm
Alamdari, Kazem. “Religion and Development Revisited: Comparing Islam and Christianity
with Reference to the Case of Iran.” Journal of Developing Societies 20, no. 1-2 (June
2004): 125-144. Accessed October 12, 2018.
http://journals.sagepub.com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/doi/pdf/10.1177/0169796X04048307
Black, David Alan and Thomas D. Lea. The New Testament Its Background and Message.
Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2003. Accessed October 13,2018
Kindle.
Caner, E.M. and E.F. Canner. Unveiling Islam: An Insider’s Look at Muslim Life and Beliefs.
Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 2002. Accessed September 28, 2018. Kindle.
Chappell, Bill. “World’s Muslim Population Will Surpass Christians This Century”. NPR
Network (April 2015). Accessed September 11, 2018.
https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/04/02/397042004/muslim-population-
will-surpass-christians-this-century-pew-says .
Kateregga, Badru D., and David W. Shenk. Islam and Christianity: A Muslim and a Christian in
dialogue. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1981.
Liu, Joseph. "The Global Religious Landscape | Pew Research Center." Pew Research
Center's Religion & Public Life Project. September 27, 2018. Accessed October 11,
2018. http://www.pewforum.org/2012/12/18/global-religious-landscape.exec/.
Partridge, Christopher and Gordon J. Melton. Encyclopedia of New Religions. Oxford: Lion
Publishing, 2004. Accessed October 1, 2018. Kindle.
Renard, John. Islam and Christianity: Theological Themes in Comparative Perspective. 1st ed.
Berkeley: University of California Press, 2011. Accessed September 29, 2018. Kindle.
Schaff, Philip. “History of the Christian Church, VOL II” New York, NY: Charles Scribner’s
Sons, 1888. Accessed on October 12, 2018.
https://www.ccel.org/s/schaff/history/2_ch02.htm.
Wilken, Robert Louis. “Christianity Face to Face with Islam” First Things: A Monthly Journal
of Religion and Public Life 189, (January 2009):19-26. Accessed October 12, 2018
https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/docview/209942045/fulltextPDF/
B36C12BC68E4B6EPQ/1?accountid=12085
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