Understanding Christianity, Research Paper Example

The political global landscape has changed significantly since the tragedy of 9/11 and the image of Islam has particularly taken a hit in the west. As a Muslim, this doe disturb me but my cross-cultural experiences have convinced me that the key to better relationships between Islam and other great faiths such as Christianity is in communication rather than military engagements. This is why I decided to improve my knowledge of Christianity by requesting informational interview from John, who is a practicing Christian as well as a classmate in one of the course I take. It was easy to secure interview because John also serves in a missionary and is also willing to talk about his faith.

Responding to my question about the purpose of life according to Christianity, John replied that we should accept Jesus as a savior and a Son of God. John added that all men are born sinful due to the original sin committed by Adam, thus, God send his son Jesus Christ to cleanse mankind of the burden of this sin. Unless we accept Jesus as a savior, we cannot enter heaven. Replying to my question about the status of Jesus, John claimed that Jesus was born of a Virgin Mary and came to earn to sacrifice himself and save humanity.

When I asked how Christianity describes the beginning of the universe, John replied that God created everything in six days and took rest on seventh day. John added that God created man in his own image, thus, mankind is the most blessed of all creations. When I asked about evolution, John dismissed it as a faulty idea that lacks credibility and has been built on shady evidence.

When I asked John about figures such as Moses, David, and Muhammad, John replied that Christians do believe in Moses and David as historical figures and men of God who came before Jesus Christ but they do not accept the authority of Muhammad. John also added that Jewish people had been told about the coming of Jesus but they rejected him because Jesus was the voice of a common man and a threat to their thrown.

When I asked about Christian Crusades, John replied that they were a dark period in Christianity’s history and not representative of Christianity’s teachings. John added that same could also be said about other dark episodes such as racism and the rise of Ku Klux Klan. John advised me that the best way to understand Christianity is to read Bible and follow teachings of Jesus Christ.

As I reflected upon the answers given by John, I could not help but wonder about the growing distance between Islam and Christianity. I had expected the differences to exceed similarities but what I found was that Islam and Christianity have more similarities than differences. For example, Muslims also believe in Jesus birth of a Virgin Mary. Muslims also believe in the creation story told by John regarding the beginning of the earth and mankind. Muslims also hold figures such as David and Moses in high regard in addition to Jesus even if Christians do not believe in Muhammad. Moreover, even Muslims believe that Jewish people had been foretold of Jesus coming and advised to follow him when he comes.

When John expressed regret over Christian Crusades and racism in western democracies, it reminded me that most Muslims also condemn terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda and Isis and claim they do not represent the teachings of Islam. Just as John claimed we should read Bible and follow Jesus’ teachings to understand true Christianity, Muslims including me also believe that we should read Quran and follow Muhammad’s teachings to understand what true Islam is. The fundamentalist elements that advocate violence do not portray the true teachings of Islam.

Just like Christians, Muslims also believe this world is a testing ground for the life hereafter and one of the requirements to enter heaven is to acknowledge prophets including Jesus. But while Christians believe one has to accept Jesus as a savior, Muslims believe one has to accept Muhammad as the savior of humanity and the last prophet.

My interview with John further affirmed my conviction that the key to greater understanding between West and East is communication and greater cross-cultural interaction because violence only leads to never-ending cycle of violence. Just as I learned from John, John would also have learned a lot about Islam if our roles had been reversed and I am sure he would also have recognized huge similarities between the two faiths that seem to be at clash now. I am also grateful for the invention of internet because I have observed more and more people engage in discussions with those from other countries. Granted some engage in uncivilized debate which is hate-filled but many actually use the opportunity to expand their thinking horizon. Despite the on-going political conflicts I am confident the distance between Islam and other great faiths including Christianity will narrow over time.