Islam is dependent on works which already contradicts the scriptures in itself. The books go in entirely different directions when it comes to salvation and worshiping God. The 5 pillars of Islam are 100% based on works and have very little to no spiritual value (maybe with the exception of prayer). It is a violent book, but our very own scriptures are not far behind so it is not a very good point to try and convince a sincere Muslim. I love Muslims and pray that their eyes are opened to truth. They criticize Christianity based on mainstream doctrines which we mostly hate ourselves (the Doctrines that is, I love Christians too). In reality, just like Christians and Jews, they haven't a clue as to the spiritual and delve on the physical and carnal. As we all know, God is Spirit and those that worship must worship Him in SPIRIT and TRUTH. Sorry if there is already a response similar to this one.
God be with you,
Roy
Roy,
That is the key, an excellent point you made.
The Muslim religion is works based rather than faith or spiritual based, it is as carnal as Judaism.
No one really understood the OT until the NT and New Covenant gave us keys to understanding, unless one has the Spirit of Christ within and is being spiritually converted into His Image no matter what good works they might do the same result applies, judgment after death to many stripes or a few stripes.
Sure the OT reads as a violent work in many of the pages but the deeper spiritual truths revealed in those Words is awe inspiring.
God is sending strong delusion to those who see the OT as strictly literal.
As far as shellfish go they are creatures of the sea and we know the sea represents the unbelieving multitudes, we should not partake or consume any of their pagan doctrines (religious food). The multitudes were also not chosen to understand the parables or even Christ Himself (presently).
Dietary law was also used in a vision Peter had after Pentecost where he saw the "unclean" foods spread on a sheet and was commanded to eat, when Peter refused he was given the meaning of the vision, "Christ is now calling Gentiles as well," the unclean have been deemed clean. All men are eventually brothers in Christ but the doctrines of paganism should not (and will not) be incorporated into His Spiritual Kingdom.
In many ways I agree with Pax that the religion of the Muslims is not a whole lot different than some of the christian churches especially after about 300 AD through the middle ages, but both religions are physical, carnal and dead. Without the Spirit of Christ there is no real life. It is obvious some Muslims (at least the ones getting all the attention) are stuck in this old time period as well.
His Peace to you,
Joe