Do Christians and Muslims Worship the Same God? (Part 5)

By Silas

Conclusion

We asked and investigated the question, “Do Muslims and Christians worship the same God?” and to answer the question accurately these points were established:

In all three we found either opposite or significantly different results.

Based upon the Scriptural data and the historical evidence the only logical and consistent answer that can be given is that Muslims and Christians do not worship the same God.  These Gods have acted and spoken in contradiction.  It is these opposites, in command, in statement, and in nature that are grounds for rejecting the proposal that we worship the same God.  They are not one and the same Person or Divinity.   “A” cannot be “non-A.”  Islam’s Allah is not the same as Christianity’s Allah.  They are not the same God!

Muslims may believe that they worship the same God.  However the Quran’s description of Allah’s attributes and characteristics are distinct and different from the Bible’s description of God.  While both refer to a One All-Powerful Creator-God their portrayals and characterizations of that God contradict each other.

THE THEOLOGIANS

Recently I’ve talked with a good friend who has a theological degree about the respect his degree commands.  He is very involved in philosophical and theological discussions with agnostics and atheists and his work has yielded fruit!  However, he’s told me that many of the people he encounters, religious or secular, discount the value of a theological degree.  They view it as of little benefit, “why are you wasting your time and money on that?”  Yet he feels that theology is one of the most powerful domains today because it deals with morality and philosophy of life and affects the lives of some 7 billion people.  Yet today’s theologians, like Rodney Dangerfield, “get no respect!”

I was unaware and surprised by those dismissive perspectives.  I was puzzled:  “Why are theologians dismissed so readily today?”  In times past theologians affected man and culture powerfully.  Today, outside of religious circles, a degree in theology is seen as useful as a degree in sociology.  I can hear the Simpson’s character Nelson mocking and laughing at them:  “Ha ha!”

This question, “Do Muslims and Christians worship the same God” has been addressed by various Christian theologians.  You’ll find a wide variety of articles on the web.  Some answered with a simple and firm “yes” or “no” answer.  On the other hand some Christian theologians argue that a simple “yes” or “no” answer cannot be given, while even others have answered both “yes” and “no”!  Either they are the same God, the one and the same Divine Essence, the one and the same Divine Person, or they are not.

If three scientists were asked to determine two unidentified materials they would investigate and examine them by using various physical and chemical tests and then analyze the data.  Afterwards they would draw a conclusion.  Would you expect the scientists to say:

            “Yes, they’re the same because they both have similar physical properties.”

or

            “No, they’re not the same.  They have different chemical compositions of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, iron, gallium, chlorine, etc., and different strengths, melting points, luster, densities, etc.  They have similarities but are different materials.”?

Suppose a sports magazine commissioned a professional English sports writer to write an article proving that American football and English football are, or are not, the same.  What type of an article would be expected in terms of comparison, contrast, examination, and evaluation?  Wouldn’t the sports magazine and its readers expect to read an accurate and detailed answer that compared facets of both games and drew a firm conclusion?  What would the reaction be if after a few generalized paragraphs he wrote, “Sure, they’ve both sports and both are called Football, both played on a big field, and both use a large ball, so they must be the same.”

Two books written recently address the question if Jews, Christians, and Muslims worship the same God:

Additionally, a third book by James White which briefly discusses whether or not we worship the same God bears mention:

The first two books contain articles written by Jewish, Christian, and Muslim perspectives.  They are not asking if both faiths worship God rather they are asking if they worship the “same” God.  My focus is on the Christian-themed responses and it’s important to know their reasoning and arguments for confirming we do worship the same God.  They should be considered, examined, and critiqued.  It is defining and dealing with “same” that theologians struggle and stumble.

Volf is previously on record as believing and proclaiming that we worship the same God and no doubt he chose articles that support his viewpoint.  Volf’s book focuses on the question at hand but a secondary goal of his is to lay groundwork for mutual respect, discussion, and living together peaceably.  The Christian-based articles are written by Christoph Schwöbel and Amy Plantinga-Pauw.

Neusner’s book features fewer but better articles in terms of analysis and they highlight the challenges and differences between the faiths.  Theologian Bruce Chilton presents the Christian point of view.

White’s book focuses upon the errors and inconsistencies within the Quran and White covers the aspect of “same God?” because Muslims believe that God inspired the Quran and view it as Scripture.

Volf’s Book

Volf’s articles start by reviewing aspects of Christian faith and mention the theological divide between the faiths.  Subsequently the authors play a  theological “get out of jail free” card and conclude in one way or another that we do indeed worship the same God, “albeit differently”.  This get out of jail free card is used by many theologians from different faiths.  This card is actually a reflection of the “Three Blind Men and the Elephant” story.  Each theologian admits stark theological differences, but those differences, those different understandings, are due to their possessing a partial understanding of God.  The card exploits God’s unknowable vastness and allows for the overlooking of key contradictions.  It says, “Yes, there are theological contradictions but might there be some aspect of God of which we are unaware that would reconcile these apparent contradictions?”  This card trumps or overrides the contradictions.

Volf’s introduction hits the nail’s head when discussing the theological ramifications of the question:

Volf then plays the get out of jail free card quickly:

That argument allows for a synthesis of the Bible and the Quran.  I doubt any of those theologians would come out and state that but that is where their logic leads.  The blind man who examined the tail could also examine the tusk and say, “Yes! This is also true of the One Elephant!”  Why then couldn’t a Christian who accepts that doctrine say, “Let’s take the best parts out of the Bible and Quran and mix them to our mutual benefit?”

Christoph Schwöbel

Schwöbel begins with a review of the Catholic church’s Nostra Aetate which is defined as the “Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions.”  He covers what the Nostra Aetate says about Hindus and Buddhists then moves on to what it says about Muslims.

Schwöbel states that through the ages Christians have said that Muslims and Christians “believe and confess One God, “albeit in different ways.”” 

With respect to Nostra Aetate he addresses the question at hand:

I appreciate Schwöbel’s clarification, “identity of reference,” because he draws a distinction between worshiping and referring to a God and worshiping the same God.

Schwöbel moves to discussing perspective.  In a thoughtful argument Schwöbel addresses perspectives that could be used to discuss the question of whether or not we worship the same God.  He sets the discussion groundwork and uses the same approach I used:  “p and not-p cannot have the same truth value.”  (p.7)

From there he discusses the trinity and presents his summation of Martin Luther’s view, i.e. that Muslims “have” the same God as Christians, (because there is only one God – again this is the “identity of reference”), but are not in right standing with God and do not have a correct understand of Him.  Schwöbel then takes Luther’s statements and asserts that Luther believed that Christians and Muslims worship the same God.  Schwöbel then fashions the next step in his argument:

Schwöbel’s argument morphed into syncretism, based on a humanistic and philosophical approach to Christian theology, one that is NOT based on Christian Scripture.  He states that Christians cannot deny God is present in other religions (why not?), that our sin obscures our view or understanding of God, and draws an incredulous, non-Christian, conclusion:

Schwöbel took the same “identity of reference” and turned that into same in Divinity.  The argument changed from “They worship a similar God” to “They worship the same God.”  I’m not so sure that Luther would appreciate what Schwöbel did with his argument.

Schwöbel presents various aspects of the Christian faith with a philosophical view towards perspectives, respect, dialog, and the common good.  He concludes with:

Schwöbel’s construction of the Three blind men and the elephant story:  each faith has different perspectives (or revelations) of the same God and our concepts and modes of worship are different, but we worship one and the same God.  God’s vastness and our limitedness and sin allow for this One God to have revealed Himself differently to Muhammad and the Muslims.  Earlier Schwöbel stated that we needed to have a “p and not-p cannot have the same truth value” perspective in order to have a meaningful discussion.  However he either did not look deeply enough into Islam to determine if Allah were the same as God or he overlooked the p is not non-p and drew a politically correct conclusion.

Amy Plantinga-Pauw 

Pauw’s argument comes from a slightly different approach.  She is unsure of what criteria to use as a measuring stick, she does not know what grounds for judging “same” are sufficient, and throughout her article she remains in uncertainty.  She suggests that we need to “learn more” before making a judgment.  1400 years of Islamic theology should be sufficient for the task at hand.  The problem here is not one of missing data rather it is one of applying oneself to know the data.

Because she is unable to find criteria, i.e. “grounds” to base a judgment upon she uses theological beliefs common to both Christianity and Islam to affirm that we do worship the same God.  For example since both faiths believe that one God is the Creator of all, they therefore believe in and worship the same God.  She writes:

Pauw argues that because Muslims believe in one Creator God, then as fellow monotheists they worship the same God as the Christians.  What she is agreeing to is that both faiths have a similar understanding and identification that their God is the Creator.  Schwöbel brought out a similar point when using the Nostra Aetate and Luther’s writings.  Schwöbel differentiated between having the same “identity of reference,” and having the “same” God, Pauw does not.

On the other hand, Pauw states correctly that if the sharp theological differences allow the denial that these Gods are not the same God, then the alternative is that Muslims are “idolaters” who worship a false god.  However, she is uncertain and therefore unwilling to make that seemingly harsh judgment.  She errs on the side of what she considers to be “charitable” Christian allowance.

Similar to Schwöbel, Pauw counters those “irreducible theological differences” by playing the theological get out of jail free card:

Pauw’s argument is another version of the Three Blind men and the Elephant:  God is too big to comprehend completely and therefore the theological differences may not necessarily mean that we worship different Gods.  Pauw is aware of the sharp theological differences but affirms we worship the same God because God is greater than our perceptions.  Her uncertainty due to God’s bigness allows her to play the theological get out of jail free card and she uses it to trump her recognition that p is not non-p.

Just as Schwöbel asserts that our sin blinds us to knowing God in full, (p.14), so too Pauw argues that her uncertainty allows her to discount the contradictory statements that both Gods have stated which are recorded in their respective Scriptures.  God’s hidden presence and vastness create a theological uncertainty which allows Islam to be accepted as a legitimate faith that worships the same God that Christians worship.

Taking a deeper look at the quality of Pauw’s faith shows that her uncertainty is a significant factor.  She describes her Christianity as comprised of “seeing through a glass darkly,” (p. 40 - referencing 1 Corinthians 13:12), whereas the Apostle John’s Christianity was certain:  “… but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.”  (John 20:31).  Within the Christian faith there are things which are certain and things which are not so certain.  Knowing that Jesus is the Son of God, His death and resurrection, His Divinity, are certain.  (Both Paul and John knew and were certain of that.)  Pauw is not so certain.

Opposing Pauw is Francis Schaeffer’s argument.  While we do not know God completely we can know limited and accurate details about Him.

Francis Schaeffer testified publically early in his Christian life:

and commenting on limited knowledge of God, Schaeffer later wrote:

Like the apostle John, Schaeffer understood that God has spoken truth about Himself, mankind, and the world.  There is no uncertainty.  There is no second guessing because God has spoken clearly about Jesus being His Son.  Yet somehow, Pauw waits or allows for a future revelation, another deeper theological understanding, that will reconcile Allah’s, “Hell No! Jesus is NOT my Son!” with God’s “Hell Yes! Jesus is my beloved Son!” 

John knew Jesus, he knew His truth, and John was certain.  Francis Schaeffer knew Jesus and the truth and was certain.  Pauw believes but she does not know. 

As Pauw continues her argument she acknowledges it is weak:

She admits the differences but hopes that blind generosity accommodates Muslims.  This argument is not a Christian theological argument rather it is an irrational leap of faith.  God was not and is not generous towards idolatry.  Why should Christians compromise their faith?   

In addressing the book’s question, “Do We Worship the same God?” Pauw, like Schwöbel, do not quote a single verse from the Quran.  How do degreed theologians, writing articles that confirm that Christians worship the same God as the Muslims, fail to utilize a single Quranic verse?  How does Pauw fail to describe just one of the “sharp theological differences”?  How is a reader supposed to be convinced if the writer would not, or could not, engage the data?  You would not want this quality of work from your doctor, car mechanic, or home-builder would you?

Bruce Chilton

Dr. Bruce Chilton represents the Christian viewpoint in Neusner’s book.  Like Schwöbel and Pauw he does not perform actual comparison and analysis of the faiths.  While he does scholarly work on discussing Jesus as the Logos and the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the early Christians the book’s theme is avoided until the conclusion.  There he offers a few paragraphs.

He starts by stating the theological challenges in his Introduction:

Also, he states that the faith’s tenets are established by its writings:

In Part 1 he expounds upon the relationship of the “Logos” to Jesus and presents a detailed view of the status of Jesus as the Logos.  Part 2 is a study on the active role the Holy Spirit played in the life of the early Christians.  How these Parts relate to the issue at hand is not developed.

Like Schwöbel and Pauw earlier Chilton touches on the “tolerance and mutual respect” theme.  He cites William Graham’s work which says in Muslim countries religious minorities (apart from polytheists) were treated with tolerance.  Graham and Chilton are unable to distinguish between oppression and tolerance.  Islam’s self-defined rule over non-Muslims is meant to be oppressive.  Quran 9:29 is not a command to tolerance, rather it a command to subject, kill, or oppress those that reject Islam’s god as their God.  This is what Islamic history shows us and what we see today in the Islamic world.  There is a correlation between the degree that a Muslim society is Islamic and the degree of oppression it levies against non-Muslims.  The more Islamic a Muslim society is the more it oppresses non-Muslims.  Let’s not call that form of oppression “tolerance.”  Just because the Christians and Jews were not outright killed or forced to convert to Islam does not mean we call that tolerance.  Would Muslims call it “tolerant” if they were treated the same way in the West?

Chilton addresses the “same” criteria from a different perspective than Pauw:

While the book’s theme is “same,” Chilton, demurs from addressing it robustly.  “Sameness” is productive when sincere Christians want to know if their God is the same as Islam’s Allah.  They want to understand the differences between the faiths.

Chilton’s last paragraph is a short statement on what should have been addressed fully:

“Sometimes… appears”?  There are many fundamental tenets in Islam and Christianity that are at odds.  These are not just “sometimes” contradictions rather they are employed full time.

Chilton notes the contradictions and states that the Gods are not the same, but somehow they are “One.”  Because Chilton does not make a strong and clear conclusion we are left wondering what exactly he is trying to say, or not say.  Indeed, even in the book’s epilogue M. Marty actually comments on the lack of clear conclusions:

“Disdain” may be too strong a word, but disappointment is not.  I don’t know why Chilton was unwilling to write a stronger, more clear, conclusion.  I enjoyed his chapter most of all.  His work in Part I and Part II was detailed and a true pleasure to read.  I wish he had delivered a more developed conclusion.

Earlier I mentioned the perceived uselessness of a theology degree and how it is looked down upon.  I am troubled that so many theologians in the West are more concerned with a humanistic approach instead of a Christian approach to theological questions.  Perhaps I’m naïve but I’ve always expected Christian theologians to, you know, take a stand for Christ and the word of God.  If they are not standing upon God’s word what are they standing upon?  What are they standing for? 

Part of the reason a theological degree is de-valued today is because so many of today’s theologians have nothing to say.  There is nothing strong in their work or their statements and the quality of their work is embarrassing.

Some of the articles I’ve read show today’s “Christian” theologians addressing this question from a mere academic perspective. It is an intellectual puzzle to be investigated, discussed, and then answered.  The God they analyze is a dead god existing in a nice, tidy and cute box.  They dissect him and present him as they choose and answer based upon their personal desires and viewpoints.  Their god has no power and no life force; he doesn’t matter.  They worship a dead angel.

James White

James White takes a more serious approach to the subject of Islam and is accurate and forthright in his analysis.  On pages 70 through 72 he addresses the question directly.  He notes that the Quran affirms Christians and Muslims worship the same God and distinguishes between pure and correct worship versus tainted and incorrect worship:

White then goes into the details that comprise the faiths and addresses the Quran’s naïve position:

James White understands the question and provides an accurate and clear answer.  The other theologians, not so much.  (That is a shame and embarrassment for Christendom in the West.)  While the Quran affirms we all worship the One and only God, the devil in the details, prove otherwise.  The Quran’s error here is caught by informed Muslims and they struggle with addressing its inconsistencies.

The early Christians knew Jesus is the Son of God and many died for believing in Him.  Many of today’s theologians can’t even take a stand being cowed by political correctness or frozen in uncertainty.

God’s pronouncements against idolatry

Some of my comments are critical.  But when compared to what God has both stated and done with respect to idolaters, I might come off as soft.  If both Gods are the same God then perhaps it would be understandable for Christians to syncretize Islamic worship with Christian worship.  “It’s the same God, so why would He care how we worshipped Him if we are worshipping Him in an acceptable manner?”  However if the Gods are different then the worship of the false god is akin to idolatry.  This type of blending occurred throughout Israel’s history and time and time again Yahweh condemned and punished this syncretizing of Judaism with other faiths’ worship.  Tragically, this is occurring in Christianity today via “Insider Movements” and other similar types of efforts that syncretize Christianity with Islam. 

The Biblical Scriptures that address this topic at its root are blunt and harsh and I’ve compiled a few from the Old and New Testaments.  The statements and commands are strict and uncompromising.  God punished idolatry severely.  My compilation caused me to examine my own heart against anything that would usurp Christ’s rule in my life.  Take these Scriptures at face value and let them speak more loudly to you than my words.

1) The very first commandment God gave to the Israelites forbids idolatry:

2)  Jesus’ commandments parallel that:

The first commandment given to Moses prohibited idolatry.  The first commandment Jesus quotes also prohibits idolatry.

3)  God commanded that the Israelites put idolaters to death:

4)  Paul warns Christians against idolatry and states that the pagans who worship idols are worshipping demons.

5)  John thought the issue important enough to include it as his final statement in his letter: 

Of all of the things John could warn against, he warns against idolatry.  Why?  The New International Commentary on the New Testament addresses this:

Finally, idolaters are described in the last book of the Bible as not being allowed to enter heaven:

In light of the above Scriptures we can conclude that the worship of a false god is a severe sin and has severe consequences. Paul discusses idolatry and says that those involved with idols are involved with demons.  John writes that idolaters will not enter heaven.  God commanded idolaters to be put to death and He will sentence them to hell.  Whether you like it, or don’t like it, that is exactly what the Bible states.

MAKE UP YOUR MIND AND CHOOSE:  SERVE GOD OR SERVE ALLAH

I’ve answered the question “Do Christians and Muslims worship the same God?” strongly because in the light of Christian weakness and confusion I wanted a Scriptural position known.  I wanted to speak boldly and plainly because this question strikes me as of the utmost importance within God’s values and strictures.  My answer is not a put down of Islam’s God.  Just as apples are similar to but different from oranges so also Islam’s God is similar to, but also contradictory to, Christianity’s God.  A “One Creator” God who says the opposite of what another “One Creator” God says cannot be the same God.

In “Make My Life a Prayer” Keith Green sings:

Keith Green understood the sin of compromising our faith and he sang against it.  Compromising faith fails to honor Christ, His divinity, or His sacrifice. 

Elijah challenged the Israelites to make up their minds and choose between serving the Lord or serving Baal:

Elijah’s challenge is appropriate here for the Christians who believe or want to believe that Allah and God are the same God.  While there are some theological similarities there are many more crucial differences.  Christians cannot serve two masters.  Acknowledging Allah as being the same Deity as God acknowledges two valid but contradictory systems of faith.  Like the Israelites of Elijah’s time weak-minded Christians need to make a choice, get in or get out. 

As for me, I will not accept the invitation to bow down to Allah.  I challenge Christians to distinguish between a god who says “Jesus is NOT the Son of God!” and a God who says, “Thou are my beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased.”

I know firsthand how devout and disciplined Muslims can be.  So were the priests of Baal:

You will find devout, honest, self-sacrificing and disciplined followers in all faiths.  Admirable traits do not equate to God’s Word.  In both the Old and New Testaments devout people worshipped, prayed to, and praised false gods wholeheartedly.  No Old or New Testament saint said anything as ridiculous as, “God’s faithfulness allows us to accept worship of that false god as worship of the same God.” No, that error was rejected and condemned!

Brethren, I challenge you, open your Bibles and do your own study on God’s view of idolatry.  My study shows me that He condemns it harshly.  Why should Christians degrade their own faith?  A little leaven leavens the whole loaf.  Teaching that Allah and God are the same God is feeding the body of Christ spiritual poison.

I know whom I have believed and I know Him who is true and I am in Him who is true, in His beloved Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

Silas

(Back to Part 1)