Similarities and Differences among the Scriptures

Revelation can be viewed as a cultural phenomenon, by isolating it from its historical reality, and looking at it through its impact on culture, without having any hostile or hostile reference behind it, or any desire to legitimize this phenomenon within a group, and belittle it in another group domain. Therefore, considering revelation as a cultural phenomenon requires dealing with it objectively and with great caution, and recalling all the sciences that can be studied, whether they are related to linguistic, lexical, psychological, or social sciences, as well as anthropological and historical sciences. Revelation is considered a cultural phenomenon, whenever possible stripped of the authority of belief, in order to prepare for the possibility of criticism, development, and creativity. In addition to the comparison that allows understanding the revelation within a broader cultural scope. Looking at revelation in the Islamic sphere alone is not sufficient for one to claim that he has developed a comprehensive view of everything that indicates its meaning. The concept of revelation is not one of the unique concepts in Islam, just as it is not a free creation and devoid of traces of previous religions, especially Judaism and Christianity, but it entered Islam and became a part of it, and was dressed in a different dress than it was in Christianity. We can observe some differences between the concept of revelation in Christianity and Islam within eight levels: history, human agency, integration, letter, and spirit, word and deed, tradition, spirituality, and completeness.

2006

The Christian looking at the Qur’an will naturally approach it with a pre-understanding shaped by his knowledge of the Bible; and the Muslim will approach the Bible with a preunderstanding shaped by his knowledge of the Qur’an. Because there exist similarities between the two religions, and in particular because of the Muslim contention that Islam is a continuation and completion of the Judaeo-Christian tradition, it is sometimes assumed that similar criteria can be validly used in considering the two revelations. It is my contention, however, that there is a wide gulf between understandings of revelation in these two faiths, so that such an assumption leads inevitably to misunderstandings.

Prerequisite (if needed): None Subject Description: The course explores the main tenets and practices of major world religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and Shintoism. It aims to help learners understand the historical contexts of nine religions, appreciate their uniqueness and similarities and promote mutual understanding among believers of different faiths. They are expected to demonstrate understanding and appreciation of one's faith and that of others.

Jurnal Teologi

Bagaimanakah caranya untuk lebih memahami ajaran kristiani tentang pewahyuan dalam perjumpaan dengan orang-orang yang beriman lain di Indonesia? Artikel ini ingin menjawab pertanyaan tersebut dengan mempraktekkan teologi komparatif. Artikel ini mencoba membandingkan secara fenomenologis doktrin kristiani tentang Allah yang dalam cinta kasih-Nya mewahyukan Diri dalam sejarah keselamatan yang memuncak dalam diri Yesus Kristus dengan ajaran Islam tentang Al-Qur'ān yang diyakini sebagai revelasi Allāh sekaligus kitab yang memuat petunjuk-Nya kepada manusia. Perbandingan yang difokuskan pada tiga aspek pewahyuan: subyek, obyek dan cara pewahyuan ini menampilkan adanya sejumlah persamaan sekaligus perbedaan antara kedua doktrin pewahyuan. Lebih dari itu, sebagai praktek teologi komparatif, penulis berhasil me nunjukkan bahwa perbandingan dan refleksi teologis yang sederhana namun serius dan tulus ini dapat membuka cara-cara baru untuk semakin memperdalam iman Kristen akan Sabda Allah yang telah menjadi manusia dan, pada saat yang sama, untuk melampaui toleransi, yakni dengan penuh hormat menghargai iman saudarasaudari muslim.

Eastern Crescent, 2023

There are different definitions of religion but this author considers: 'A religion is a set of organized beliefs, practices and systems that governs an individual human's personal as well as public life which is expressed by confession, worship or moral practices, with the belief that there exists a God, gods or 'super natural being' who would cause benefit or harm here in this life and grant salvation or impose punishment in the life after death.' Religion often involves scriptural doctrines, theological beliefs, cultural practices, worldviews, sacred texts, prophecies, revelations, and morals that have spiritual meaning to members of that particular faith, and it can encompass a range of different practices, including prayers, sermons, rituals, meditation, visiting holy places, wearing symbols, attending feasts and joining particular celebrations. During the 18th century comparative religion scholars increasingly recognized Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism as the most significant, major and "popular world religions." Even today, these are considered the "Big Five" and are the religions most likely to be covered in world religion studies almost in all universities of the world. Five smaller or more localized religions/philosophies brought the list of ‘world major religions’ to ten. Thus, Confucianism, Taoism, Jainism, Sikhism and Zoroastrianism are also listed among the world’s major religions. Precisely, the present geographical West (Europe, America and Australia etc.) has not originated any major world religion ever. All the major religions are from Asia only.

2018

This course explores the monotheistic religions of the Near East (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), those of India and the Far East (Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism) and the " new-age " faiths. The history and practice of each is studied. Special emphasis is laid on the philosophical and psychological basis of each religion and common themes such as " the self " , suffering, free will and ethics. Primary and secondary sources are studied along with an examination of methodology in comparative religion.

Religious Inquiries , 2012

Any student of comparative religion will notice - and seek to identify as well - the points of similarity and difference between various religions. One might even claim that the discipline of “influence studies” has its roots in these discussions of comparison and contrast. However, these discussions persistently fail to address the nuances of particular faiths. Here, I intend to shed some light on the similarities and dissimilarities among religions. The point of departure and the framework for the study will be Islam, with a relatively strong focus on Judaism and Christianity.

2018

This course explores the monotheistic religions of the Near East (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), those of India and the Far East (Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism) and the " new-age " faiths. The history and practice of each is studied. Special emphasis is laid on the philosophical and psychological basis of each religion and common themes such as " the self " , suffering, free will and ethics. Primary and secondary sources are studied along with an examination of methodology in comparative religion.

2017

This course explores the monotheistic religions of the Near East (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), those of India and the Far East (Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism) and the " new-age " faiths. The history and practice of each is studied. Special emphasis is laid on the philosophical and psychological basis of each religion and common themes such as " the self " , suffering, free will and ethics. Primary and secondary sources are studied along with an examination of methodology in comparative religion.

Religion and Politics: Is Secularization a Myth or Reality?, 2024

This paper explores the wisdom found in cross-cultural revelations to build a consensus on addressing global religious issues. It begins by outlining the major chal lenges faced by global religions and proposes specific strategies through an examination of shared truths within both Western and Eastern religious and cultural traditions. The study focuses on Confucianism’s ‘Zhongyong’ (The Doctrine of the Mean,中庸) along side the unique cultivation practices of Tai Ji Men, revealing core values that transcend religious boundaries. It analyzes the deep connections between “nature” (性, Xing), the “Tao” (道), and the “heart” (心, Xin), while also exploring the parallels between spiritual cultivation and the pursuit of transcendence. This paper highlights the crucial role of “conscience” in modern life and religious transcendence, examining its profound link to self-awareness through a linguistic lens. By tracing the historical and cultural significance of conscience, it offers insights into humanity’s path toward harmonious coexistence. Finally, it showcases the global influence of Tai Ji Men, an ancient menpai (門派, school) of Qigong, martial arts, and self-cultivation. Despite facing political persecution through judicial and tax mea sures, Tai Ji Men has remained committed to principles of justice and righteousness. Its demonstration of inner peace and remarkable external vitality serves as a valuable reference for groups experiencing secularization. Additionally, this paper incorporates the wisdom and philosophy of Dr. Hong Tao-Ze, the contemporary leader of Tai Ji Men, in the hope of offering benefits to all of humanity.