We have a few short descriptions by Dr John Oakes about what 11 other religions believe. Please select the religion you would like to know more about:

Some helpful definitions:

  • Polytheism: a religious system which includes worship of many gods.
  • Pantheism: a theological perspective that sees God as being synonymous with the universe or with nature-kind of like "the Force" of Star Wars.
  • Animism: belief that many animals plants, and even objects contain individual spirits.
  • Asceticism: a belief that enlightenment, or a close relationship with deity is obtained by an extreme denial of worldly pleasures and possessions. Associated with monasteries, monks, nuns, and the like.
  • Mysticism: a belief which has been incorporated in all world religions which sees enlightenment and spiritual powers coming through contemplation/meditation.

ISLAM
(literally, submit the will in Arabic) Founder: Muhammad. About 570 - 632 AD, in Mecca, in modern Saudi Arabia.

Location: Northern Africa, almost the entire Middle East, Pakistan Afghanistan, Bangaladesh, India, Albania, Indonesia and the Phillipines, with scatterings elsewhere.

At the age of 40, Muhammad claims to have received a vision in which he was called by the angel Gabriel to be a prophet. He had very little success for several years, converting only a small group of disciples primarily from his own clan. Expelled from Mecca for his religious beliefs in 622 AD, he went to Medina. This trip, known as the Hegira, is very important to Muslims. After acceptance at Medina, he began to make a number of conversions. He massacred many Jews in Medina. He sponsored piratical raids on caravans from Mecca out of a spirit of revenge, and to finance his government. Eventually he conquered Mecca and established it as his religious capital. Eventually, as his wealth increased, Muhammad had nine wives. He died in 632 AD, having conquered much of the Arabian peninsula.

Religious background: The Arab people were involved in pagan religion, worshiping many idols. In Mecca there were four main pagan gods: Allah, Allat, al Uzza and Manat. Allah was worshiped as an idol at a black meteorite in what is known as the Ka'bah. Mohammad raised Allah to be the chief, and eventually the only god. Muslims still worship the idol/black rock in the Ka'bah in their famous pilgrimages. Despite public claims to the contrary, Islam has its roots in idolatry.

Scriptures: The Qur'an (Koran) Written all or in part by Muhammad. The original has been edited extensively over the years. Nevertheless, there is a strong link back to the original writings of Muhammad. ¾ the length of the New Testament Written in 114 "suras" treatises arranged in order from longest to shortest. No clear order to the suras in terms of chronological order or teaching. Very repetitious. Apparently, when Muhammad wrote, he did not have in mind to create a single compiled book.

Three apparent periods for the writing of the Koran which are reflected in the content and philosophy of the writings:

  1. Early Meccan period. Arguments for there being only one god-for Allah being that one god.
  2. Mecca/Medina period. Muhammad had more exposure to Judaism. Seeks to make Allah equivalent to the God of the Old Testament. Stories about Abraham, Moses, Noah, etc.
  3. Later Medina period. Muhammad has massacred many Jews. Islam is now a religion to stand on its own. Muhammad wants a book uniquely for the Arabs which would be equivalent to the Bible. Abraham called a Muslim. Hints that eventually Islam would be the enemy, not the friend of "peoples of the book." (Jews or Christians). Ex: Surah 5:63 God turns some Jews into apes and pigs.

Scientific blunders:

  1. Surah 21:33. The sun orbits the earth.
  2. Surah 12 mentions 11 planets.
  3. Surah 34:9, Surah 52:44 A piece of the sky falls and kills someone.
  4. Surah 34:11 King David makes an iron coat of mail.

Doctrines:

  1. Praying toward the Ka'bah five times a day. Originally, Muslims prayed toward Jerusalem, but later Muhammad changed that. All good Muslims must make a pilgrimage to Mecca at some time in their life. Observance of Ramadan, a month of fasting, in which they eat no food from sunrise to sunset.
  2. Monotheism very strongly emphasized.
  3. No priests, no idols, no alcohol, pork.
  4. Predestination. Allah leads astray who he will. No free will.
  5. Judgement, heaven and hell, somewhat similar to the New Testament, except heaven is a very sensuous place with men waited on by beautiful virgins, eating food like a banquet, etc.
  6. The prophets never sinned. Muslims refuse to accept that Noah got drunk. (Genesis 9:21).
  7. Jesus was a prophet, similar to Mohammad, but definitely not a savior. He was not killed on a cross.
  8. Muhammad is the fulfillment of John 14:16-17, the comforter who God was to send. Muhammad the greatest and final prophet.
  9. Works "salvation." We are saved by our own righteous life. Allah primarily a god of justice, not of love.
  10. The doctrine of jihad, or holy war for Allah. Death in jihad is a sure means to going to heaven.
  11. In fairness, some of the worst aspects of modern Islam are not in the Qur'an-for example horrendous treatment of women.

Sects: The first two of these groups are surprisingly similar in doctrine, and even in practice. Islam is much more united than "Christianity."

  1. Sunni. The orthodox sect. Most Moslems are Sunni. Followed the caliphs, not the family line of Muhammad.
  2. Shia. Only Muhammad's direct descendents can lead the true Muslims. They are waiting for a sort of second return of Muhammad's descendents to earth: the Mahdi-sort of like a Messiah concept. Iran, Lebanon, scatterings in other Moslem countries.
  3. Sufis. Moslem mystics and ascetics.