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Thursday, April 14, 2016

Muslims, Christians, and Jews: Uniting in Worship of the Same God and Facing the Antichrist Together

In an increasingly fragmented world, the call for interfaith unity has never been more important. Muslims, Christians, and Jews, three Abrahamic faiths, share a profound spiritual connection that often goes unnoticed. At the core of their beliefs is the worship of the same God, albeit referred to by different names: Allah in Arabic for Muslims, Elohim in Hebrew for Jews, and God in English for Christians. This shared divine worship forms a powerful common ground that could foster unity among these faith communities, especially in light of the trials and tribulations foretold for humanity. One such trial, which all three faiths anticipate, is the arrival of the Antichrist, considered the greatest tribulation in human history, according to Islamic, Christian, and Jewish traditions. As we face these challenges, it is essential to recognize our shared faith in God and the importance of unity in confronting the looming trials.

The Shared Worship of the Same God

The idea that Muslims, Christians, and Jews worship the same God is not only a theological truth but also an essential point of unity. Although each religion has its distinct theological nuances, they all trace their roots to the monotheistic tradition of Abraham. Muslims believe that Allah is the one true God, the Creator of the universe, who has revealed His guidance through prophets like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, among others. The Quran, the holy book of Islam, speaks of the shared origins of these faiths, emphasizing that all the Abrahamic religions are part of the same divine plan.

In Christianity, the central figure is Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the Son of God and the Savior of humanity. However, Christians also recognize the Old Testament, which includes many of the same prophets revered in Judaism and Islam. The foundational belief of Christianity is the worship of one God, the Creator of heaven and earth, who is revealed in the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Despite the doctrinal differences, the worship of the one true God remains the core of Christian belief.

Judaism, the oldest of the Abrahamic faiths, has long held to the worship of a singular, all-powerful God, known as Elohim in Hebrew. Jews believe that God revealed His will through the Torah, given to the Israelites through the prophet Moses. The God of Judaism is the same Creator and Sustainer of the universe, who has been worshiped since the time of Abraham.

In all three traditions, the belief in one God—whether called Allah, Elohim, or God—remains central. The names may differ, but the essence of the divine is understood as one and the same: the Creator, Sustainer, and Lord of all existence.

The Concept of the Antichrist in Abrahamic Faiths

The figure of the Antichrist is a common and chilling presence in the eschatology of all three Abrahamic religions. Each tradition has its own understanding of the Antichrist and the role this figure will play in the final days of humanity. Despite these differences, the concept of the Antichrist represents a universal evil—a force that will oppose the true faith and lead many astray before the ultimate triumph of good.

In Christianity, the Antichrist is described in the New Testament as a figure who will deceive people, claiming to be a messianic figure, and lead many to worship him as God. Christians believe that the Antichrist will arise in the end times, heralding the final battle between good and evil. This figure is seen as the embodiment of deception, falsehood, and opposition to Christ’s teachings.

In Islam, the Antichrist is known as the Dajjal (Arabic for "deceiver"), a figure who will appear before the Day of Judgment, spreading corruption and falsehood. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) described the Dajjal as a great trial for humanity, one that will test the faith of all believers. According to Islamic tradition, the Dajjal will claim to be divine, leading many people astray. The Prophet Muhammad warned that the Dajjal’s emergence would be one of the greatest tribulations in history, and only those who have strong faith will be able to withstand his deception. Muslims are urged to prepare for this trial by strengthening their belief in Allah and following His guidance.

In Judaism, the figure of the Antichrist is not as clearly defined, but there is a concept of a false Messiah who will come and lead the Jewish people astray before the true Messiah arrives. This figure is often associated with the "Armageddon" battle, which will precede the coming of the true Messiah, who will bring peace and redemption to the world. While the details may differ, the Jewish tradition also speaks of a time of great tribulation and a deceptive figure who will mislead many people.

The Prophet Muhammad’s Warning: The Greatest Tribulation

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) described the coming of the Dajjal as the greatest tribulation in human history. In a famous Hadith, the Prophet said:

"There is no trial greater than that of the Dajjal from the time of Adam until the Last Day." (Sahih Muslim)

This is a powerful statement that underscores the significance of the Dajjal as a test of faith for all humanity. The Prophet Muhammad’s warning calls for vigilance and preparation, as the Dajjal will be a master of deception, capable of performing miracles and convincing people of his divinity. The Prophet urged Muslims to stay united in their faith, to remember the teachings of the Quran and the Hadith, and to never be swayed by the Dajjal’s temptations.

This warning is not only for Muslims. Christians and Jews also believe in the coming of a time when a false messianic figure will appear, leading people astray. The common thread across these faiths is the recognition that such a figure will pose a grave challenge to the faith of believers and the moral fabric of the world. Therefore, it is in the best interest of all Abrahamic faiths to unite in the face of such an existential threat.

A Call for Unity

In light of these shared beliefs, Muslims, Christians, and Jews should recognize the importance of unity in confronting the trials of the end times. The arrival of the Antichrist, or Dajjal, will not only be a religious test but also a social and moral one. The divisiveness that characterizes much of the current world is a vulnerability that can be exploited by forces of evil. Unity among these three great faiths, who worship the same God, can serve as a powerful force for good in the world.

Rather than focusing on doctrinal differences, we should come together in our common belief in the one true God and in our shared moral and spiritual heritage. We all believe in the importance of justice, mercy, and compassion, values that should guide our actions in the face of challenges. By standing united, we can resist the forces of deception and falsehood that will characterize the rule of the Antichrist.

In practical terms, interfaith dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation are essential to building this unity. By working together to promote peace, justice, and understanding, Muslims, Christians, and Jews can create a stronger, more resilient community, one that is prepared for the trials ahead.

Conclusion

Muslims, Christians, and Jews share a profound spiritual bond through their worship of the same God. The common belief in the coming of the Antichrist, or Dajjal, in the final days of humanity, underscores the need for unity in the face of this great tribulation. The Prophet Muhammad’s warning about the Dajjal reminds us that the greatest test for humanity will be the battle between truth and falsehood. As we face this challenge together, we must set aside our differences and focus on the common ground that unites us—our belief in the one true God. In doing so, we can stand firm in our faith and confront the trials of the end times with strength, unity, and conviction.

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

The True Islamic Monotheism of Jesus Christ and the Corruption by Saint Paul

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The figure of Jesus Christ stands at the heart of Christianity, revered as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity. However, from an Islamic perspective, the true message of Jesus is seen as one of monotheism, purity of worship, and submission to the one true God—Allah. Islamic teachings about Jesus (known as Isa in Arabic) emphasize his role as a prophet, not a divine figure. According to the Quran and Hadith, Jesus’ message was consistent with that of other Abrahamic prophets, emphasizing worship of the one true God, a doctrine that aligns closely with Islamic monotheism.

Yet, the Christian doctrine that emerged, particularly through the teachings of Saint Paul, diverged significantly from the monotheistic message of Jesus. Saint Paul, a figure whose influence on the formation of Christian theology cannot be overstated, played a crucial role in shaping the Christian understanding of Jesus as the Son of God and part of the Holy Trinity. However, his teachings have been criticized by some, especially within the Islamic tradition, as a distortion and corruption of the true, monotheistic message that Jesus initially conveyed.

This article explores how the true Islamic monotheism of Jesus Christ was altered by Saint Paul, a man who had once persecuted the followers of Jesus, had never met him in person, and ultimately became the founder of Christianity, diverging from the original teachings of Jesus.

The Monotheism of Jesus in Islam

In Islam, Jesus (Isa) is considered one of the greatest prophets and messengers of God. The Quran clearly states that Jesus was a servant of God, and his mission was to guide the Children of Israel back to the worship of the one true God, Allah. Islam upholds the belief in strict monotheism (Tawhid), which teaches that God is one, indivisible, and beyond any partners or associates. Jesus, like all other prophets in Islam, is revered as a human being chosen by God to deliver His message. He performed miracles, but these were by the will and power of Allah, not due to any divine nature of his own.

The Quran confirms that Jesus called his followers to worship Allah alone, and he emphasized that he was a servant and messenger of God, not divine. The Quran says:

"Indeed, the example of Jesus with Allah is like that of Adam. He created him from dust; then He said to him, 'Be,' and he was." (Quran 3:59)

This emphasizes the Islamic belief that Jesus, like Adam, was a creation of God, not a part of God, and that God’s word, or command, is what brought him into existence.

Moreover, Islam rejects the idea of the Trinity, which is central to mainstream Christian theology. The Quran directly addresses this, saying:

"Say not, 'Three'; desist - it is better for you. Indeed, Allah is but one God. Exalted is He above having a son." (Quran 4:171)

The rejection of the divinity of Jesus is a cornerstone of Islamic belief. Muslims honor Jesus as one of the greatest of God's prophets, but they do not believe him to be God or the Son of God. Instead, they believe in his human nature and his role in conveying the message of monotheism and moral conduct.

The Transformation of Jesus' Message Through Saint Paul

The person most responsible for altering the message of Jesus from a monotheistic prophetic mission to a divinely-ordained religion is Saint Paul (originally Saul of Tarsus). Paul’s influence on the early Christian movement cannot be overstated. His letters form a substantial portion of the New Testament, and his theological innovations shaped the Christian understanding of Jesus, particularly regarding his divinity and role as the Son of God.

Paul’s teachings were revolutionary in that they sought to incorporate Gentiles (non-Jews) into the nascent Christian movement, advocating that faith in Jesus was the path to salvation. This inclusivity was appealing and contributed to the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. However, Paul's interpretations of Jesus' message also laid the foundation for many of the theological departures from the original teachings of Jesus as understood in Islam.

The Claim of Divinity

While Jesus never claimed to be divine during his life on Earth, Paul introduced the idea that Jesus was not only the Messiah but also the divine Son of God. This claim is foundational to the doctrine of the Trinity and is a significant departure from Jesus’ original monotheistic teachings. Paul’s epistles emphasize the divine nature of Christ, notably in passages like:

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation." (Colossians 1:15)

For Paul, Jesus’ death and resurrection were not merely acts of martyrdom but acts of divine significance that offered salvation to humanity. Paul’s teaching of the crucifixion, in which he portrayed Jesus as the sacrifice for the sins of humanity, became a core tenet of Christian theology, leading to the concept of the Atonement.

In contrast, Jesus himself, in the Gospels, is portrayed as focusing on the worship of one God and the importance of submission to God’s will. He does not claim divinity, nor does he describe himself as a sacrifice for the sins of mankind in the manner that Paul later articulated.

The Role of the Law

Another critical issue lies in Paul’s relationship with Jewish law, or the Torah. Jesus, as depicted in the Gospels, upheld the Torah as sacred and emphasized its moral and spiritual teachings. However, Paul argued that Gentile converts to Christianity did not need to follow the Jewish law, particularly its ritual practices, such as circumcision and dietary laws. Paul’s doctrine of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus, rather than by adherence to the law, dramatically reshaped the movement.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul writes:

"For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus... There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:26-28)

This theological shift created a new understanding of salvation that was no longer tied to the Mosaic Law, but to faith in Jesus as the Messiah. While this expansion of the Christian movement to Gentiles was pivotal in the spread of Christianity, it also moved the faith away from the original, law-abiding teachings of Jesus, who followed Jewish customs and practices throughout his life.

Paul’s Persecution of Christians and His Lack of Direct Contact with Jesus

One of the most striking aspects of Saint Paul’s role in the development of Christianity is that he never met Jesus during Jesus' lifetime. In fact, Paul was initially one of the fiercest persecutors of Christians. He was present at the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, and actively sought to arrest and imprison followers of Jesus (Acts 8:1-3). It was only after Paul’s dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus—an event that he later described as a vision of the risen Christ—that he became a Christian himself. His transformation into an apostle, after having once persecuted the early Christian community, is one of the most significant and paradoxical events in Christian history.

However, despite his pivotal role in spreading Christianity, Paul’s teachings about Jesus diverge from the teachings that Jesus himself had shared. Paul’s letters and theological contributions were the foundation of Christian belief, but they were shaped by his own interpretations rather than by direct teachings from Jesus.

Conclusion: Paul as the Founder of Christianity

While Jesus Christ remains the central figure of Christianity, it is Saint Paul who can be seen as the true founder of Christian theology as it is known today. His theological innovations—most notably the divinity of Jesus, the doctrine of the Atonement, and the rejection of the Mosaic Law—shaped the trajectory of Christianity in ways that Jesus never intended. From an Islamic perspective, Paul’s teachings represent a significant deviation from the true monotheism of Jesus Christ.

Islam holds that the message of Jesus was one of submission to the one true God, Allah, and that any deviation from this core monotheistic belief, such as the divinization of Jesus, is a corruption of the original message. While Paul’s influence on Christianity is undeniable, it is essential to recognize that the original teachings of Jesus, as understood in Islam, were rooted in strict monotheism, worshiping Allah alone, and following the guidance of the one true God.


Thursday, April 7, 2016

The Antichrist’s Religion: A Path to One World Faith

The concept of the Antichrist, a figure foretold to appear before the end of times, is central to the eschatologies of multiple faiths, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and others. Each tradition presents a different perspective on the nature of this figure, but a common thread runs through them: the Antichrist is a deceiver, a false messiah who will lead humanity astray. The Antichrist is not just a single entity but a figure of immense power and influence, capable of shaping the world’s religions, beliefs, and even politics. One of the most terrifying aspects of the Antichrist’s rise is his ability to unite the world under a single, false religion that blends elements of various faiths and ideologies.

In this article, we explore the possibility that the Antichrist’s religion will resemble certain modern belief systems, particularly Bahaism, and will be able to unite a diverse range of groups—from New Agers and Freemasons to Shiite Muslims, Catholics, Messianic Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, and Zionists—under his banner. This “One World Religion” will be built on the concept of pluralism, where the Antichrist claims that there are many paths to God, and shockingly, he will present himself as both Christ and God the Father (Allah), deceiving followers with a blend of spiritual ideas and false promises of unity.

The Concept of the Antichrist in Various Traditions

Before delving into how the Antichrist may establish his false religion, it is important to understand his role in various religious traditions.

Christianity

In Christianity, the Antichrist is depicted as a figure who will deceive many, claiming to be the Messiah, yet leading people away from the true faith. According to the New Testament, the Antichrist will perform miraculous signs and wonders, and will be accepted by many as a savior. In 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, it is written that the Antichrist will “exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped,” even claiming to be God himself. Christians believe that this figure will emerge before the second coming of Jesus Christ, and that he will deceive people into following him through his charisma and power.

Islam

In Islam, the Antichrist is known as the Dajjal, a figure who will emerge before the Day of Judgment. The Dajjal will present himself as a divine figure, claiming to be the Messiah, and will deceive many. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned his followers about the Dajjal, calling him the greatest trial for humanity. Like the Christian view of the Antichrist, the Dajjal will mislead people, leading them into worshiping falsehood and abandoning true faith.

Judaism

In Jewish tradition, the concept of the Antichrist is not as explicitly defined, but there is a similar figure known as the false messiah. This individual will come to mislead the Jewish people, claiming to be the true redeemer, and will lead them into error before the arrival of the true Messiah, who will bring peace and redemption.

The Antichrist’s One World Religion

The idea of a single, unified global religion is not new. Many have speculated that the rise of the Antichrist will involve the establishment of a “One World Religion,” a system that brings together elements of all the major world faiths. The Antichrist will use the universal desire for peace and unity to craft a belief system that is appealing to people from all walks of life, no matter their original faith. He will draw upon the existing ideologies of New Agers, Freemasons, Shiite Muslims, Catholics, Messianic Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, and Zionists, creating a religion of convenience that promises salvation for all, but ultimately leads them away from the true God.

Pluralism and the Many Paths to God

At the heart of the Antichrist’s religion will be the concept of pluralism, the idea that there are many valid paths to God. The Antichrist will claim that all religions are essentially the same, and that all spiritual traditions lead to the same ultimate truth. This is an appealing idea in a world that values tolerance and diversity of belief, and the Antichrist will exploit these sentiments to deceive the masses.

This philosophy can be found in various movements, such as Bahaism, which teaches that all major world religions are merely different paths to the same God. Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'Ă­ Faith, taught that there is a unity of all religions, and that each of the world’s great faiths—Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism—represents a different stage in the unfolding revelation of God. The Antichrist will use this concept, twisting it to suggest that every religious tradition is equally valid, and that no one path is superior to another.

By emphasizing the idea that all religions are essentially the same, the Antichrist will create a framework where no particular belief system is seen as more true or important than another. This will allow him to blend elements from all religions into a single, cohesive ideology. For example, he may combine elements of Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, and incorporate aspects of New Age spirituality to create a belief system that seems to encompass all faiths.

The Role of the Antichrist as Both Christ and God the Father

A striking feature of the Antichrist’s self-presentation will be his claim to be both Christ and God the Father (Allah). In Christian theology, Jesus is the Son of God, and in Islam, Allah is the one true God, beyond any partners or associates. The Antichrist will claim to be the fulfillment of both these roles, shocking followers of all faiths by presenting himself as a messianic figure who is both the Son and the Father—an embodiment of divinity that surpasses any traditional understanding of God.

This idea is rooted in the Antichrist’s deceptive nature. He will use his ability to perform miracles, present himself as a savior, and offer false promises of salvation. By presenting himself as both the Father and the Son, the Antichrist will essentially claim to be the ultimate divine being, an all-powerful, all-knowing entity who has transcended all religious distinctions. This claim will be especially appealing to those who have a deep-seated need for a singular, unified spiritual leader, a leader who represents the fulfillment of all faiths.

In this way, the Antichrist will exploit the human tendency to seek unity and peace, offering a false version of harmony by erasing the distinctions between religions. His claim to be both Christ and God will resonate with those who have been looking for a universal savior, and they will be deceived into worshiping him as the ultimate figure of divine authority.

Uniting the World’s Religions Under the Antichrist

The Antichrist’s ability to unite disparate groups under his One World Religion will be one of his most powerful tools. He will appeal to people from all walks of life and all faith traditions by offering a vision of global unity and peace. Here are some of the key groups he will attract:

  1. New Agers: New Age spiritualities, which emphasize personal transformation and unity with the universe, will be particularly susceptible to the Antichrist’s message. His teachings about multiple paths to God will align with New Age beliefs about the interconnectedness of all spiritual traditions.

  2. Freemasons: The secretive nature of Freemasonry and its emphasis on universal brotherhood will make many Freemasons receptive to the Antichrist’s call for a global religious system that transcends individual beliefs and unites humanity under one spiritual leader.

  3. Shiite Muslims: Some Shiite Muslims, particularly those who await the coming of the Mahdi, may be deceived by the Antichrist’s claim to be a messianic figure. His ability to present himself as both a divine and human leader could attract followers from this community.

  4. Catholics: Catholics, many of whom have a deep reverence for Jesus Christ and await his second coming, may be swayed by the Antichrist’s claim to be Christ returned. His promises of peace and salvation will likely appeal to those seeking a more unified, global religious experience.

  5. Messianic Jews: Messianic Jews, who believe that Jesus is the Messiah, could be deceived by the Antichrist’s claim to be both Christ and the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy.

  6. Buddhists and Hindus: The pluralistic and syncretic nature of Buddhism and Hinduism, with their acceptance of multiple paths to enlightenment, will make their followers susceptible to the Antichrist’s religion, which promises a universal, inclusive spiritual system.

  7. Zionists: Finally, Zionists, especially those with a religiously motivated vision of a united Israel and the coming of the Messiah, may be deceived by the Antichrist’s ability to align his mission with their expectations of a global ruler who will establish peace.

Conclusion: The Antichrist's Deceptive Power

The Antichrist’s ability to unite diverse groups under his One World Religion will be his most powerful tool in deceiving the world. By offering a vision of unity, peace, and spiritual fulfillment, he will draw people from all walks of life and all religions into his fold. His claim to be both Christ and God the Father will shock followers and lead them to worship him as the ultimate divine figure. The Antichrist’s religion will be a seductive blend of all the world’s faiths, offering a false hope of salvation and spiritual unity. For those who are deceived, it will be a devastating betrayal of the true monotheism.