Master of Arts in Theology

Permanent URI for this collection

http://192.168.4.170:4000/handle/20.500.12342/293

Welcome to Master of Arts in Theology collection

Browse

Browsing Master of Arts in Theology by Subject "Christianity"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The Mystery of the Presence of Christ in Christianity and In Islam the Foundation for Christian-Muslim Dialogue
    (Tangaza University College/Duquesne University, 2012) Sawadogo, Augustin
    Gaudium et Spes number 22 states: “In reality it is only in the mystery of the Word made flesh that the mystery of man truly becomes clear. […]. It is no wonder, then, that all the truths mentioned so far should find in him their source and their most perfect embodiment”(GS, 22). One of these truths is mentioned by Gaudium et Spes as follows: “For since Christ died for all, and since all men are in fact called to one and the same destiny, which is divine, we must hold that the Holy Spirit offers to all the possibility of being made partners, in a way known to God, in the paschal mystery.” In this affirmation of Gaudium et Spes lies the central question of my reflection and research that can be divided into three parts. First, the question is, if this is one of the truths, how do we understand it and what are the other truths that Gaudium et Spes is referring to? Are these truths found strictly speaking only in Christianity in general and the Catholic Church in particular or, to some extent, in Islam? Secondly, if these truths are present somehow in Islam, how can we find them and to what extent are they important or challenging to Christianity, and Islam? This is the mystery of Christ`s presence. Thirdly, how can these truths affect our catholic mind and life for a better understanding of Jesus` presence in Christianity and Islam in view of a long lasting Christian-Muslim dialogue? Why is it that the search for these truths in history has brought so much animosity and strife between Christians and Muslims? Beyond the mere sense of morality, what can be a just and prudent theological approach to the search for the truth of Christ’s presence or incarnation in the two religions for a daily peaceful and respectful Christian-Muslim dialogue? From my two years pastoral experience in Khartoum added to my experience with Muslims since my childhood, I am interested in researching the importance of the mystery of Christ’s presence in Christianity and in Islam. I am convinced that Christian- Muslim dialogue for peace would be sincere provided that both parties have a true knowledge of one another. This peace certainly requires two things. The first is a true appreciation of other religions values. The second is to struggle to be on the side of God rather than to fight to show that God is on one`s side.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Prophethood In Islam and Christianity a Comparative Understanding of Christian-Muslim Approach
    (Tangaza University College/Duquesne University, 2017) Paluku, Nzambi Hilaire
    Historically, Islam and Christianity are two monotheistic religions which have taught the oneness of God. However, in addition to that teaching, Christians go beyond and believe that not only is God one but he is also Triune. 1 That is to say that there are three persons in one God; a conviction which Islam does not go along with and which appears to be in contradiction with Islamic monotheism. According to Islam, God is one and he does not share his being with anyone else. He only has prophets and messengers who collaborate with him in making real and effective his will and his salvific mission on earth. God (Allah), in Islam, was professed by Muhammad (PBUP) his Messenger and Prophet and Messenger. Christians on the other side express their faith in one God who is Triune. That is in a God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Son is Jesus and he is God’s messenger. The Holy Spirit is his Advocate. Muhammad (PBUH) in Islam is professed as the last prophet and the seal of every prophecy. Through him, the religion of total submission to Allah came into existence. Allah commissioned him to preach his precepts to the whole of humankind so that it may wholeheartedly submit to his will. Muhammad (PBUH) is God’s last prophet, born of human flesh. He was the unique and privileged recipient of God’s revelation contained in the Qur’an. In him is found the origin of Islam. However, Islam accepts and honours Jesus 4 as one of the great prophets who existed and who were sent by God to proclaim the message of wellbeing to all humanity. In the Islamic belief, Jesus is purely human. He was born of the Virgin Mary, one among many women who is honoured and praised by both Christians and Muslims. Jesus is not God though he was born miraculously. Allah the most high sent him to his chosen people. Moreover, Muslims do not accept the Christian affirmation that Jesus is the Son of God. Because God does not have a wife or children. To them, Jesus is a prophet and this is what the Holy Qur’an affirms. As far as Christianity is concerned, however, Christians do not recognize Muhammad as a prophet. Certainly this fact often raises tensions between them and Muslims inasmuch the prophethood of Muhammad is concerned. The question often raised is ‘why don’t you, Christians, recognise Muhammad as a prophet among others?’ The refusal to do so is mainly because the name of Muhammad is never mentioned among the prophets of the Holy Bible and Islam is posterior to the Christian tradition. Jesus, on the contrary, is not only a prophet for Christians but also the Son of God who took flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary. For Christians, Jesus is truly God with the Father and the Holy Spirit. He is more than a prophet.