Religious Doctrines: Christianity and Islam

Religious Doctrines

• Christianity (Bible): God is loving (Psalms) and powerful (Psalms), and the Lord is one (Mark). Resurrection is a key tenet (Luke), and reproduction is commanded (Genesis). Equality of sexes is emphasized (Genesis), but submission of wives to husbands is also a teaching (Bible). Love of others is a core principle (Bible), as is obedience to parents (Bible).

• Islam (Quran): Tawhid (Oneness of God) is central (Surah). God's omnipotence is highlighted (Surah). The Quran was revealed by Gabriel (Surah 2). Muhammad is considered the "Seal of the Prophets" (Surah). Judgment Day and scales of justice are discussed (Surah). Five pillars of Islam include Shahada (Faith), Salah (Prayer), Zakah (Charity), Sawm (Fasting), and Hajj (Pilgrimage). Shia Muslims have additional obligatory acts (e.g., Khums). Imago Dei is emphasized in Christianity, where humans are seen as God's image (Genesis).

• Christian Theology (Individuals): Thomas Aquinas emphasized God's omnipotence, William Paley argued for a designer God based on the complexity of the universe, Martin Luther stressed salvation through faith alone, and the Catholic Church emphasizes both faith and works for salvation. Liberal Christians take a more metaphorical approach. Peter Singer advocates for quality of life and considers happiness a core value. Joseph Fletcher prioritizes love in decision-making.

Islamic Practices and Beliefs

• Five Pillars of Islam: Shahada (faith declaration), Salah (prayer), Zakah (charity), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage).
• Six Articles of Faith (Islam): Belief in Allah, angels, prophets, holy books, predestination, and the Day of Judgment.
• Ten Obligatory Acts (Shia): Salah, Sawm, Zakah, Khums (20% tax), Hajj, Jihad, Amr-bil-maruf, Nahni-anil-munkar, Tawalla, Tabarra.
• Greater vs. Lesser Jihad: Greater Jihad is an internal struggle, while Lesser Jihad is a physical one.
• Festivals of Islam: Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan), Eid al-Adha (sacrifice).
• Leadership Succession in Islam: Sunni Muslims believe leadership should be chosen by consensus, while Shia Muslims believe leadership should stay within Muhammad's family.

Ethical and Philosophical Perspectives

• Natural Law Theory: This theory argues that euthanasia is morally wrong because it violates the preservation of life.
• Humanist Views: Humanists reject supernatural beliefs and stress freedom and human reason.
• Utilitarianism: This theory focuses on maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering.
• Crime and Punishment (Bentham): Just punishment is seen as a way to increase overall societal happiness.

Divine Characteristics

• God's Love and Power: Some religious texts emphasize God's love and power (e.g., in Psalms).
• Oneness of God (Tawhid): This core principle in Islam emphasizes that God is one and unique.
• God as Designer (Paley): Paley argued that the complexity of the universe points towards a designer God.

Important Figures in Religious Thought

• Al-Ghazali (Islam): Emphasized Oneness and omnipotence in Islamic belief
• Muhammad (Islam): Seen as the final prophet and deliverer of God's message.