ISLAM FOR BEGINNERS BRS 107.pdf - CUEA

outlined in the preceding paragraph can be obtained simply through open-minedconversations. There is need also for more specialized study in the domains of history,sociology, politics and also the religious sciences.” 9 We need to have a middle view inorder to see that Islam is not only violence or war but also love and peace. It takes timeand meditation to accept this but that is where we must turn up.Thirdly, a person with a middle view acknowledges differences and accepts them as asource of attraction rather than a cause of antagonism. Acknowledging their numeroussimilarities, an unrestricted study of Islam and Christianity will surely show that bothreligions have fundamental differences concerning the conception of God, man and theuniverse. Their theological, moral, pastoral and legal approach of the existing realities isquite different. For instance, in Islam, God is not accepted as one in three persons, thedivine nature of Jesus is denied; man does not need redemption through Jesus. InChristianity, Qur’an is not accepted as the final revelation; Muhammad is not the seal ofthe prophets. These differences must bring us closer to others with the intention of lovingthem. I think that it is a great sign of wisdom to love those who think differently from us.Such view becomes a wisdom that seeks for wisdom wherever it can be found.Study Questions 2Without fear, state your view as Islamis concerned. Is it narrow, too wide ormiddle?What are the major weaknesses of anon-Muslim whose mind is narrow ortoo wide vis-à-vis Islam?What are the strengths of a non-Muslimwho has a middle mind vis-à-vis Islam?Frederic N. Mvumbi,OP Page 10 of 85