Curious Christian Asking: How Do Muslims See Jesus and Some Beliefs?
Salam Alaikum! I'm Devin, a Christian exploring Eastern Orthodoxy and hoping to join the Church one day. A former classmate gave me an English translation of the Quran-the Clear Quran-after I asked what's inside, and I still have it but haven't started reading yet. I also have a Muslim college teacher from Jordan who’s very kind, and last semester we had a really cool chat about theology. Another instructor of mine is an African American Muslim, a chill and nice guy. So my question is: what do Muslims believe about Christ, and especially in relation to Eastern Orthodoxy? I don't buy into negative stereotypes or extremists, I know they don't represent most Muslims. I respect the fasting, dedication, and charity in Islam. I've never been to a mosque, talked with an imam, or read the Quran myself. I'm wondering: - What do you believe about the Holy Trinity-the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? - How do you see the Apostles, Saints, Patriarchs, and Prophets of the Old Testament? - What about Genesis and Revelation? And spiritually, does Islam have any mystical side, like the Essence-Energy distinction in EO? - What's your take on the Israel-Palestine situation? I know the history from WWII, the Balfour Declaration, and the Talmud. I don't hate Jews, but I believe the true Israel is the Church, not a political nation. The nation created in 1947 isn't the same as ancient Israel or the spiritual Israel of the Church. I don't really side with Palestine or Israel, but I condemn the bombings in Gaza as evil and support the Palestinian people, just not the politicians. And I know what the Talmud says about Christ. - How do Muslims generally view Jews and Christians? - Anything else I should know? Thanks! In Christ, Devin