Christians and Muslims comprise over half of the Earth’s population. However, they have been kept apart for over 1,300 years because they have been taught that there are irreconcilable differences between the Bible and the Qur’an. Christians do not read the Qur’an and Muslims do not read the Bible. Yet, each group continues to criticise what they think that the other believes. Having studied the B
ible and early civilizations for over thirty years, and the Qur’an for over one decade, I have found that there is harmony between their principal teachings, without compromising any teaching or damaging the integrity of any verse in either book. Christian religious leaders do not encourage the reading of the Qur’an, and Muslim religious leaders teach that the Bible has been corrupted and could lead adherents astray. A review of the historical record on this subject reveals that Christian religious leaders have criticised their understanding of Islamic religious traditions rather that what is stated in the Qur’an, and Muslim religious leaders have criticised their understanding of Christian religious traditions rather than what is stated in the Bible. Therefore, both leaders have misled more than half of the Earth’s population, who are either Christian or Muslim, about what the other is supposed to believe. There has not been an honest comparative study of both books. The last major study was done by Thomas Aquinas around 1260 AD; however, even he admitted that he had not read the Qur’an and was only responding to what he thought that Muslims believed. i HAVE FOUND SOME SURPRISES-
First, that both books teach that there is only One God, who is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Therefore, the God referred to in the Qur’an is the same God referred to in the Bible. Secondly, that both books teach that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, taught the Gospel, healed the sick, raised the dead, and is the Messiah. Thirdly, both books teach that we should be reconciled to, and cultivate a personal relationship with God. What are the biggest surprises that you have found? The first is that it is likely that Mohammed was a prophet sent by God, since his teachings, during the initial 9 years, are similar to those of the Biblical prophets. The second is that Muslims cannot hope to understand the Qur’an properly without first reading the Bible. The Qur’an actually instructs readers to believe the revelation sent to the Old Testament prophets and the Gospel, and to copy and distribute it to the nations of the earth without compensation. What harmonious teachings give you hope? It is their prominence given to loving God and serving mankind over their religious rituals and traditions. Perhaps a quotation from each book can explain. Bible: “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh?” (Isaiah 53:6–7)
Qur’an: “It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces Towards east or West; but it is righteousness- to believe in God and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfill the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the God-fearing.” (2:177)
The House of One is The Church of All Religions or Universal Church. We think it is making religious history as Muslims, Jews and Christians join hands to build a place where they can all worship. The House of One, as it is being called, will be a synagogue, a church and a mosque under one roof. It is not an active temple of any one religion, but rather, its mission, a "temple of culture and truth". "What's interesting is that when you go back a long time, they share a lot of architectural typologies. They are not so different,"
"It's not necessary for instance for a mosque to have a minaret - it's only a possibility and not a necessity. And a church doesn't need a tower. This is about going back to the origins when these three faiths were close and shared a lot architecturally". The house of one where people come together from all over the world and we want to give a good example of togetherness.
