Tracing Jesus in the Bible and the Quran

Table of Contents

1 – Introduction

2 - Background – The Books of God

3 – Muhammad’s Acquaintance with Jesus

4 - Jesus in the Quran

5 - The Christology of the Quran

6 - Jesus Christ According to the Bible

7 – Theological Implications of the Christ-Event

8 – Conclusion

APPENDICES

1. Some Facts on the Christian and Muslim Communities in Kenya, East Africa

2. The Spread of Islam in Kenya

3. Percentage of Christians and Muslims

4. Can the Muslims live together peace Fully with other religious communities In Kenya?

5. Is there Islamic Terrorism in Kenya?

Objectives and Research Focus

This doctoral thesis examines the presentation and identity of Jesus Christ as found within the Holy Quran, analyzed from the perspective of a twentieth-century African Christian. The work seeks to compare these Islamic portrayals with the biblical account of Jesus to clarify theological differences and provide a foundation for inter-religious understanding.

• Tracing the presence and identity of Jesus within the Quranic text.
• Comparing and contrasting the portrayal of Jesus in the Quran versus the Bible.
• Analyzing the historical and theological context of Muhammad's acquaintance with Jesus.
• Evaluating the Christology of the Quran in relation to Christian doctrines.
• Exploring the role of the Christ-event and resurrection in biblical theology.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1 – Introduction: Sets the stage for examining the presence of Jesus Christ in the Quran from the viewpoint of an African Christian, establishing the scope and purpose of the research.

2 - Background – The Books of God: Discusses the historical context of the Quran and the Bible, specifically focusing on the Islamic view of the four revealed books.

3 – Muhammad’s Acquaintance with Jesus: Explores the historical circumstances through which Prophet Muhammad may have encountered Christian teachings and perspectives on Jesus.

4 - Jesus in the Quran: Provides a comprehensive sampling of references and verses in the Quran that describe the life, nature, and miracles of Jesus.

5 - The Christology of the Quran: Analyzes the honorable titles attributed to Jesus in the Quran and how these reflect and react to the Christian controversies of that era.

6 - Jesus Christ According to the Bible: Examines the New Testament portrayals of Jesus, focusing on his humanity, his role as Rabbi and prophet, and the significance of the resurrection.

7 – Theological Implications of the Christ-Event: Discusses the significance of various titles given to Jesus, such as Christ, Lord, and Son of God, within the context of early Christian theology.

8 – Conclusion: Summarizes the key differences and similarities between the biblical and Quranic portraits of Jesus, emphasizing the superiority of the biblical revelation regarding his nature and work.

Keywords

Jesus Christ, Holy Quran, Bible, Islam, Christianity, Christology, Resurrection, Muhammad, Prophet, Son of God, Revelation, Inter-religious dialogue, Salvation, Theology, Scripture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fundamental objective of this doctoral thesis?

The work aims to trace the presence of Jesus Christ in the Quran and compare it with the biblical portrait, ultimately seeking to help Christians understand Islamic doctrine better.

Which specific religious perspective does the author adopt?

The analysis is written from the perspective of a twentieth-century African Christian who has conducted an objective reading of the Quran and Hadith literature.

What is the primary methodology used in this work?

The author uses a comparative approach, analyzing Quranic verses and biblical texts side-by-side to highlight distinct theological frameworks and historical developments.

How does the Quran describe the birth of Jesus?

The Quran confirms the virgin birth of Jesus, referring to him as a "Word from Allah" given to Mary, who was chosen and purified above all women.

Does the author consider the Quran's depiction of Jesus to be comprehensive?

No, the author argues that the Quran provides a muted and distorted presence of Jesus, failing to address the essential New Testament message of his role as Savior.

What role does the resurrection play in the author's argument?

The author emphasizes that while both religions view Jesus as a prophet, Christianity centers its faith on the resurrection, whereas Islam denies the crucifixion and resurrection.

How does the author interpret the Islamic claim regarding the "Comforter"?

The author contends that the paraclete mentioned in the Gospel of John refers to the Holy Spirit, contradicting the Islamic interpretation that it predicts the coming of Muhammad.

What is the significance of the "Mother of the Book" mentioned in the thesis?

It refers to the Heavenly Transcript in Islam, which the author uses to explain the source of the Quranic revelations concerning Jesus.