ive been a practicing Catholic for a few months now, but recently I’ve gotten into Islam. I haven’t converted, but now I’m stuck. I agree with both Islam and Christianity, but I know only one can be right. I would appreciate some help, and some prayer. I’d also ask you to respect the Islamic faith even if you don’t agree with it. God be with you all
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Welcome to the forum.
Wow you are going from one exreme to the other arn’t you.
Basically Christianity teaches that one is saved solely through faith in Jesus’s death and resurrection.
Islam teaches that one is saved by living according to the rules of Islam, performing ritual prayers, giving alms, eating ‘hala’ meat and going on pilgrimage.
Islam does not believe that Jesus is the Son of God, he is merely a prophet.
You need to decide where the truth is, is it in Christianity or is it in Islam.
May I suggest you investigate the web site ’ coldcasechristianity for a detctives view of Christianity.
If you are into Logic try reasonablefaith.
Otherwise Answersingeneses has lots of articles about the bible, its accuracy and reliability.
if Christianity is true Islam is false and conversely if Islam is true Christianity is false.
There is no half way option its one or the other.
You’re standing at a spiritual crossroads, torn between two faiths that can’t both be true. Christianity proclaims Jesus as the Son of God, crucified and risen, offering salvation by grace through faith. Islam regards Jesus as a prophet, denying His divinity and resurrection. These are not minor differences—they’re fundamentally incompatible.
The Bible declares, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Jesus Himself said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). If these statements are true, then any path that denies them leads away from salvation.
You’re not alone in your doubts. Many have walked this path before you, seeking truth amidst confusion. But remember, truth isn’t found by blending contradictions; it’s found by seeking with an open heart and a discerning mind. Investigate the claims of Christ. Examine the historical evidence of His life, death, and resurrection. Consider the transformative power of His message.
Pray for wisdom. Seek guidance from mature believers. And remember, the pursuit of truth is not a sign of weak faith but a step toward a deeper, more resilient belief.
May God guide you to the truth that sets you free.
A question I should have asked.
What is it about Islam that you find attractive?
Greetings.
A little about myself, if I may:
Born in 1945 – in the Rhondda Valley, South Wales – and raised a Baptist, I became, at the age of fifteen, a Catholic; and remained one for over fifty years.
For ten years I was a professed member of the Carmelite Third Order; and studied biblical and dogmatic theology; hermeneutics; biblical criticism; canon law, and so on. I had excellent teachers. I was a Thomist, and still have a very high regard for the methodology of Aquinas.
I spent a year with the Carmelite Friars at Hazlewood Castle in Yorkshire (now a hotel); and over a year with the Cistercians (Trappists) at Mount Saint Bernard Abbey in Leicester, testing a vocation (I first visited the Abbey in my early twenties, and knew the community well). It became clear that life in a religious order was not my calling, and so I became a husband and father (as the Abbey Secretary said to me: ‘Our novitiate is a seedbed of good Catholic marriages!’). I look back at my time with the Carmelites and Cistercians with great affection. Even though I no longer share all their doctrinal beliefs, I admire their spirituality, and their honest convictions; and their way of life – especially that of the Cistercians.
About sixteen years ago, my son became a Muslim. He obtained a degree in Classical Arabic; married a Moroccan lass (who I consider to be my third daughter); and now lives there. He is a translator of Qur’anic and aḥadīth exegesis; and of other scholarly works.
Having gained a Muslim family, I made it my business to learn all I could about Islam (I’m still learning). It was during this long process that I began to question certain Christian beliefs I once held as true; and which I had defended many times over the years. Moving from Christianity to Islam was a painful journey (emotionally); but it was the right journey……at least for me.
You should understand that there is absolutely no requirement for a Christian (or a Jew) to embrace Islam; to become a Muslim. My wife, for example, is a Catholic and, like all Jewish or Christian wives (of Muslims) retains an inviolable right, not only to retain her Faith, but to practice it.
Allāh (subḥānahu ūta’āla) tells us: ‘We have assigned a law and a path to each of you. If Allāh had so willed, He would have made you one community, but He wanted to test you through that which He has given you, so race to do good: you will all return to Allāh and He will make clear to you the matters you differed about.’ (Sūrah’Al-Ma’ida: 48’).
And this is what He has to say about Jews and Christians:
‘Those who believe and do good deeds are the best of creation. Their reward with their Lord is everlasting Gardens graced with flowing streams, where they will stay forever. Allāh is well pleased with them and they with Him. All this is for those who stand in awe of their Lord.’ (Sūrah ‘Al-Bayyina 7-8’; my emphasis).
Take especial note of these ʾāyāt (verses). It has been my privilege to know – and to love – many Christians who were shining examples of Christian love and good practice. These ʾāyāt assure me that every Christian, and every Jew, who carries the Beloved in their hearts, and who act according to His Will, shall have their reward in Heaven. This is the Beloved’s promise, and He does not renege on His promises.
Blessings.
Welcome Niblo to the forum.
If you don’t mind would you say just what it is about Christianity that you find so inferior to Islam and conversely what you find so superior in Islam to Christianity?
Greetings.
Thank you for your welcome.
In my earlier post, I wrote that it has been my privilege to know – and to love – many Christians who were shining examples of Christian love and good practice.
Permit me to tell you a little of my paternal grandfather:
He was taken out of school at the age of ten, and set to work in one of the local coal-mines (this was unlawful at that time, but who cared?).
Using the town’s Miners’ Institute – these Institutes were centres of learning – he studied (among many other things) both Hebrew and Greek. He was a polymath.
His second great passion – Faith and Family together being his first – was music. Able to play both violin and piano – and to transpose written music into tonic-solfa for those who could not read music – he was appointed Musical Director of the local Amateur Operatic Society. His favourite work was Handel’s Messiah. I can see him now, dressed in his black evening suit, white shirt, black dickie-bow, conducting a full chorus and orchestra, with his white baton; every word, every note engraved in his heart. I have his baton, but none of his talent!
In the 1920’s, a number of Italian families moved into the Rhondda (South Wales) and set up shops and cafes. One of these families (the Bassini’s) settled in my home town (Treherbert).
When Italy declared war, and joined with Germany, the UK government issued an internment order against those it deemed to be ‘enemy civilians.’ This included the Bassini’s. The husband (I knew him as Jack) was taken away, but his wife and three children were allowed to remain in their home (they had a café and a fish and chip shop, located side-by-side).
One day, my grandfather – returning from work – discovered a mob, hurling abuse (and stones) at the Bassini’s and their home; at people they had once called friends. My grandfather stood between the mob and their target, and told them to stop, and to go home. They did.
Many years later, the family’s eldest daughter (Maria) was accepted as a Carmelite nun; and my grandfather and grandmother were invited to attend the investiture ceremony. My grandfather considered this to be a great honour.
My grandfather was an Elder at Blaencwm Chapel. The Elders employed the Minister.
When I was a teenager, one Minister visited my grandfather’s house. He was treated like royalty. My grandfather called him ‘Sir’. Later, I asked my grandfather why he had called this man ‘Sir’ after all, he was the Minister’s boss!
My grandfather smiled, and said: ‘I’m just an Elder. The Minister speaks the Word!’
When my grandfather died, several hundred men – of all ages – attended his funeral (women did not attend funerals in those days). They filled the cemetery chapel, and many were weeping openly.
My grandfather was able to calm a howling mob – and move the hearts of many – not because of any legal authority (he had none), but because of his character; because of the person he was. He lived his Faith as it was meant to be lived. A Christian would say that he reflected the love of Jesus; and that it was this that made him a shining beacon to others. I would say that he reflected the love of the Beloved. He led by example rather than by argument. My greatest regret is that I was too young – and, when old enough, too immature – to hold long conversations with him, and to fully appreciate the kind of man he was.
He is, by far, the finest man I ever knew.
I have mentioned before that Allāh (subḥānahu ūta’āla) says this of Christians (and Jews):
‘Those who believe and do good deeds are the best of creation. Their reward with their Lord is everlasting Gardens graced with flowing streams, where they will stay forever. Allāh is well pleased with them and they with Him. All this is for those who stand in awe of their Lord.’ (Sūrah ‘Al-Bayyina 7-8’; my emphasis).
He also says this:
‘For the (Muslim) believers, the Jews, the Sabians, and the Christians – those who believe in God and the Last Day and do good deeds – there is no fear: they will not grieve.’ (Sūrah ‘Al-Ma’ida: 69’).
In the light of what my Lord has said – and what my seventy-nine years of experience has shown – who am I to suggest that Christianity (and Judaism) are inferior to Islam? Most assuredly, they are not.
Blessings.
First I want to ask- where exactly are you in your faith? Have you been a Christian for longer than a few months? Dedicated, not just exploring it?
I personally have no issue with you studying both. Or even other faiths. The best way to understand the perspective of other people is to see through the lens of their faiths and cultures. I would just ask that you be leery of accidently landing in a cult. All faiths have some variation of these.
A key difference, in my limited understanding, is that Islam, along with Judaism, does not share the belief that we need a Savior. Also, both are entrenched in ethnic identity where as Christianity is less so. Anybody can be a Christian, as it welcomes all. But tribal faiths (though welcoming to those who come) are a part of a cultural identity in a way that Christianity is not, for as Christ Himself once said, the Son of Man has no home to lay his head. (Mathew 8:20)
To generalize, Tribal faiths have a key focus on establishing law, order, and justice in order to create a society that functions well. This connects with God as the Authority handing down the Law through a Prophet or Priest. These faiths tend to be a part of the tribal origin story. They were born through a relationship God had with one person who gave birth to and/or united a people over time.
But as time passed on, people began to turn toward mysticism and to search for deeper meaning. Where ever you look, you will find this evolution from a very physical focussed Law to a rising spiritual awareness. Various faiths have mystical traditions that came about by people who wanted more. Who were called by God to reach for more.
The first question I would ask myself if I were you is, what do you hope to find? What is your goal? What do you feel God is calling you to do?
The second question I would ask is this, can you have faith in God and still make room for the possibility of being wrong in a choice that you make, trusting that God will guide you, correct you, toward your best good? Or does God’s Love end when you make that kind of mistake, even if you earnestly pursue Him?
I am assuming that your intention is to have a relationship with God. And if that is the case, I am assuming you will listen when He guides you.
Because if you believe that there is a God, and if you are learning to listen to Him and trust in Him, and if you believe God loves you and would never steer you wrong, would God not meet you where you are as He has met all the prophets, law givers, saints, and all of those who have ever been called to serve Him before you even existed?
Dear questioning07 - from what I can see, you favor Islam and the Koran teachings, nothing we can say will change your mind. - Obviously, you are trying to tell us that being a Muslim is better. No thank you, I’ll stick with real thing.
@Offspring
No need to be antagonistic. You just assumed the worst. Remember how Christ behaved and please allow it to be a good example. Love does not set out to sting like a swarm of bees.
And remember, the Old Testament reveals a God who does not show favortism. All must submit to right behavior with their neighbors. No one gets a free pass.
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But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? ( [Matthew 22:18)
@Offspring
No one is trying to trap you.
And Jesus was addressing hipocracy by religious leaders. You took the tone of the accuser against someone else. No one was addressing you negatively.
God bless
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Thank you for your reply.
Your Grandfather sounds like a great person.
But I asked for why you thought Islam is better than Christianity?
If there is no difference why did you become a Muslim?
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Peace to all,
Logically, From Faith we are created and become immortal and become again incorruptible through both natures, life and spirit One Holy Spirit Family One God in being.
In all generalization, the common denominator of all faiths is the spirit and through the Divine Spirit Family in the Flesh of all mankind from the Family of the One God in being is the Divine Spirit Family as a personal Family of The One God in being becoming inside all created beings and living within them, becoming again, One Divine Spirit Family One God in being.
To me, From all of the faiths with a different Father’s name of the Same One God, and for example, From Islam and Christianity both also are from the Faith of Abraham and God promises eternal life to the descendants through the New Living Sacrifice Jesus as The Christ to all mankind that are Cousins in all mankind from Brothers Isaac and Ishmael with two different mothers and a father with two names, making all mankind sisters and brothers in The One God heirs to the same God and Temple making brothers and sister to all mankind from One Father through One Mother for One Son in the Christ becoming again in all mankind One Holy Spirit Family One God in being.
Peace always,
Stephen
Thank you for your reply.
Yes, my grandfather was very special. A better man than I, that’s for sure.
You write:
‘But I asked for why you thought Islam is better than Christianity? If there is no difference, why did you become a Muslim?’
I do not consider Islam to be ‘better than Christianity’. Nor did I say that there are no differences between them.
There is, of course, a great deal of commonality:
That God is our Creator and Lord; who can be known with certainty, by the natural light of reason from created things; who is absolutely perfect; who is actually infinite in every perfection; who is absolutely simple; who is the One (True) God, possessing an infinite power of cognition; who is absolute Veracity; who is absolutely faithful; who is absolute ontological Goodness in Himself and in relation to others; who is absolute Moral Goodness or Holiness; who is absolute Benignity; who is absolutely immutable; who is eternal and everywhere present in created space; whose knowledge is infinite; whose Attributes really are identical among themselves and with His Essence; who is omnipotent; who is Lord of the heavens and of the earth; who is infinitely just and infinitely merciful.
I know of no Muslim – or Christian – scholar who would say otherwise.
Over the past sixteen years, or so, I have made it my business to study Islam.
It became clear – quite early in this process – that one cannot gain accurate knowledge of a religion (any religion) merely by consulting Pastor Google, or Imam YouTube. We need books; written by reputable scholars. Well……I do!
That much I learned from my grandfather.
My Christian library is more than sufficient; but I had no Islamic works (apart from the Qur’an). Fortunately, my son was able to recommend several Islamic scholars; and I was more than happy to follow his recommendations.
Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti – an Egyptian Sunni Muslim polymath of Persian descent – writes:
‘A principle of Islamic jurisprudence states that there is no condemnation of others in matters of scholarly disagreement. Rather, there is only condemnation in matters upon which all the scholars have agreed.’ (‘Al-Ashbāh’).
Shaykh Ibn Taymiyya – a Sunni Muslim scholar and jurist – writes:
‘Whoever acts according to the opinions of scholars in matters of juristic discretion should not be condemned or boycotted. Whoever acts according to one of two different opinions should not be condemned for it.’ (‘Majmūʻ al-Fatāwá’).
For sure, there is disagreement between Christianity and Islam. Deciding which Faith to follow is a matter of conscience.
People are expected to follow their conscience (even if it conflicts with the religious verdict of a respected scholar) until new learning, new understanding, creates honest doubt. When this happens one must: ‘Leave what makes you doubt for what does not make you doubt.’ (‘Sunan al-Tirmidhī: 2518’).
The process of following my own conscience was both long and painful. I recall – quite vividly– the day I spoke to Yeshua (ʿalayhi as-salām) to say – with tears of regret – that (in all conscience) I could no longer accept his divinity; or certain other things that are inferred from the Bible, or taught in Church doctrine.
I accept Islam; not because I believe it to be ‘better than Christianity’, but because it best accords with my (informed) conscience.
Blessings.
Did you renounce Yeshua Ha-Mashiach @Niblo?
Johann
Peace to all,
Through the Two Nature God from the Faith of Abraham, Jesus makes brothers who are to each other brothers and yet cousins to all through and through The Christ all manking becomes brothers and sisters to each other, becoming again Oen Holy Family One God in being, rationally through the New Living Sacrifice that immortally transforms glorified and incorruptibly transfigures both natures, spirit and life, God and Temple in One God, OMNILogically, to me.
Christianity teaches us not to judge but only our own souls to become again in The One God.
God came to remove the contention between through natures, spirit and life becoming again from One Father through One Mother for One Son becoming the Christ in all mankind becoming again One Holy Spirit Family One God in being. Both Ishmael and Issac had different mothers, Sarah and Haggar with a Father with two names, Abram and Abraham. Now from One Father through One Mother for One Son in the Christ in all mankind we become united in One Body Being in One Holy Spirit Family One God in being.
I review the logic with my Muslim Brothers and they agree with me, and we, and they know I, and we, are not preaching, not proselytizing, only generalizing the logic for all to share, to me.
Papa Francis always says, Stephen, don’t preach only generalize, Yes Papa, Francis, God bless you always.
prophet Muhammad always says, One God. From the Faith of Abraham.
Peace always,
Stephen
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No. Just the notion of his being ‘wholly God’ and ‘wholly man’. On the other hand, I respect those who believe that he is both, and who do so in good conscience.
Blessings.
Thank you for sharing. I appreciate your respectful approach. My Grandad would agree with you, and would behave in like manner.
Blessings.
I am afraid that I have to disagree.
Decide which faith to follow is a matter of following the truth.
The Quran both afirms the authority of the Christian scriptures and denies them.
It tells Christians to follow what is taught in them and then denies the essential center of them!
That to me raises serious questions about the Quran and Islam.
The essential problem comes down to how are we brought back into a relationship with God.
Can man do it through his deeds or is it beyond him and has to be received as a gift?
Christianity teachs that God expects perfection, something we cannot achieve.
It also teaches that by Jesus’s death and resurrection, by faith/trust in him we can be saved from the consequences of not being united with God.