Comparing and Contrasting Muslim and Christian Ethical Perspective - Essay Sample

The question of ethics has sometimes been caused heat and wars throughout history. Different cultures share different ethical standards and so do different religious groups. There are very few scenarios where different religious sections share similarities including the point where they share the same God. The rest is usually a war of justifying the true religion and God. This document is an argumentative essay comparing and contrasting different ethical perspective between the Christian and Muslim ethics.

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It true Christianity and Islamic religion share some similarities in approach to ethics both has religious books (Quran and Bible) and exemplification of the message through their religious leaders (Mohamed and Jesus). Moreover, the concept of what people need to do and avoid is present in both religions. In another word both religions dare to answer the question of what is right and wrong. However, Singer (1993) makes some serious conclusions that are misleading to faith and cannot bring the question of religious appreciation as he desires. It is also indicative of hypocrisy and injury to the credibility of his already well-done work. Singer (1993) asserts that Christian ethics is immoral because the reason behind this immorality is that it rewards for good behavior and threats of hell for bad behavior. If Singer (1993) holds on this argument, it won't be long before Islam is also accused of being corrupt. Through the Hadiths and Quran, the concept of Yawm al-Qiyamah and the promise of Jahannam for Tawhid is clear. There is a promise for Jannah for people who follow teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and Jahannam for those against the teaching. If promise for heaven and hell for good and bad doers is immoral and corruption of ethics, then the basis for all religions is dead. There is no corruption when the people are punished for the wrongs committed against God. Failure to punish will be impunity, which is an even worse form of corrupted ethics.

Another point of argument arises when Singer (1993) asserts that Christian ethics is intolerant and breeds intolerance which he claims that there is much evidence citing the Vatican council in (1962 -5). This is unfair and non-truthful, Christian ethics must be dictated from a Biblical point of view rather than religious factions. As much as Catholicism is the foundation of the Christian faith, its action until (1962-5) should not be used to judge protestant faith, which has been in existence since 1517. Ethics change over time. Today's Christianity is more tolerant even to sinners themselves. Through the virtue of Jesus himself spending time with adulterers and prostitutes indicates this kind of tolerance. This is different from the sharia law where adulterers end up stoned to death, which indicates higher intolerance.

The final point of the argument is when Singer (1993) concludes that Christian ethics is repressive because it fails to lead people to self-fulfillment. He also argues that Jesus says nothing on social issues except for divorce and he also concludes that Jesus says that give Caesar what belongs to Him and God what belongs to Him. Singer (1993) is a good debater but he lacks consistency in his arguments. Christianity is not in any way repressive. In the above mentioned Blackwell arguments, he provides evidence that Jesus came to set Christians free. Through not dictating to them what they should do and ask them to acknowledge Gods work where necessary and human work where necessary, it is the ultimate freedom that Jesus gave Christians. When departing to Heaven Jesus gave Peter Keys to open anything on earth, which shall be opened in heaven. There is so much freedom with Christianity.

To sum up, Islam and Christianity are religion believing in one God. Holding arguments about which religious group is right or wrong is a childish thing to do and disrespect to God. Christianity acknowledges Islam in the book of (Mark 9:38-41, NIV) when Jesus says who is not against us is for us. While Islam acknowledges Christianity in the pillars of Iman Hadith 02, 2, Imam Nawawi state that Iman is to believe in God, His Prophets, Angels, Holy books, resurrection and the events of Qiyamah and Belief in the predestination by Allah of all things, both good and bad, which both religions agree with. Quran insists that Nabi Isa is the prophet of Allah. Therefore, it is time, to sum up, the religious conflicts and wait on Allah judgment.

Reference

Singer P. (1993). A Companion to Ethics (Blackwell Companions to Philosophy). New York: Wiley-Blackwell Publishers