It is a question this atheist occasionally asks himself.

I thought at a bare minimum a Christian had at least to try to believe that Jesus was the son of God who died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead on the third day.

On the other hand Islam teaches that "Isa" did not die on the cross. 4:157 of the koran reads:

"And their saying: Surely we have killed the Messiah, Isa son of Marium, the apostle of Allah; and they did not kill him nor did they crucify him, but it appeared to them so (like Isa) and most surely those who differ therein are only in a doubt about it; they have no knowledge respecting it, but only follow a conjecture, and they killed him not for sure."

There are other points of difference. Islam teaches that "Isa" was a prophet but denies he was the son of God or God incarnate.

Since Muslims supposedly believe their holy book to be literally true it would seem that Islam and Christianity are incompatible. The Rev. Ann Holmes Redding, an Episcopalian priest, begs to differ. She purports to be a Muslim and an Episcopalian Christian simultaneously.

Redding's bishop, Vincent Warner, finds the "interfaith possibilities" of Redding's dual adherences "exciting." He says she continues to be an Episcopalian priest.

Is Redding still a Christian?

Is she truly a Muslim?

See:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003751274_redding17m.html

No & No

Supplementary question:

How do I apply for the job of first openly atheist Archbishop of Canterbury? I quite fancy a ten year stretch at Lambeth Palace.

steven, you have hit on the key feature of this thread: there's a good living to be made in dressing up in archaic clothing and relaying the word of god.

this discovery has been made before, but there's always room for a young pusher with a new angle. this lady with the new 'multi' connection to god is admirable. talk about market placement and versatility!

little wonder she is seen as a comer by the nearly extinct episcopals, who are getting ready to morph into islam at the top of american society, just as elijah muhammed and malcomn x led the african american/bottom of american society to islam.

Hi Steven,

Interesting topic as usual.
As you rightly highlighted, the difference between Islam and Christianity is on the character of Jesus (not his teachings): prophet or God.

Similar to Judaism, in Islam there is only one God, with no images, resemblance or relatives (physical or metaphoric). Muslims beliefs are similar to christians in the 3rd and 4th century (ie before the theology of the Trinity appeared).

The definition of Christianity as accepting Jesus death, resurrection, sacrifice, etc..is alien to Islamic and Judaism theologies. Its unique to Christian theology. The challenge with the Trinity is it came after the Bible was written and hence can't really be substantiated in the bible.

How do you treat unitarian christians for example?

Peace,

Steven.. excellent topic, and I'm glad an 'atheist' brought it up. (I'll send the cheque in the mail :)

It is absolutely impossible (to put it mildly) to be Christian and Muslim at the same time.

But your question needing first to be addressed is 'What is a Christian'.

This word first cropped up at Antioch as per Acts 11:26

25Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

Looking at the context, we need to examine the framework into which the young Church grew, and on what 'basis' it grew. For this we can look in many place, beginning with the Lord words in Mark

1:4 And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

1:14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15"The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"

John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth and the life, no man comes to the Father, but by me"
-"I am the bread of life"
-"Before Abraham was, I am"
-"I and the Father are one"
-"I am the light of the world"
-"I am the living water"
-"I am the good shepherd"
-"I am the door"
-In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word...was God" (John 1:1)

John 20.31 But these things are written, that you may.....
-Believe, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and....
-That in believing, you may have life in His name"

So, Steve.. the picture emerges that a 'Christian' is one who has repented of sin,placed his faith in Christ, embraced Him as Saviour, Lord, King, Guide, Shepherd, Friend... and in so doing, is forgiven their sins and has life eternal.