For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,
       that whoever believes in him should not perish but
       have eternal life.
                                      Bible: John 3:16
                                      (Revised Standard Version)

To a Muslim, it is blasphemy to say that Jesus is the Son of God. To a Christian, it is blasphemy to say that Jesus is not the Son of God. This is the fundamental conflict between Islam and Christianity, and it cannot be papered over with smiles and pleasant words.

Nevertheless, it is quite possible for both religions to live side-by-side in peaceful co-existence. In fact, the Qur'an specifically instructs Muslims to accept and tolerate Christians, and the Bible instructs Christians to live at peace with all people, as we will show below.

THE WAY CHRISTIANS SHOULD ACT TOWARD MUSLIMS

The Bible instructs Christians to live at peace with all people, as much as it is possible to do so. Further, Christians are instructed not to retaliate for offenses, but to leave vengeance to God.

        If possible, so far as it depends upon you,
        live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge
        yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God;
        for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay,
        says the Lord."
                              Bible: Romans 12:18-19
                              (Revised Standard Version)

THE WAY MUSLIMS SHOULD ACT TOWARD CHRISTIANS

The Qur'an instructs Muslims to give Christians nothing to fear and not to cause Christians to grieve. Further, the Qur'an instructs Muslims that there should be no compulsion in religion. Therefore Christians, all of whom believe in Allah (God), believe in the Last day (Judgment Day) and try to do good, should be allowed to live in peace, even if they do not convert to Islam.

[2.62] Surely those who believe, and those who are Jews, and the
Christians, and the Sabians, whoever believes in Allah and the Last day
and does good, they shall have their reward from their Lord, and there is
no fear for them, nor shall they grieve.

[2.256] There is no compulsion in religion; truly the right way has become
clearly distinct from error; therefore, whoever disbelieves in the Shaitan
and believes in Allah he indeed has laid hold on the firmest handle, which
shall not break off, and Allah is Hearing, Knowing.

                               Qur'an 2.62 and 2.256
                               (Shakir Translation)

A CALL FOR SAUDI ARABIAN ACTION TO STOP TERRORIST MURDERERS
. . . as published in ArabNews.com, Dec. 4, 2002

   Shaming Islam

   Neither Israeli offenses nor  U. S. arrogance can ever justify
   terrorist  murderers,  who  bring  shame to Islam. And when they claim
   that their actions are to win Allah's pleasure, they insult Him.

   Allah  is  merciful; but where is the mercy in terrorist murder? Allah
   is just; but where is the justice in deliberately blowing up women and
   school children?

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