Assignment: Jesus & Mohammed Paper

Jesus and Mohammed have shaped the whole world for hundred upon hundreds of years. Cultures that have followed as well as worshiped these two people have been through wealth, as well as poverty (mostly) war and even some peace. Jesus and Mohammed have very similar aspects, also there are some very different dynamics whoever their story’s can become intertwined both past, present and future. Reviewing such topics such as history including their deaths, how they are worshiped and last but not least how people are reacting to the past in relation to Jesus and Mohammed currently. Allowing time to explore and compare/contrast the various religions that derives in part from Jesus and Mohammed can be confusing, thrilling, and entertaining. Tracing the lives of Jesus and Mohammed historically can be challenging due to the fact that there are some scientist that post relatively strong arguments that there is very little historical proof of the life of Jesus outside of the Bible, and Mohammed beyond word of mouth transfer via the Quran. Although and despite the gaining evidence which disputes the factual proof against either of these prophets/son of God being legitimate, the evidence. shreds of evidence that is for Jesus and Mohammed is also evident. Some of the facts relating to Jesus historically include the Jewish historian Josephus who was born in approximately 37 CE, notice the “CE” because at this point cultures had not begun using BC and or AC. Josephus was caught and held capture by the Romans and at that time had wrote very in depth about details concerning Jewish history and it was these writings that have indeed been confirmed by archaeological discoveries. This Jewish historian, Josephus, made two brief references to Jesus that may or may not have been given a positive point of view by current following Christian copy lists, nevertheless these two references are not regarded as actual solid proof that Jesus actually did exist. Most historians have made note that Jesus was most likely born a couple to a few years prior to what is currently know and referred to as the Common Era. Christian monks were said to have figured out Jesus in a time related fashion and seemed to be off and miscalculated slightly. Most Traditional Christians still believe in the bible story that Jesus was truly born to Virgin Mary and her trusting husband, in a stable while trying to relocate due to a census, this birth was said to happen in the city of Bethlehem (as a side note Judaea and Galilee were ruled by the vast city of Rome at this same time frame). On contrast historically Muhammad is considered by the Muslim religion as well as culture, to be born several hundreds of years after Jesus in 570 CE. Although his is told to be born a man his is respected as a pure prophet, and was said to be consider the last of a continuing chain of prophets who were said to be put of earth to restore and regain the true religion of Judaism. In comparison to Christianity, had several prophet after Jesus who unlike Muhammad was revered as the son of Christianity’s God. Both Christianity and Judaism believe in monotheism which in relation to only serving one God which is known as Allah to Muslims. “There is no god but God, and Muhammad is his Messenger” this is the monotheistic creed, simple and to the point of who Muhammad is in reference to God. Islam just like Christianity as well as Judaism, can trace all the back to the ancestry of Abraham. Muhammad the great prophet died the year 632 AD, he died because he was poisoned following his attack upon and conquest of the Jewish settlement of Khaibar. Supposedly as the stories go about two months prior to his attack on Khaibar, Muhammad fail his army in an attempt to get to Mecca. What this failure meant as well as resulted in the Treaty of Hudaybiyya with the Meccans. At this rate Muhammad, the last of the good prophets returned to his people as a failure which resulted in humiliation in the perceptive of the Meccans as well as his own people. Muhammad deiced he needed to change the flow of the situation so to raise above the issues and lift his peoples sprits, he told that that the events at Hudaybiyya were actually a true victory. This pretend victory was seen as a “revelation” however, Allah (God) wasn’t able to turn goods into money. Therefore Muhammad informed his followers that now they would go the extra mile and were planning on attacking the weaker Jewish settlement known as Khaibar. Within six weeks of these actions and plans Muhammad led his army and fought the Jews, several fights later after many settlements were won and took over. Directly after Muhammad and the army had conquest of Khaibar, a Jewish woman had prepared a dinner for them that included poisoned lamb or goat. After eating the poisoned dinner prepared by the Jew, Muhammad died as a result three years later. So his people concluded to direct any sadness or anger at the Jewish people. Jesus perceived himself as the ultimate good shepherd who was willing to lay down his own life for his sheep which in this analogy would be his followers that included many at that time as well as currently. Jesus challenged the authorities while traveling through many cities which included Galilee. Many people that came to see him were in search of healing powers and/or to a miracle. So the story goes that a Jew by the name of Herod Antipas whom had been evolved into the ruler by the Roman people as the leader of Galilee. Herod Antipas has already executed John the Baptist and was convinced that Jesus stirred up trouble and got people politically energized while traveling and speaking. Herod did not want anything to do with a political uprising while he was in charge. Foreshadowing/predicting his crucifixion he would talk about what was to come and how he wanted his followers to react. Jesus wanted to offer his own flesh and blood as a sacrifice for the sake of all humanity and therefore forgiveness of their sins. The ani-institutional tenor of the way Jesus carried himself while teaching many people came off very threatening to all leaders that were in power at the time. Although Jesus understood the risk of entering Jerusalem due to his politically positions, he returned regardless of danger at the holiday known as Passover. Even though he wasn’t armed and proceeded to enter in a semi humble way, on a donkey, he knew that his end was approaching rapidly . Shortly upon arriving Judas, betrayed Jesus and a large crowd led Jesus away to be questions by chief priests, elders, as well as scribes. In the bible there are several accounts of his sufferings during Jesus’ betrayal, trial, and execution by crucifixion. Therefore in very different ways and some similar ways Mohammed and Jesus were killed due in part by their political stance. Although Jesus is said to be son of God most holy, because of his love for the poor and sick, clean and unclean, this made his followers an array of kinds of people. His main followers referred to as his disciples were made up of many different kinds of people with many different trades and he wanted/ called upon them all to serve regardless. This mentality made Jesus very popular because the majority of population were layman and not wealthy. Also because he was known to performed many miracles for example, healing the sick, bringing the dead back to life, projected devils from people who were said to be possessed as well as feeding many people with only a little food he was greatly known and worshiped as a clear sign that he was the son of God. Jesus was worshiped due to his compassion. Both Jesus and Mohammed were known to be leaders that spoke to people as well as made certain spiritual retreats in order to remain spiritually adequate. Similar to Jesus, Mohammad was approached by an angel in the form of an human and insisted that he recite. Although when this first happened he did not believe that he was the person to be such a speaker due to his fear of the responsibilities and the known ridicule of prophet hood. Mohammad came to be worshiped as a clear teacher spiritually thought the Quran, and his family as well as followers. This is still true for current followers. Tradition describes people believing his words close to coming straight from the word of God. This is very close to how people feel about Jesus and his words being derived from God. However the similarities, the very big difference is between the titles- son of God, and wise prophet. The bible leads most church Christian congregations in many current day events which include holidays such as Christmas and Easter. Many different kinds of Christians exist in many different types of denominations examples include Catholics and Mennonites this was due to the evolution of the religion as it spread to all continents and thus became theologically and liturgically complex. Some people who worship Jesus are very outspoken as well as political and some are polar opposite and do not wish to associate with the government at all. There are several movements currently, clubs, and affiliates whom relate to Jesus as well as all he stands for past, present, and future. So this is how his message is still alive and well today. Mohammad’s message is also still alive and wide spread around the world with different cultures and peoples taking it in many ways. Like the Bible, the Quran has been literally transferred from language to language and over time people perceived the messages in different was. Mohammed’s life is still very precious to Muslims and therefore they try to emulate his good qualities. Meanwhile is considered to be the greatest Prophet and teacher and his customs are still carried on currently as well as stories pass on generation after generation of his affectionate compassion and humility. There were some current misunderstandings about Islam and Muslims due to the “war on terrorism” and some unintelligent statements made the line between Muslims and non-Muslims however proceeding this war many have done research and are changing relations.