Jesus Christ Vs. Mohammed

FaultlineUSA posts an outstanding article by Roger W. Gardner titled, "Wrestling With Mohammed" that outlines the major differences between Christianity and Islam based on the actions of their principle characters, Jesus Christ and Mohammed. For anyone trying to understand the differences between these religions, this is a MUST-READ! Excerpts to give you a glimpse:

Is Islam a religion of peace or an imminent fascist threat? This may very well be one of the most crucial questions of our era.

Is there actually a definitive, clear-cut answer to this monumental question?

Yes, there is, but unfortunately it is buried in a miasma of misinformation and religious apologetics. Also, unfortunately for some, there is no shortcut to understanding the true nature of Islam, just as there is no shortcut to understanding the true nature of Christianity. You will not get your answers by reading your local newspaper or by listening to the evening news. Knowledge, like any other worthwhile goal, must be earned, you must work for it. In the case of Islam, the answers lie in the Qur’an and in the accompanying expository texts. The answers lie in that abundance of Islamic literature, and in the pronouncements of its leaders and in their actions. The answers are there for all to see. They are clearly stated and unequivocal. But you must take the time to read them and to listen.

It is possible to understand the fundamental nature of a religion by judging the character of its founder.

Fortunately, there is an abundance of literary evidence devoted to the lives of both Jesus Christ and Mohammed. The problem for us is that, while almost all of us have a comfortable familiarity with the narrative of the life of Christ, few of us could relate the life of Mohammed with the same confidence.

Therefore, when we are told that Islam is a religion of peace, we tend to accept this statement at face value; all that we can equate it to are those religions with which we are familiar, which, for most Christians is Christianity, which in its present form is basically peaceful.

The contrast between the lives of these two monumental figures could not be more striking or more enlightening. The basic facts of their lives are well-documented and attested.

Read the rest of this excellent article here. By framing the two religions in this context, Gardner draws some stark differences between the founders of the faiths, and therefore today's adherents of the faiths. This is one of the best perspective articles I've read on Islam, and I believe everyone needs to check it out.

There's my two cents.