Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Muslim Scholars to Pope: It's the Same God

Letter calls for peace, understanding between Christianity and Islam

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 11, 2007 3:47 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Christianity and Islam are more alike than they are different, Muslim scholars say in a letter to Pope Benedict XVI. Quoting passages from the Bible and Koran, the letter shows links between the faiths, and calls for peace. If enough people heed the statement, one scholar says, “the atmosphere will be changed into one in which violent extremists cannot flourish.”

“We say to Christians that we are not against them and that Islam is not against them,” says the letter, which highlights the shared emphasis on love and insists both worship the same god. It’s a landmark event, one scholar told the BBC. “There are Sunnis, Shias, Ibadis and even the … Ismailian and Jaafari schools, so it's a consensus.”

In this photo released by the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI is presented with a gift by former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami during a private audience at the Vatican Thursday, May 4, 2007. The pontiff met Khatami for talks the Vatican hoped would further heal tensions with Muslims...
In this photo released by the Vatican newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Benedict XVI is presented with a gift by former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami during a private audience at the Vatican Thursday,...   (Associated Press)
The letter, which comes from over 130 Muslim scholars, emphasizes, among other things, a similarity in passages from the bible and the Koran.
The letter, which comes from over 130 Muslim scholars, emphasizes, among other things, a similarity in passages from the bible and the Koran.   (Shutterstock.com)
The letter from the Muslim scholars, which coincides with the Eid al-Fitr celebrations marking the end of Ramadan, emphasizes to the Pope and other recipients that Christians and Muslims worship the same god.
The letter from the Muslim scholars, which coincides with the Eid al-Fitr celebrations marking the end of Ramadan, emphasizes to the Pope and other recipients that Christians and Muslims worship the same...   (Shutterstock.com)
Pope Benedict XVI gestures during the weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Wednesday Oct. 10, 2007. (AP Photo/Plinio Lepri)
Pope Benedict XVI gestures during the weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Wednesday Oct. 10, 2007. (AP Photo/Plinio Lepri)   (Associated Press)
Pope Benedict XVI greets the faithful during the weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Wednesday Oct. 10, 2007. (AP Photo/Plinio Lepri)
Pope Benedict XVI greets the faithful during the weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Wednesday Oct. 10, 2007. (AP Photo/Plinio Lepri)   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Letter challenges long-held myths
Guardian (UK)

Document doesn't show understanding of Christianity
Times (UK)

Relations rocky between Pope and Bush
AlterNet

 
Islam • Pope Benedict XVI • Christianity • Catholicism

More Newser Stories

Catholics, Muslims Seek Common Ground at Vatican

Prominent Italian Muslim Baptized by Pope

Pope Pushing for Church in Saudi Arabia

Pope to Cut Luther a Break

Benedict Plans to Meet With Muslim Leaders
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne