A Comparison of Christianity and Islam

Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity: A Comparison of Christianity and Islam
Christianity and Islam are the two biggest religions in the world and have influenced the daily lives of individuals for centuries. Mankind has been able to use religion as a means of spreading good or evil throughout the world. The mass murder of individuals by ISIS is an example of the manipulative power of religion. However, there are times when religion can be seen beneficial especially in fields such as healthcare. For example, a research study displayed that church attendees had an Interleukin-6 level that was half of those who did not attend church (Koenig 245). Higher Interleukin-6 levels are associated with increased incidence of disease so the benefits of frequently attending a religious service are supported by this study. It is vital for health care providers to understand the dimensions of different religions to have a patient centered approach in the patient's treatment plan.
There are various similarities and differences between Islam and Christianity. In Christianity, it is believed that ultimate reality consists of living God, an infinite person spirit and the holy Trinity. God is not a part of the creation but is related (Mark 12:29-30, John 4:23-24, 14:15-18, 23-24, 16:13-15; Acts 17, 1 Pet. 1:1-2). Islam believes that ultimate reality consists of Allah (an infinite Spirit), which represents eternity and self-existence. Allah has power over his creation or events and that man can learn about Allah through the Qur'an (Surahs 2:255; 59:22-24; 112). The human nature perspective also differs between the two religions. Christianity believes that Mankind is evil and in need of forgiveness for his sin. Christians choose from right and wrong but are in need of salvation by God (Mt. 7:24-29, 9:36, John 3:16, 14:15, 15:1ff, Rev. 3:18). Islam believes that human are born pure and during adolescence must choose right from wrong (Scriptures: Surahs 10:47; 16:36; 40:15; 43:3; 85:21-22). The two religions also differ in their concept of what happens to man after death. Christianity believes that the spirit will head to Heaven or Hades and basically wait for bodily resurrection when the age ends (Luke 16:19-21; Phil 1:19-26; James 2:26; Rev. 6:9, 20:4). Islam on the other hand believes that the soul is carried to heaven by the angels. After, a glimpse of paradise is shown the soul is returned back to the grave. This result in some individuals wandering the earth, others entering heaven and some simply sleep. The souls then wait for resurrection and judgment day (Scriptures: 6:93, 7:4; 8:5; 56:83).
The two religions also have different concepts on the meaning of life and how an individual should live. The biblical worldview states that the meaning of life for Christians is to be obedient to God's will and working with his Son to advance the Kingdom. The way to live life is to be in accordance with God's wishes about fruitful living and coming to his Son for pardon. The goals are to avoid sins and follow a righteous way of life written in the Old and New Testament (Mark 10:28-31; John 3:16, 4:27f, 8:29, 15:1f, 17:3, Eph. 1:11-12). The Islamic worldview on the meaning of life is that Allah created humans to be his servants on Earth. The main purpos...