Muslims call for peace with Christians?

Seth, I would suggest that you reread the document because when they say that God is one and when they say "we shall ascribe no partner unto Him" they are clearly rejecting Christ and inviting us to do the same. They desire for us to find common ground with them over the fact that God is one but God is one means something different to each of us.I actually didn't take this document as a threat even though they say somethings that can be taken that way (others think it's a submit or die document). I actually think they think we can find commonality in the "God is one" and the commandment to love God with all your heart, mind and strength but we can't and this post was explaining why. To do so would be to reject Christ. Shema means one to them and to us it means unity in the Trinity. Even that "common word" can't unify Muslims, Jews and Christians because it means different things to each of us. Muslims and Christians don't worship the same God because Jesus is God and the Muslims refuse to worship him.

No where does it ask you to renounce your beliefs, you chose to spin it that way!A good discussion on "spin" and "taking things out of context" is given here:A Common Word Between Us and You is a Call for ConversionIn the article, it notes that the letter's citing of the passage:Say: O People of the Scripture! Come to a common word between us and you: that we shall worship none but God, and that we shall ascribe no partner unto Him, and that none of us shall take others for lords beside God. And if they turn away, then say: Bear witness that we are they who have surrendered (unto Him). (Aal ‘Imran 3:64) sounds wonderful, but when shown in context of the entire passage:3:65: Ye, People of the Book! Why dispute ye about Abraham, when the Law and the Gospel were not revealed till after him? Have ye no understanding?3:66: Ah! Yes are those who fell to disputing (even) in matters of which ye had some knowledge! But why dispute ye in matters of which ye have no knowledge? It is Allah who knows and ye who know not!3:67: Abraham was not a Jew, nor yet a Christian, but he was true in Faith, and bowed his will to Allah's (which is Islam) and he joined not gods with Allah.3:68: Without doubt, among men, the nearest of kin to Abraham are those who follow him, as are also this Apostle and those who believe: And Allah is the Protector of those who have Faith.3:69: It is the wish of a section of the People of the Book to lead you astray. But they shall lead astray (not you), but themselves, and they do not perceive.3:70: Ye People of the Book! Why reject ye the Signs of Allah, of which ye are (yourselves) witnesses?3:71: Ye People of the Book! Why do you clothe Truth with falsehood, and conceal the Truth while ye have knowledge?the verse is anything but a call for understanding and common ground. Michelle nailed this one (as have others.)

t shouldn't be outlandish to thin that there is a group of Muslims that wants to start a dialogue. Again, with dialogue one must not water down his or her faith. Muslims don't believe Christ was divine. But, the point of this document was not to call for us to reject Christ, but a call to come together in love. The dialogue portion is where they don't compromise their beliefs.Yes, the Qur'an does reject Christ's divinity. This is no surprise. Muslims will never accept Christ. What must happen is people of different faiths have to get together, discuss their differences and find a way to reconcile them so we can find peace. As long as we are suspicious of all Muslim attempts to find a peaceful outcome there will be suspicion on the Muslim side.I think, and read this document as, Muslims are trying to start a dialogue. This is a start to finding reconciliation. And yes, there can be reconciliation netween Christians and Muslims without conversion on either side.-Seth

True a dialog would be a good start BUT a dialog from the very beginning dishonestly present what is in the Quran. Conversion, funny you mention that. In most of the countries with Sheria Law in place as the model of government Conversion to Christianity is punished by death. The battle unfortunately is not about faith but in the arena of ideas. I find it wrong to kill innocents because they are easier targets and make them look really mean. 130 Muslim scholars don't speak out and condemn suicide bombers. They don't speak out against what Iran is doing to the region in promoting death in the NAME of ISLAM. Why all of a sudden do they want peace? Why is it that we (America)are identified as Christians? The conflict was defined (for them, by them) as that between Islam and Christians way before this war started by Asama Bin Ladin. Way before the current president was in office. Why not redefine this conflict as against the radicals of Islam against civilization? I mean really, defining us as the 'great Satan'? I guess they watch Jerry Springer too. Forgive me for being pessimistic about doubting the scholars whom seem to be consistent at telling us one thing but not really meaning it. The past tells us a lot about the future. When I see something like this is see as stated above - an opportunity for division. I would talk to them to see if they mean what they say but I wont expect anything, I don't see them being truthful.

"You are now with child and you will have a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the LORD has heard of your misery. He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone's hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers." - Genesis 16:11-12Islam is the religion of the spiritual descendants of Ishmael. It is good to strive for peace, but you can't undo what God has decreed.