The Christian and Islamic Teachings Concerning

The Crucifixion, the Resurrection, and the Deity of Jesus

Class Outline

Introduction

This class will present, and encourage discussion on, the differing views between Basic Christianity and Islam on the crucifixion, resurrection and deity of Jesus. The primary objective is to discuss the teachings of Islam concerning Jesus as presented in the Qur-an, and compare them with those of Christianity as presented in the New Testament documents. The intent is not to defame Muslims, but rather to gain an understanding of these critical differences, enabling the Christian to be an informed and credible witness to the Muslim world.

Another goal of the class is to learn to listen to and understand an opposing view so that an informed and appropriate response can be given. The primary "text" will be a recording of a debate that took place in August of 1981 in Durban South Africa between Josh McDowell (then with Campus Crusade for Christ) and Ahmed Deedat (then the president of the Islamic Propagation League in Durbin).

Materials

The following are the required materials for the class:

    1. New Testament

    2. Transcription of the Islam Debate — Josh McDowell/Ahmed Deedat (provided).

A copy of the Translation of the Meanings for the Holy Qur-an is suggested for those wanting to study the class subject in more detail and is available at larger bookstores or a Mosque. I will read quotes directly from an English "translation of the meanings" of the Qur-an when needed in class.

Suggested Additional Sources

"Answering Islam — The Cresent in Light of the Cross" — Book — by Norman L. Geisler and Abdul Saleeb. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

"Jesus — the Qur-an vs. the Bible" — a lecture by Dr. William Lane Craig. - Audio Tape - Available from Stand to Reason, 1-800-2-REASON or www.str.org

"The Concept of God in Islam And Christianity: A Muslim-Christian Dialogue" — Dr. Jamal Badawi, speaker for Islam; Dr. William Lane Craig, speaker for Christianity. - Audio Tape - Copyright 1997 InterVarsity Christian Fellowship of the USA. InterVarsity AUDIO 8400 Schroeder Road Madison, WI 53707-7895. 1-800-828-2100 - NOTE: I got my copy via Campus Crusade, but try IV first.

"Answering Islam — A Christian-Muslim Dialogue" — WEB site URL answering-islam.org

 

Tentative Schedule

Week 1 — 8/18/2002

    1. Introduction

    2. Some basics about Islam and the Qur-an

 

Week 2 — 8/25/2002

    1. Review

    2. The Debate — Opening Arguments for the Islamic View

    1. What the Muslim is told concerning the death of Jesus.

    2. Testimony of the Gospels

 

Week 3 - 9/2/2002

    1. Review

    2. The Debate — Continuing Opening Arguments for the Islamic View

    1. A spirit has no flesh and bones

    2. Jesus didn’t die — disguised as gardener — "I am not dead yet"

    3. Who moved the stone?

    4. "The Sign of Jonah"

 

Week 4 - 9/9/2002

    1. Review

    2. The Debate - Opening Arguments for the Christian View

    1. the Muslim Substitutionary Theories of Jesus’ Crucifixion

    2. Swoon Theory

    3. Jesus was not afraid to die, but was willing to die.

    4. Jews NOT guilty of killing Jesus

    5. Christians are called to an intellectual, fact based faith, not blind faith

    6. Historical accuracy New Testament documents

    7. Jesus WAS crucified — Jesus DID die

    8. Burial procedure on the Sabbath. Security at the tomb of Jesus.

    9. The Stone was moved, the Tomb was empty

    10. Three Days/Three Nights

    11. Not yet ascended to the father — accepted sacrifice - Resurrected body

Week 4 — 9/9/2002

    1. Review

    2. The Debate — Islamic View Rebuttal

    1. Jesus never said "I have come back from the dead"

    2. Jesus was very reluctant to die

    3. Two swords — That is enough

    4. God saved Jesus from death

    1. The Debate — Christian View Rebuttal

    1. Jesus DID say He came back from the dead

    1. The Debate — Closing Statement — Islamic View

    1. Man is a coward by nature — always passing the buck.

    2. The Islamic system - Carry your own responsibility.

    3. Not blood, but righteousness.

    4. Christians are "being taken for a ride" on a cross.

    1. The Debate — Closing Statement — Christian View

    1. Christians are crucified in Christ.

    2. God issued a death sentence. Then, in Love, paid it Himself.

    3. Yes, Christians are being taken for a ride on a cross, a ride to Heaven.

 

 

Week 5 — 9/18/2002

    1. Catch Up

    2. Compare The Views

 

Week 6 — 9/25/2002

    1. Lecture (and possibly tape)/Discussion on the Deity of Christ and Islamic Theology

    2. Approaches to sharing our faith with Muslims.