What religion believes in one God but not Jesus

In a bustling marketplace, a curious traveler encountered a wise old man sitting beneath a fig tree. The traveler asked, “What religion believes in one God but not Jesus?” The old man smiled and replied, “In the heart of the desert, the followers of Islam gather, united in their belief in Allah, the one true God. They honor prophets like Moses and Abraham, yet see Jesus as a revered messenger, not divine. Their faith teaches compassion and submission to the will of God, guiding millions on a path of peace and understanding.” The traveler nodded, enlightened by the wisdom shared.

Exploring Monotheism: The Core Beliefs of Islam
Understanding the Role of Prophets in Islamic Faith
Comparative Insights: Islam and Christianity on the Nature of God
Pathways to Interfaith Dialogue: Building Bridges Between Believers
Q&A

Exploring Monotheism: The Core Beliefs of Islam

At the heart of Islam lies a profound belief in the oneness of God, known as **Tawhid**. This concept emphasizes that there is only one God, who is merciful, compassionate, and all-powerful. Unlike some other faiths, Islam does not recognize Jesus as divine; instead, he is revered as one of the greatest prophets. Muslims believe that God revealed His will through a series of prophets, culminating in the final revelation to the Prophet Muhammad. This belief shapes the Islamic understanding of the universe and humanity’s place within it, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among its followers.

The core tenets of Islam revolve around the **Five Pillars**, which serve as the foundation for a Muslim’s faith and practice. These pillars include:

Shahada: The declaration of faith, affirming that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger.
Salah: The performance of ritual prayers five times a day, connecting the believer with God.
Zakat: The giving of alms to the needy, promoting social justice and community welfare.
Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan, fostering self-discipline and empathy for the less fortunate.
Hajj: The pilgrimage to Mecca, which every Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime if able.

These practices not only reinforce the belief in one God but also cultivate a sense of belonging and responsibility within the global Muslim community.

Understanding the Role of Prophets in Islamic Faith

In the Islamic faith, prophets serve as vital conduits between God and humanity, delivering divine messages and guiding people towards righteousness. **Prophets are considered chosen individuals** who possess unique qualities, such as honesty, integrity, and a deep understanding of God’s will. They are revered not only for their spiritual insight but also for their exemplary character, which serves as a model for believers. The role of prophets is to convey God’s guidance, often through revelations that form the basis of religious teachings. This includes the **final prophet, Muhammad**, who is believed to have received the last and complete revelation, the Qur’an, which serves as a comprehensive guide for Muslims.

The significance of prophets extends beyond mere messengers; they are also seen as **intercessors and leaders** within their communities. Each prophet is sent to a specific people, addressing their unique circumstances and challenges. The teachings of these prophets emphasize the oneness of God, moral conduct, and the importance of faith and community. Key figures such as **Moses, Abraham, and Jesus** are acknowledged in Islam, but their roles differ from those in Christianity. While Jesus is revered as a prophet in Islam, he is not considered divine, highlighting a fundamental distinction in the understanding of prophethood and the nature of God in these faiths.

Comparative Insights: Islam and Christianity on the Nature of God

In exploring the divine nature, both Islam and Christianity assert the belief in one God, yet they diverge significantly in their understanding of His essence and attributes. **Islam** emphasizes the concept of **Tawhid**, the absolute oneness of God, who is transcendent and incomparable. This monotheistic principle rejects any division of God’s nature, including the notion of the Trinity, which is central to Christian belief. In contrast, **Christianity** embraces a complex understanding of God as a Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—where Jesus is recognized as the incarnate Son of God, fully divine and fully human. This fundamental difference shapes the theological landscape of both religions, influencing their teachings, practices, and the relationship believers have with the divine.

Furthermore, the attributes of God are perceived through different lenses in these faiths. In Islam, God (Allah) is described through **99 names**, each reflecting His qualities such as **Merciful**, **Compassionate**, and **All-Powerful**. These names serve as a guide for Muslims to understand and relate to God’s nature. Conversely, Christianity often emphasizes the relational aspect of God, particularly through the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who embodies love, grace, and redemption. This relational dynamic invites believers into a personal relationship with God, which is distinct from the more transcendent view found in Islam. Thus, while both religions uphold the belief in one God, their interpretations and implications of His nature reveal profound theological differences that continue to shape their followers’ faith journeys.

Pathways to Interfaith Dialogue: Building Bridges Between Believers

In the rich tapestry of world religions, there exists a belief system that emphasizes the oneness of God while diverging from the Christian understanding of Jesus. **Islam**, for instance, is a prominent faith that venerates Jesus as a prophet but does not recognize him as the Son of God. This distinction opens up avenues for interfaith dialogue, where believers can explore the shared values of monotheism and the reverence for prophetic figures. Engaging in discussions about the nature of God and the role of prophets can foster mutual respect and understanding among different faith communities.

Another significant tradition is **Judaism**, which also upholds the belief in a singular, indivisible God. While Jesus is acknowledged as a historical figure, he does not hold the same theological significance as in Christianity. This divergence invites believers from both faiths to come together and reflect on their common heritage, including the shared texts and ethical teachings that promote justice, compassion, and community. By focusing on these foundational principles, interfaith dialogues can cultivate a spirit of cooperation and bridge the gaps between diverse beliefs, ultimately enriching the spiritual lives of all participants.

Q&A

Which religion believes in one God but does not recognize Jesus as divine?

The religion that primarily believes in one God and does not recognize Jesus as divine is Islam. In Islam, Jesus (known as Isa) is considered a prophet, but not the Son of God or part of a divine trinity.
What is the concept of God in Islam?

In Islam, God is referred to as Allah, who is singular, unique, and has no partners or equals. The belief in the oneness of God (Tawhid) is central to Islamic faith.
Are there other religions that believe in one God but do not accept Jesus?

Yes, Judaism is another religion that believes in one God and does not accept Jesus as the Messiah or divine. In Judaism, God is also seen as a singular entity, and Jesus is not recognized as a prophet or savior.
What do these religions say about Jesus?

In Islam, Jesus is revered as a prophet and messenger of God, but not as divine. In Judaism, Jesus is generally viewed as a historical figure, but not as a prophet or the Messiah. Both religions emphasize the oneness of God without the concept of Jesus’ divinity.

In exploring the tapestry of faith, we find that belief in one God can take many forms. While Jesus holds a central place in Christianity, other religions offer unique perspectives on divinity, inviting us to appreciate the rich diversity of spiritual thought.