Jesus' Life and Teachings: Fact vs. Fiction

My 3rd paper for my European Lit. to the Renaissance class.

Jesus is a well known figure in the history of Christianity and Islam. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which tell the life of Jesus, were written decades after the death of Jesus. The perspectives of these men who didn’t know Jesus personally, but whose writings and teachings are important in the Christian faith, makes one wonder what of Jesus' life and teachings in the Gospels are really accurate. But, red letter edition Bibles, which have the actual words spoken by Jesus printed in red ink, do exist. Furthermore, as a Muslim, one must believe in Jesus as a prophet and messenger of God, not the son of or part of God. To Muslims, the Quran in Arabic is the last revealed word of God sent to prophet Muhammad through Gabriel to all of humankind and hasn’t been changed! The Quran is the primary source in Islam and covers numerous subjects, including the stories of Mary and Jesus. Using an edition of the red letter Bible and the Quran, one can get an idea of Jesus' actual life and teachings and those which have been added.

First and foremost, it has been recorded that Jesus blessed those who got abused because of their belief and practice in God. He related this to the mistreatment prophets received due to the same reason. This can be motivation for those who were, and still are, the "strangers" amongst many people who live the opposite lifestyle. In the New Testament, Jesus said, "Be glad and exult over it, for you will be richly rewarded in heaven, for that is the way they persecuted the prophets who went before you" (36). In King James Version of the Bible, Matthew 5:12 "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you", is written in red letters, thus indicating that these are really words spoken by Jesus. The Quran goes one step further, mentioning the punishment of those who killed the prophets: "Those who disbelieve in the signs of Allah and kill the prophets without right and kill those who order justice from among the people – give them tidings of a painful punishment" (The Holy Quran 3:21). This is just one of the many authentic words of Jesus.

Moreover, Jesus' true teachings included the upholding and preaching of the commandments sent to Moses. Jesus said, "Do not suppose that I have come to do away with the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to do away with them but to enforce them" (The New Testament 37). In Matthew 5:17, similar words are written in red: "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill" (King James). Finally, the Quran has a similar account: "And [I, Jesus, have come] confirming what was before me of the Torah... And I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, so fear Allah and obey me. Indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is the straight path" (The Holy Quran 3:50-51). These teachings included not murdering, not committing adultery, etc.

There are many words of Jesus' in the Gospels that he really did say, but there are also some that Jesus didn’t say but others "put words in Jesus' mouth". One of the most important belief to some Christians that differentiates itself from Islam, for example, is that of Jesus being thought of as the son of and part of God. It was asked of Jesus "Are you the son of God then? And "he said" to them, "I am as you say" (The New Testament 52). When checking this same verse, Luke 22:70, in the red letter Bible, "Ye say that I am" (King James) is only in red and replaces "I am as you say". Jesus' real answer of "You say that I am" shows that Jesus himself didn’t call himself the "son of God" but rather other people came up with this concept. This attribution that others made, making Jesus part of and the offspring of God, is false according to other reliable sources.

In another verse Jesus himself said, "But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (King James, Matthew 15:9). This last verse is in red and is supported by a verse in the Quran: "And [beware the Day] when Allah will say, "O Jesus, Son of Mary, did you say to the people, 'Take me and my mother as deities besides Allah?'" He will say, "Exalted are You! It was not for me to say that to which I have no right. If I had said it, You would have known it…" (The Holy Quran 5:116). Jesus never preached the worship of or divinity of himself and God will not hold him accountable for what others falsely attributed to Jesus.

Finally, the concept of Jesus being crucified and killed is debatable. When Jesus supposedly came back to life on the third day and mingled with people, he blessed them and parted from them (The New Testament 55). Again, the only words appearing in red in this verse, Luke 23:46, is "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit" (King James). In the Quran, 4:157-158, it is written, And [for] their saying, "Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah." And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it… And they did not kill him, for certain. Rather, Allah raised him to Himself.

These verses "testify" that Jesus wasn't really crucified and killed, rather his spirit and body were saved by God. Many people and religions differ on the life and teachings of Jesus. While some believe Jesus to be the son and one third of God, was crucified and killed, and pick and choose what to live by of Jesus' teachings, others have sound evidence based on scriptures from God that disprove these notions.

Works Cited

"King James Version of the Bible - Online Search." King James Version of the Bible. Web. 23 Mar. 2013. http://kjvbible.net/.

"The Holy Quran." The Holy Quran. Web. 23 March 2013. http://www.allahsquran.com/read/verses.php?ch=1.

"The New Testament." The Bedford Anthology of World Literature. Ed. Paul Davis. Vol. 2. Boston: Bedford/ St. Martin, 2004. 36-55. Print.

My Reading Goals, Wishlist, and Next on My Lists

Okay, so I thought I would do an update post, more for myself, but also for anyone who is curious or needs ideas ;) I have some reading goals, books on my wish list (to buy), and what I want to read and watch in the next few weeks/ months. I have another month of uni. left before summer vacation =:) (I am literally counting the days till my almost 4 month summer vacation), so this post will remind me of what I planned. Here goes!

My Reading Goals
1. According to goodreads, read 50 book in 2013.     
2. Read 75% of my books before buying any new ones (I want to finish series before starting new ones).
3. Buy a bookshelf and do a "tour and decor" once I get it!
4. Become a Barnes and Noble member by November 2013 (gift to myself :P).
5. Give away some of my books (to friends and/or book sales).

Updates to my 50 books goal and all my virtual bookshelves are on http://www.goodreads.com/sabrinafatima

My Book Wish list (to-buy)
1. The Zion Deception by Laurence B. Brown (I'm a massive fan of his fiction, haven't read others)
2. Echoes by Jamilah Kolocotronis
3. Footsteps by Umm Zakiyah
4. Muslim Teens in Pitfalls and Pranks by Maryam Mahmoodian
5. Sophia's Journal: Time Warp 1857 by Najiyah Diana Helwani

I usually buy books that I want to read, but can't find on the library catalog (Islamic fiction) and/or ones I liked and want to add to my collection. More books I plan to buy are on my shelf @ http://www.goodreads.com/sabrinafatima

Next to Read
1. Speaking Skills Every Muslim Must Know by Zohra Sarwari (I have a presentation coming up...)
2. The Marriage Procedure in Islam by Umm Muhammad Aminah Assami
3.  Life is a Verb: 37 Days to Wake Up, Be Mindful, and Live Intentionally by Patti Digh (book club @ http://www.delusionalmom.com/im-starting-a-book-club/)
4. Nightmare Academy books 2
5. and 3 by Dean Lorey
6. Monsters book 4 by Dian Curtis Regan
7. Dolphin Diaries books 7
8. and the rest by Ben M. Baglio

I'm trying to finish up some series, even children's books I once liked and wanted to re-read (don't laugh). More books in my finish-series bookshelf are on http://www.goodreads.com/sabrinafatima

Next to Watch!!!
1. Happy Feet 2
2. Scooby-Doo Mask of the Blue Falcon and other direct to film videos
3. Wreck-it-Ralph
4. The Hobbit
5. Oz: The Great and Powerful

Believe it or not, this took me a while to type up, so I hope it helped someone else too in some way ;)

Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall, Who's the Ugliest of Them All?!

My last poem written for my Intro. to Creative Writing class.

Look in the mirror,

What do you see?

Eyes focused on imperfections,

Standing out so clearly.
 

You think you are too Fat,

Skinny, TALL, short, black, or white,

Small eyes, big nose,

Hair somehow not right.
 

Criticizing and putting yourself down,

Comparing yourself to others,

Too busy changing appearances,

Rather than the inside which matters.
 

The media makes you feel insecure,

You’re constantly told what to do,

To attract attention and “enjoy” life,

But you should really be true to You.
 

Love and respect yourself first,

Then you’ll get it in return,

Be attractive on the outside and in,

This we should all learn!

Wonder by R.J. Palacio 5/5

 

After my week long hunt for stand alone novels, I decided to read Wonder by R.J. Palacio since many others liked it. Unlike another hyped-up book that I read around the same time for the same reason, Wonder was worth it.

On goodreads.com, Wonder is described as such: "August (Auggie) Pullmanwas born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?

R. J. Palacio has written a spare, warm, uplifting story that will have readers laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next. With wonderfully realistic family interactions (flawed, but loving), lively school scenes, and short chapters, Wonder is accessible to readers of all levels."

I totally sympathized for Auggie while reading Wonder. Fifth grade was the worst year for me (mostly because of bullying), so I can't imagine how it would be for a little kid with a deformity. Wonder makes one think of how we treat others, in their face and when they are not around. In addition, Wonder brings up topics dealing with gratitude, friendship, family, bullying, growing up, life and death, God, Heaven, and leaving a legacy behind.

A few characters I wanted to discuss are Via, Julian and his mother. Via is Auggie's older sister who is starting high school. She has some issues with having a brother like Auggie, but she is very protective, supportive, and overall a kind sister. Julian on the other hand, is a (mean) classmate of Auggie's. Julian is "told" to be nice and welcoming to Auggie, but his true colors show when Auggie catches his "friends" talking bad about him behind his back. Julian's mother is no better than her son. She is intolerant and disrespectful. If adults don’t have good manners, than kids will learn this and copy bad behavior!

Anyways, I highly recommend this book to everyone, specifically to students starting middle or high school like the two main characters. Teachers should also read this. I am in uni. to be a teacher in the future iA, and if I could choose, I would make my students read this book. That’s how much I like and recommend Wonder; it is one of my favorite books!

If you would like to purchase a copy of Wonder by R.J Palacio, then check it out here Wonder 

Creation Stories in Judaism and Islam

Another paper I wrote for my Euro. Lit. class.

It is interesting to note the similarities and differences between the three monotheistic religions of the world today; Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. What many may not know is that they have common roots and some surprising similarities. What Christians call the "Old Testament" is the holy scripture in Judaism. In Islam, the Quran is in Arabic as God revealed it. Thus, a translation isn't the same as the original in Arabic and will therefore have some faults when translated from Arabic to another language. Some knowledge, like the creation of the world, Adam and Eve, and Eve's influence, can be gained with a basic English translation of the Quran, such as by Saheeh International.

Primarily, the slight difference between the Jewish and Islamic belief regarding the story of the world's creation is interesting. In the Genesis: The Creation of the World, it is written, "On the sixth day, God completed all the work he had been doing, and on the seventh day, he ceased from all his work. God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on that day he ceased from all the work he had set himself to do" (141). In Islam too, God (Allah, the One, True God in Arabic) created everything between the heavens and the earth in six days. "And We did certainly create the heavens and earth and what is between them in six days, and there touched Us no weariness" (The Holy Quran 50:38). The difference between the two lies in what happens after the six days of creation. In Islam, God is not like his creation and vice versa, thus, God doesn’t tire like humans. Exhaustion is natural for humans, not God.

Additionally, the creation of Adam and Eve, the first humans, is another point to mention. In Genesis: The Beginnings of History, "The Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. Thus the man became a living creature" (142). Muslims, the followers of Islam, also believe that God created Adam from dust. In the Quran, it is written, "Indeed, the example of Jesus to Allah is like that of Adam. He created Him from dust; then He said to him, "Be," and he was" (The Holy Quran 3:59). Muslims believe that since God is the Most Powerful, He can command anything that suits His majesty to happen. So it is not surprising for God to just say "Be" and it happens.

Furthermore, both the Jewish and Islamic teachings talk about Adam's first encounter with animals: "So God formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds of heaven. He brought them to the man to see what he would call them, and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name" (Genesis 142). Basically, God let Adam choose the names for all the animals we know of today. In Islam, it is the opposite. God taught Adam the name of the different animal species. "And He taught Adam the names – all of them… (The Holy Quran 2:31).

Most importantly, Eve plays a major role in both of these religions and ways of life. In Genesis, God wanted a partner for Adam so He created animals, but that wasn’t suitable for a human being. Eve's creation in Judaism is as follows: "And so, the Lord God put the man into a trance, and while he slept, he took one of his ribs and closed the flesh over the place. The Lord God then built up the rib, which he had taken out of the man, into a woman" (142). In the Quran, the creation of Adam and Eve is described as such: "O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul (Adam) and created from it its mate (Eve, or Hawwa in Arabic) and dispersed from both of them many men and women…" (The Holy Quran 4:1). In an authentic, recorded saying of Prophet Muhammad's (may God's peace and blessings be upon him), also known as hadeeth, it is mentioned that women were created from a rib. The rib is fragile and thus, men are told to be gentle and take care of women.

Finally, the belief that Eve is completely responsible for tempting Adam to disobey God in Judaism and Christianity differs dramatically from Islam. In the Jewish faith, a snake tempted Eve to eat from a tree that God forbade. Eve also gave some fruit to Adam to eat. Consequently, their eyes opened and they realized they were naked. They got caught by God and He cursed the three of them. The punishment for women because of Eve was increase in pain when giving birth and  obeying her husband, like a master. (Genesis 143-144). This is how the idea of original sin in Judaism and Christianity started.

In Islam there is no such thing as original sin. Humans are born free of sin and are responsible for their own actions. In regards to Adam and Eve sinning, God forgave them after they repented. "Then Satan whispered to him; he said, “O Adam, shall I direct you to the tree of eternity and possession that will not deteriorate?” And Adam and his wife ate of it… And Adam disobeyed his Lord and erred. Then his Lord chose him and turned to him in forgiveness and guided [him]" (The Holy Quran 20:120-122). In Islam, Eve didn’t entice Adam to sin, thus there is no blame on women. Women in Islam aren't looked at as evil or seducing men into disobedience. All in all, there are some similarities and differences in the teachings of creation between  Judaism/ Christianity and Islam, which are fascinating to learn about.

Works Cited

 

"Genesis." The Bedford Anthology of World Literature. Ed. Paul Davis. Vol. 1. Boston: Bedford/       St. Martin, 2004. 141-44. Print.

 

"The Holy Quran." The Holy Quran. Web. 26 Feb. 2013.        http://www.allahsquran.com/read/verses.php?ch=1.

Harry Potter This/ That Tag

Here is another tag for those Harry Potter fans! For those who aren't familiar with tags online, it's basically a questionnaire that people answer and they tag a number of people to also answer them as well. For my tags, I will try to vary my answers without making them up and ask that everyone else try to do the same. Feel free to answer the questions here in the comments below ;)

1.      Sorting hat? Hufflepuff/ Ravenclaw
2.      Not take class with? Professor Lockhart/ Quirrell
3.      Travel by? hippogriff/ dragon
4.      Participate in? Quidditch World Cup/ Triwizard Tournament
5.      Own? phoenix/ owl
6.      Go up against? Nagini/ Basilisk
7.      7th movie? part 1/2
8.      Book? 1/7
9.      Shop at? Diagon Alley/ Hogsmeade
10.  Work with? Dementors/ Death Eaters

Bonus!!

1.      Meet? Cedric/ Viktor & Cho/ Fleur
2.      Read HP books/ watch HP movies
3.      Visit? HP theme parks/ HP movie set

If you liked this tag and want to answer more questions, check back soon for another fun tag! Feel free to do this tag if I didn't tag you and tag others who haven't been tagged yet :)

Cycle of Seasons

Another poem I wrote for my Intro. to Creative Writing class. I wanted to try writing a haiku and a poem about the seasons, so I combined the two. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! Enjoy ;)

Winter's cold weather,

Bring families together,

For fun in the snow.

Flowers bloom in Spring,

Colors and new life all sing,

Lovely scene for all.

Summer's warm sunlight,

The ocean's sunrise so bright,

Put smiles on faces.

Leaves in Autumn fall,

Raked in one big pile so tall,

To jump in with joy.

All the four seasons,

With their good and bad reasons,

Are part of our world!