Jesus and Muhammad Case
Jesus and Muhammad
Pamela Christine Purvis
HUM/130
December 9, 2012
Dr. Tim Allen, PhD
Jesus and Muhammad
Although Jesus and Muhammad were born during different eras, both men served similar purposes during their lifetime. It is difficult to turn on the news without being reminded of one or both of them, in one fashion or another. Jesus was instrumental in establishing Christianity and Muhammad was instrumental in establishing Islam. Even after each man’s death, there teachings and works moved forward. These are two of the largest religions in the world today.
Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in 4 BCE. His parent’s Joseph and Mary had travelled there as required for taxation purposes. While there, Mary gave birth to Jesus in a stable; as there were no rooms vacant. Jesus’ conception is said to have been Immaculate and Mary, was still a virgin when he was born. It is said an angle appeared to shepherds, heralding the birth of a Savior. Jesus, no doubt, grew up knowing of his calling. This was apparent when he was 12 years old. Jesus and his parents went to Jerusalem for Passover. They found him in a temple, discussing the Torah with Rabbis. When he was chastised for this, he said, “Did you not know that I must be in my father’s house?” (Fisher, 2005, p. 288)
The written history of Jesus picks back up when he is about 30 years old. At this time he was baptized by John and traveled through the land spreading the word of God. Jesus performed many miricals such as walking on water, resurecting the dead Lazurus, healing the blind, deaf and lame, and turning water into wine. Jesus had many loyal followers and was the first to encourage the role of a woman in his ministry. He took Mary Magdalene as a disciple and stood up to the other disciples when his descision was questioned. At that time, women were basically chattle and were seen to have no place in religion, much less following under the wing of Jesus. Jesus taught of love for God and each other.
As word of Jesus and his teachings spread, he became a threat to the Roman Empire and the Judaism. During a trip to Galilee, Jesus was arrested, beaten, and crucified. His body was laid to rest in a cave with a large stone for a door. On the third day, the stone was found rolled