Christian Anthropology vs. Muslim Anthropology (Coursework Sample)

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Christian Anthropology vs. Muslim Anthropology
Anthropology is defined as the study of humanity while Christian anthropology includes the view of the bible in the study of humanity. Emphasis is laid on the relationship of material and immaterial issues of man. The relationship between humans and God is shown in Christian anthropology. The good and sinful nature of man is important in the quest for restoration of mans relationship with God. Comprehension of mankind's purpose according to God's plan and will is aided through Christian anthropology. Muslim anthropology on the other hand analyses the importance of the sacred writings and ways of life that are comprehended, argued over and experiences across the world and in certain historical and political settings.
Through both Christian and Muslim anthropology some beliefs are seen to be common to both religions. Both believe in one sovereign God who created the universe. God is viewed as the source of justice and morality by both religions. Both religions are in agreement that there is life after death either in heaven or hell where justice will be passed. On regard to ethics, the fundamentalists of both religion regard certain things such as pornography and licentious as evil and unaccepted (Miller 97).
In the relationship between God and mankind, the Islamic religion doesn't believe in the trinity of God nature as it depicts this as blasphemous. The Islamic religion doesn't believe in god being created in the image of god but emphasize that man was formulated from dust. In Islam God is seen as a divine being and is represented as himself and not an incarnation from history. The relationship between god and the Muslims is based on love, obedience, trust, peace, appreciation, active service and steadfastness.
From the Christianity point of view God is also perceived as a divine being. Trinity of God as the father, the son and the Holy Spirit is accepted in Christianity. God is considered sovereign. In addition God is considered being above all other creation and Christians are expected to worship, honor and adore Him. The governance of god from the Christian anthropology is not that of democracy. This is because God created humans to be superior to him and His is not equal to man. Also God created man according to His image but in addition gave man dominion above other creation. Man was instructed to subdue and conquer the earth. Man is expected to show honor to God through worship and praise. Through prayer man can also communicate with God. Prayer and fasting is also another way Christians can increase their faith in God. Christianity is based on faith. This includes faith in unseen God and His wonderful works as seen in the Bible. In addition God gives everyone a choice whether to follow him or not. He also protects his people and punishes people for wrong doings (Miller 199).
In Islam the idea of ethics and morality revolves around common beliefs and principles. These includes beliefs like God being the creator, source of goodness, truth and all what is beautiful. Man on the other hand is responsible, dignified and the most honorable member of the God's creation. God doesn't expect man to accomplish what is beyond him and also he doesn't prevent man to enjoy the good thing in life. Integrity and morality is guaranteed through practicality and balance. Everything is allowed except those that are forbidden by the law and should not be done. Man's actions are held accountable to God. Islam has a wide dimension of morality which is based on the relationship between man and God and also other people. In addition other creatures in the universe are included in this relationship. Muslims are required to protect their outward behavior and their actions, their words, thoughts, feelings and intentions. Acts that include being harsh, offensive and indifference are considered bad and against what God wants. Islam strongly disapproves acts of stealing, killing and even raping for it is against the will of god (Badru 278).
From the Christian point of view ethics and morality play a very important role. A person is judged according to his actions. God gave man the wisdom and ability to discern between good things and evil things therefore man is responsible for his own action. Christian virtues are important to the life of a Christian. These include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self control. These are considered the fruits of the Holy Spirit and should guide Christians. Christian laws on morality are found in both the New Testament and the Old Testament. It is realized from the lives of prophets in the Old Testament to those in the New Testament including Jesus Christ.
Christians are expected to live a life that is worthy before God and also their fellow men. Christians are expected to be honest, kind, slow to anger and above all show love. Christians are instructed to love their neighbors as they love themselves and this plays a big role in ethics in that one shouldn't do anything to others which he cannot do to himself. Just like in Islam it is wrong to cheat, to kill, to steal or even to rape. Christians are urged to be holy just like God is holy. In Christianity, man is depicted as a sinner and therefore more often goes against the moral requirements expected of him by sinning. God forgives sins once somebody asks for forgiveness according to Christianity. This is not stated in the Islam. Therefore one can be forgiven for going against the Christian ethics.
Children in the Islamic religion are regarded as a gift from God and thus their birth is a special time in the life of an individual. At birth the women giving birth prefer to be attended by only females. These may be doctors, nurses or even family members. The religion according to Islam permits male attendants to attend to a laboring woman. Fathers can thus attend the birth of their child if they chose to. Children have their rights from conception to birth and afterwards. They have a right to birth in a legitimate union. Children should be given a good name, breast fed, and brought up well according to the Islam customs. The rites that take place during birth include the Adhan, tahneek and taweez (Ali 1983).
Children are also a blessing from the Christian point of view. They are a gift from god. Children are a reward from a legal marriage in a Christian way. The birth of the child in Christianity is not surrounded by many rituals unlike in Islam. The woman giving birth can be attended to by either male or female attendants. The life of a child is sacred from conception and thus should not be ended at all. This makes abortion a sin and not acceptable to Christianity since it is the same as killing. After birth children are given names and later on taken to the church to be prayed for and dedicated to God. It is a requirement of the bible to bring up children who honor and respect God. Christianity high discourages children born out of wed lock since it is an act of adultery. Children are thus expected to be conceived and born in wedlock.
The Islamic religion encourages marriage and doesn't recognize chastity. Therefore vows of celibacy or mon...