QUESTION 2: Can We Know whether Islam or Christianity is True?

 SESSION 6 

Main Focus Summary 

QUESTION 2: Can We Know whether Islam or Christianity is True? 

Part 6: DID JESUS DIE ON THE CROSS? Pages 154-161 and chapters 21-24 

"For example, a foundational Christian teaching is that Jesus died by crucifixion in the first century (Mark 15:37; Matt. 27:50; Luke 23:46; John 19:33; Acts 10:39; 1 Cor. 15:3). By contrast, the Quran teaches the exact opposite: Jesus was not killed, nor was he crucified (4.157). Neither religion treats these accounts of Jesus as a myth, so we cannot resolve these contrary positions in some metaphorical sense. He either died by crucifixion or he did not. Either Islam or Christianity has to be wrong" (151). Both Islam and Christianity are open to historical scrutiny. 

"If we can determine that the Quran is the Word of God, or if we can determine that Muhammad is a messenger of God, then we have good reason to accept Islam. Unlike the Christian case, where all components need to be true to build the case, defending the prophethood of Muhammad vindicates the inspiration of the Quran and vice versa. The case for Islam should therefore, in concept, be easier to establish, as only one point needs to be well defended: either the prophethood of Muhammad or the inspiration of the Quran" (154). 

Historical records overwhelmingly support the facts of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection over against the Quran's view of these realities.