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1. It is commonly acknowledged that Jesus was bearded. Do we find this
practice better maintained among Muslims or Christians?
2. Jesus is known to have dressed modestly. Nobody imagines Jesus Christ in
shorts and a Tshirt. If we close our eyes and form a mental picture, we see
flowing robes, from wrists to ankles. When Jesus delivered his Sermon of the
Mount, did he have a paunch? We like to think not, but in fact nobody knows,
and his loose clothes may be the reason. So, how many practicing Muslims does
a person find dressed with Christlike modesty? The traditional Arabian thobes
and the IndioPakistani shalwar kameez are perhaps the best examples, whereas
the revealing or seductive clothing so ubiquitous in Western cultures is perhaps
the worst.
3. Jesus’ mother wore a headscarf, and the Christian women of the Holy Land
maintained this practice up to the middle of the twentieth century. Any
photograph of an Orthodox Jewish or Palestinian Christian parade or congregation prior to 1950 shows a field of headscarves. But which women of
piety cover now—practicing Christians or practicing Muslims?
Manners
1. Jesus placed emphasis on the next world, and was a man preoccupied with
striving for salvation. How many “righteous” Christians fit this “It’s not just on
Sundays” profile? Now how many “five prayers a day, every day of the year”
Muslims?
2. Jesus spoke with humility and kindness. He didn’t “showboat.” When we
think of his speeches, we don’t imagine theatrics. He was a simple man known
for quality and truth. How many preachers and how many evangelists follow this
example?
3. Jesus taught his disciples to offer the greeting of “Peace” (Luke 10:5). He
then set the example by offering the greeting, “Peace be with you” (Luke 24:36,
John 20:19, John 20:21, John 20:26). Who continues this practice to this day,
Christians or Muslims? “Peace be with you” is the meaning of the Muslim
greeting, “Assalam alaikum.” Interestingly enough, we find this greeting in
Judaism as well (Genesis 43:23, Numbers 6:26, Judges 6:23, 1 Samuel 1:17 and
1 Samuel 25:6).
Religious Practices
1. Jesus was circumcised (Luke 2:21). Paul taught it wasn’t necessary (Rom
4:11 and Gal 5:2). Muslims believe it is. Which religious group follows Jesus and
which follows Paul?
2. Jesus didn’t eat pork, in keeping with Old Testament Law (Leviticus 11:7 and
Deuteronomy 14:8). Muslims also believe pork is forbidden. Christians . . . well,
you get the idea.
3. Jesus didn’t give or take usury, in compliance with the Old Testament
prohibition (Exodus 22:25). Usury is forbidden in the Old Testament and the
Qur’an, as it was forbidden in the religion of Jesus. The economies of most
Christian countries, however, are structured upon usury.
4. Jesus didn’t fornicate, and abstained from extramarital contact with women.
How many Christians adhere to this example? Note: the issue surpasses
fornication, and extends to the least physical contact with the opposite sex. With
the exception of performing religious rituals and helping those in need, there is
no record of Jesus ever having touched a woman other than his mother. Strictly
practicing Orthodox Jews maintain this practice to this day in observance of Old
Testament Law. Likewise, practicing Muslims don’t even shake hands between
the sexes. Can Christian “hug your neighbor” and “kiss the bride” congregations
make the same claim?
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