Brief Summary
This episode of "The Bridge" features a discussion between two Jewish, two Christian, and two Muslim women exploring the core differences and commonalities among their Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. They discuss the nature of God, the role of prophets, the concept of salvation, and the interpretation of religious texts. The conversation highlights the unique perspectives of each faith while seeking to bridge divides and foster understanding.
- The Torah, Bible, and Quran all point to the same God, but differ on how to get there.
- Each religion believes it holds the complete and final revelation of God.
- The Trinity is a point of contention, with some viewing it as polytheistic.
- Salvation is viewed differently across faiths, with varying emphasis on faith, works, and divine grace.
- The Messiah's arrival is a key difference, with Christians believing Jesus has already come, while Jews and Muslims await a future Messiah.
Intro
Dr. Michelle Da introduces the episode's focus: exploring the core differences behind the Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The discussion aims to understand how these beliefs shape values, relationships, and daily choices, while also addressing common misconceptions that divide these communities. The episode features two women from each faith who will share their perspectives.
The Torah, Bible, and Qur’an all point to the same God
The participants discuss whether the Torah, Bible, and Quran all point to the same God. One Christian woman expresses that while they are related to the same region, she doesn't believe they are related to the same God, because she doesn't think you can deny Jesus and then still have the same God. A Jewish woman states that they do point to the same God, but it matters how you get there, and that the Torah is the truth. A Muslim woman explains that the Quran is a summation of previous texts and that Islam has always been, confirming there is only one God. The discussion touches on whether God continues to reveal himself beyond the Hebrew scriptures, with varying opinions on whether the Torah is unchanging and perfect.
My religion holds the complete and final revelation of God
The women discuss whether their religion holds the complete and final revelation of God. The Jewish women express that the Torah is the complete revelation and cannot be changed, while the Christian women believe that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Torah. The Muslim women state that Muhammad is the last and final messenger, and there will be no more prophets. The discussion touches on whether later scriptures like the New Testament or the Quran are human writings or divine revelations, with the Jewish women viewing them as human writings.
The Trinity is polytheistic
The participants discuss whether the Trinity is polytheistic. The Christian women explain that the Trinity is one God expressed in three persons, not three different people. They argue that the Old Testament affirms the Trinity, pointing to plural forms of God in the Hebrew scriptures. The Jewish and Muslim women express their belief in the absolute oneness of God, rejecting any partners or intermediaries. The discussion touches on how Jesus is viewed in Judaism, as neither God nor Messiah, but as an orthodox Jewish human being.
People of other faiths can still be saved
The women discuss whether people of other faiths can still be saved. The Christian women state that one must acknowledge Jesus Christ as the Messiah to be saved, as he is the atoner for sin. The Jewish women express that one need only be a good moral person to go to heaven, regardless of their faith. The Muslim women state that entry into paradise is by the mercy of God, and good deeds and sincerity are important. The discussion touches on the role of good deeds in salvation and the concept of hell in each faith.
The Messiah has already come
The participants discuss whether the Messiah has already come. The Christian women believe that Jesus Christ is the Messiah who has already come to reconcile humanity to God. The Jewish women state that the Messiah has not come yet, as none of the messianic prophecies have been fulfilled. The Muslim women believe that Jesus is the Messiah who is in paradise waiting to return to destroy the Antichrist and prepare people for the day of judgment. The discussion touches on the signs of the Messiah's coming and the role of human action in perfecting the world.
