Although the three monotheistic religions: Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, differ in the depictions of God, each religion does so as a sign of worship and devoutness. Certainly, while this similarity gives way to a convergence in thought, there still remain striking contrasts, which draw a dividing line between the three. However, the three monotheistic religions demonstrate the ability to display, or forbid imageries of God; all as a sign of devotion to the divine. Thus, this guides the three religions to a confluence with one another. Islam bears a striking tone of conservatism when discussing the images of God (Allah), or Muhammad (the chosen prophet of God). For the majority of Muslims, showing images of God is considered to be blasphemous
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When Abraham saw his people worshipping images of God, he asked them as to why one would worship such falsities. After observing the traditions of their worship, Abraham denounced their worship as “manifest error” (Qur’an, Surah Al-Anbiyah’, 52-54). This “error” disregards the facts, or reality that there is no image of such a power. While in Islam, the image of God exists, it simply cannot be fathomed, or reproduced by humans; as there is “nothing like a likeness of Him, as he is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer” (Ash-Shura, 11). In other words, humans cannot create an image that is beyond their capacity and resemblance. However, there is a dividing line between two sects in Islam; the divide centers on the depiction of God. While Sunni Muslims believe that there can be no image of God, Shia Muslims worship believed “images” of God and the prophet Muhammad. Most often, Shia Muslims endorse and create these depictions as a tool of worship, similar to Christians. Shia Muslims believe it can be used. By this sect’s ideology, images pay homage to the divine, but to Sunni Muslims, it has become the subject of blasphemy. For Sunni Muslims, it is forbidden to depict God, or Muhammad. In most …show more content…
The images of God, Jesus, and Mary have become a foundation in Christianity, and are virtually unavoidable; hence why the Christian depiction of Jesus Christ has become one of the most recognizable images in the world. Here, the question arises as to why do Christians have such vivid and polarizing depictions of divinity, when the other religions condemn the use of such imageries? The answer may be found in Genesis 1:26-27, where “God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeliness’…so God made man in His own image.” For Christians, this verse is the justification for an image than shows divinity, as a man. To have images of God, or Jesus is seen as an honor to their divinity and in for some followers, it brings protection and good fortune. In a church, more specifically, a catholic church, adornments for Jesus and God, cover the sanctuary. For many, the images of Jesus’ crucifixion are used as a reminder to keep one’s righteousness and modest intentions. An obvious depiction of divinity is the nativity scene that is popular during the Christian holiday of Christmas. This event depicts the birth of Jesus, a vital segment in the lineage of Christianity. The scene has become a popular depiction worldwide. For Catholics, the sacrament of communion (the acceptance of the body and blood of Christ) stands as one of the holiest implements of worship. During the time of
When Abraham saw his people worshipping images of God, he asked them as to why one would worship such falsities. After observing the traditions of their worship, Abraham denounced their worship as “manifest error” (Qur’an, Surah Al-Anbiyah’, 52-54). This “error” disregards the facts, or reality that there is no image of such a power. While in Islam, the image of God exists, it simply cannot be fathomed, or reproduced by humans; as there is “nothing like a likeness of Him, as he is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer” (Ash-Shura, 11). In other words, humans cannot create an image that is beyond their capacity and resemblance. However, there is a dividing line between two sects in Islam; the divide centers on the depiction of God. While Sunni Muslims believe that there can be no image of God, Shia Muslims worship believed “images” of God and the prophet Muhammad. Most often, Shia Muslims endorse and create these depictions as a tool of worship, similar to Christians. Shia Muslims believe it can be used. By this sect’s ideology, images pay homage to the divine, but to Sunni Muslims, it has become the subject of blasphemy. For Sunni Muslims, it is forbidden to depict God, or Muhammad. In most …show more content…
The images of God, Jesus, and Mary have become a foundation in Christianity, and are virtually unavoidable; hence why the Christian depiction of Jesus Christ has become one of the most recognizable images in the world. Here, the question arises as to why do Christians have such vivid and polarizing depictions of divinity, when the other religions condemn the use of such imageries? The answer may be found in Genesis 1:26-27, where “God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeliness’…so God made man in His own image.” For Christians, this verse is the justification for an image than shows divinity, as a man. To have images of God, or Jesus is seen as an honor to their divinity and in for some followers, it brings protection and good fortune. In a church, more specifically, a catholic church, adornments for Jesus and God, cover the sanctuary. For many, the images of Jesus’ crucifixion are used as a reminder to keep one’s righteousness and modest intentions. An obvious depiction of divinity is the nativity scene that is popular during the Christian holiday of Christmas. This event depicts the birth of Jesus, a vital segment in the lineage of Christianity. The scene has become a popular depiction worldwide. For Catholics, the sacrament of communion (the acceptance of the body and blood of Christ) stands as one of the holiest implements of worship. During the time of