How can I accept the statement in Nostrae Aetate that Catholics and Moslems adore the same God as compatible with my faith and common sense?
(Emphasis mine)
How is this possible? For example, if I have a friend with a son named Robert, who is thirty-two years old, this characteristic becomes a part of my friends identity. Therefore, if I met a man who looks identical, but has six kids under the age of ten, then I would know he isn't my friend because my friend has only one thirty-two year old kid.
The same applies to the Moslem religion. My God has a Son who is also God: Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. But Jesus is only a Allah's "prophet". Therefore, because this prophet lacks two things in relationship to Allah--the father/son relationship and divinity--Allah lacks essential characteristics belonging to my God and is not God.
Then we also have the words of Our Lord:
(Emphasis mine)
Quote:
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The Church regards with esteem also the Moslems. They adore the one God, living and subsisting in Himself; merciful and all- powerful, the Creator of heaven and earth, who has spoken to men; they take pains to submit wholeheartedly to even His inscrutable decrees, just as Abraham, with whom the faith of Islam takes pleasure in linking itself, submitted to God. |
How is this possible? For example, if I have a friend with a son named Robert, who is thirty-two years old, this characteristic becomes a part of my friends identity. Therefore, if I met a man who looks identical, but has six kids under the age of ten, then I would know he isn't my friend because my friend has only one thirty-two year old kid.
The same applies to the Moslem religion. My God has a Son who is also God: Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. But Jesus is only a Allah's "prophet". Therefore, because this prophet lacks two things in relationship to Allah--the father/son relationship and divinity--Allah lacks essential characteristics belonging to my God and is not God.
Then we also have the words of Our Lord:
Quote:
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Thomas saith to him: Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith to him: I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No man cometh to the Father, but by me (John 14:5-6) |