A M A N D A D O T S O NA L L I S O N B O T K I N

THE NEW TESTAMENT AND THE KORAN

OPENING ACTIVITY

• Draw / recreate a scene from the two selections which are connected or similar

• Many Americans are familiar with the main concepts of the New Testament. What did you know about the Koran prior to reading the selected writings?

NEW TESTAMENT INTRO

• Christianity declared official religion of Roman Empire in 391• 4 languages spoken in Roman province of Judea

(Jesus’s birthplace)• New Testament Books Include:-4 Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)-21 Letters written by Paul, Hebrews, James, Peter, John, Jude-Apocalypse (Revelation)

NEW TESTAMENT HISTORY

• 6 BC – birth of Jesus• 35 BC – The conversion of Paul and the beginning

of his writings • 35 – 95 BC – Majority of New Testament books are

written • 95 BC – John writes Revelation• Early 300’s – New Testament was recognized as

an addition to the Bible

RISE OF ISLAM AND ISLAMIC LITERATURE BACKGROUND

• Koran written in early 7th century on teachings from the prophet Muhammad• Basis for the Islamic

religion• Muhammad helped unify

all tribes in Arabia for first time• Islamic faith connected to

spread of Islamic rule

KORAN HISTORY

• Time period for the Koran: 610-632• Muslims don’t accept the Koran in other

languages (translations)• Muhammad- Prophet of God to the Muslims• Muhammad success in having followers made

home unwelcome him and he then moved to Medina• Joseph is a prophet in Islam (not Christianity or

Judaism)

NEW TESTAMENT & KORAN TEACHINGS - OVERVIEW

The New Testament Matthew 5-7• Explains that all are blessed• Salt and light• Fulfillment of the law• Murder• Adultery • Divorce • Oaths• Eye for eye• Love for Enemies• Giving to the needy• Prayer• Fasting• Treasures in heaven• Do not worry• Judging others

The Koran

4. Women• Men hold authority above women

(superior)

55. Be Merciful• Blessings created by Lord

62. The Day of Congregation• Infinite grace• God will not guide wrong doers

What are some of the similarities/differences between the role women play in society today and the role they played in the Koran?

MARY VS. MARYAM (ARABIC FOR MARY)

• Discuss the different roles the birth of Mary’s child had in each of the books (pg. 709 & 880). Which emphasizes the importance of his birth more or is it equally represented?

Compare these two verses from the New Testament and the Koran.

For God so loved the world that he gave is one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Then when the, when the prayers are ended, disperse and go in quest of God’s bounty. Remember God always, so that you may prosper. Friday, or the Day of Congregation 62:10

Do you see any similarities?

What are some similarities you can find between the New Testament of the Bible and the Koran?

What differences can you find between the New Testament and the Koran?

SOURCES

• http://www.ccel.org/bible/phillips/CN620NTHISTORY.htm• http://bama.ua.edu/~msa/mary.html