Making Mountains out of Molehills: The Great Commandments

Both Islam and Christianity claim to hold fervently to the two commandments of love: to love God with all of one's heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself. However, both religions have a colored history in relations with one another, illustrated by historical encounters in Spain, the Holy Land, and Constantinople. Though history informs and guides current and future discussions between Christians and Muslims, even history is subordinate to the special revelation of the holy texts in these religions. Based upon the holy texts, Christianity gives more theological motivation to love others and be active in social aid and justice movements around the world. The Christian definition of "neighbor" is more expansive than the Muslim definition of "neighbor." Christians believe in a God who is love and who loves everyone, even his enemies, and in a Jesus who commands them to love their enemies and promises them the Holy Spirit to empower them to fulfill his commands to love.