Christians and Muslims comprise over half of the Earth’s population. However, they have been kept apart for over 1,300 years because they have been taught that there are irreconcilable differences between the Bible and the Qur’an.
Christians do not read the Qur’an and Muslims do not read the Bible. Yet, each group continues to criticise what they think that the other believes.
Having studied the Bible and early civilizations for the past thirty years, and the Qur’an for the past eight, I have found that there is harmony between their principal teachings, without compromising any teaching or damaging the integrity of any verse in either book.
Brothers Kept Apart contains compelling and explicit evidence that exposes the myths that have unnecessarily divided Christians and Muslims for the past 1,300 years.
“In my opinion, the most important lesson from studying history is: never be afraid to re-examine the evidence in order to learn or verify the truth. We should never be afraid to critically examine claims of truth, for truth should be able to withstand rigorous scrutiny.” Walter Phillips BSc, BEng, MASC, MURP, CEng, MIStructE, MIHT, MAPM, MCSCE, MBAPE
Common Questions
What does “scientific comparison” mean?
Previously, opinions of truth were established on the authority of a political or religious leader. Anyone who dared question their opinions was severely persecuted. Within the last 200 years, persons have started to question some of these opinions of established truth without the threat of severe persecution, and only in the last decade have previously restricted historical documents become easily accessible.
The scientific approach is that evidence must be interpreted honestly. This means that:
- the interpretation must be supported by the evidence;
- the interpretation must not damage the integrity of the evidence;
- the assumptions used in interpreting the evidence must be verified; and
- all conflicting evidence must be resolved.
Using this approach, I have found harmony between the principal teachings of the Bible and the Qur’an.
Do most Christian and Muslim leaders teach that there is harmony between both books?
Christian religious leaders do not encourage the reading of the Qur’an, and Muslim religious leaders teach that the Bible has been corrupted and could lead adherents astray. A review of the historical record on this subject reveals that Christian religious leaders have criticised their understanding of Islamic religious traditions rather that what is stated in the Qur’an, and Muslim religious leaders have criticised their understanding of Christian religious traditions rather than what is stated in the Bible. Therefore, both leaders have misled more than half of the Earth’s population, who are either Christian or Muslim, about what the other is supposed to believe.
There has not been an honest comparative study of both books. The last major study was done by Thomas Aquinas around 1260 AD; however, even he admitted that he had not read the Qur’an and was only responding to what he thought that Muslims believed.
What do you think are the three most important harmonious teachings?
First, that both books teach that there is only One God, who is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Therefore, the God referred to in the Qur’an is the same God referred to in the Bible.
Secondly, that both books teach that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, taught the Gospel, healed the sick, raised the dead, and is the Messiah.
Thirdly, both books teach that we should be reconciled to, and cultivate a personal relationship with God.
What are the biggest surprises that you have found?
There are two.
The first is that it is likely that Mohammed was a prophet sent by God, since his teachings, during the initial 9 years, are similar to those of the Biblical prophets.
The second is that Muslims cannot hope to understand the Qur’an properly without first reading the Bible. The Qur’an actually instructs readers to believe the revelation sent to the Old Testament prophets and the Gospel, and to copy and distribute it to the nations of the earth without compensation.
What harmonious teachings give you hope?
It is their prominence given to loving God and serving mankind over their religious rituals and traditions. Perhaps a quotation from each book can explain.
Bible: “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh?” (Isaiah 53:6–7)
Qur’an: “It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces Towards east or West; but it is righteousness- to believe in God and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfill the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the God-fearing.” (2:177)
Who are you?
I am the author of the recently released book Brothers Kept Apart. I hold earned Bachelor degrees in mathematics and structural engineering, and earned Masters Degrees in environmental engineering and land use planning, and have spent the past 20 years investigating evidence and designing solutions to problems.
Why this site?
It is considered unethical and intellectually dishonest for researchers to simply present their findings and refuse to defend them. Brothers Kept Apart has been subjected to 7 years of pre-publication critical review; however, since it is now published, an opportunity must be found for readers to critically review it also.
I am happy to provide any additional information, and engage any reader on this and any ancillary topic in this forum or any other, so that we may all know the truth.
17 responses so far ↓
Mo5lim // 14 March 2009 at 5:53 am
Alsallam Alaykem or peace be unto you
thank you so much for your contribution and efforts.
Appreciate the read and the site.
Hi Mo5lim:
Thank you for your kind works.
Regards,
Walter
khahdijah // 9 August 2009 at 9:10 am
Great tool for me especially today, as I prepare to attend a family gathering which shall be at one point an opportunity to chastise me for not “coming to Jesus.” I am so apprehensive and struggling to maintain the feeling of peace and love for all humanity which the engagement of Islamic prayer has sprinkled from my heart throughout my soul .
Dear Khahdija:
Perhaps you could give them a copy of ‘Brothers Kept Apart’. However, please note that the Qur’an does teach that Jesus is the Messiah, and refers the reader to the books of the Bible to understand what that means.
May you continue to submit to God, and may you know Him as a Friend and Father.
Regards,
Walter
Muslim // 15 August 2009 at 6:37 pm
This website is a phony, i dont believe anything it says. It is trying to lead muslims astray and giving false information about islam. this website is turning jews and christians against islam, even more against islam than they already are. The truth is islam is not a racist religion, nor are muslims terrorists though everyone thinks they are. This is unfair judgement, judgement without any proof. Thank You.
Dear Muslim:
Clearly you have not read anything on this site. After you have read a little bit, please contact me with your specific concerns and I will be happy to respond to them.
As you may realize, I do not delete unfavorable comments; but, I have a right to respond to them. However, if you wish me to remove your comment after you have read more of this site, then I will grant your request.
Regards,
Walter.
jim // 17 August 2009 at 8:39 am
was Mohammed married to Kadesha in a heretical Christian church by Waraqwa, a heretical Christian pastor, who pastored Mohammed for almost 20 years and who in fact wrote part of the Koran?
Hi Jim:
My understanding of the historical record is that Waraqa was a Christian and the cousin of Mohammed’s wife, Khadija. Khadija and Mohammed were married for 15 years before Mohammed started preaching at age 40. Waraqa died shortly thereafter, but Mohammed continued preaching for the next 22 years.
Analysing this evidence, we can reasonably assume that Mohammed had some contact with Waraqa during the 15 year period before Mohammed started preaching. However, it is highly unlikely that Waraqa had anything to do with writing the Qur’an. Can you please provide the source for your assertions so that they can be properly investigated?
Regards,
Walter
BoifeBigo // 11 December 2009 at 5:49 pm
Lots of guys write about this subject but you said some true words!!
Thanks BoifeBigo:
Walter.
Tasneem,Fauzia // 15 December 2009 at 10:10 am
hello im so happy to see this site,im a muslim from canada and i have a friend name kevin moss from australia who is a christian.we have been friends for past 4 years now and in our 4 year relationship we have always tried to find a way to connect and find the similarities between islam and christian’s.believe me we have not been so happy in our life, we learned so much from each other in past 4 years instead of finding the difference in the holy quran and bible we always try to investigate the similarties and peace with in the holy books. i have never met kevin moss because we are on 2 different side of the world but we are connected spiritually.i sent him the link to this site and i know he will be just as happy as i am to read and learn more about the 2 religions.he both are hungry for knowledge. once again thank you so very much.
Hi Fauzia:
Thank you for your comments.
While I have found harmony between the principal teachings of the Bible and the Qur’an, I have also found much conflict between current Christian and Islamic religious practises. I believe that if Christians followed the explicit teachings of the Bible and Muslims followed the explicit teachings of the Qur’an, then the only differences between Christians and Muslims would be cultural and not theological.
Let me encourage both Mr Moss and yourself not to avoid discussing what appear to be differences between the Bible and the Qur’an. It is only when such ‘differences’ are brought out of darkness and into the light of scrutiny that the Truth has an opportunity to be revealed. I will happily provide any assistance as requested.
My best regards to you both,
Walter.
Bala // 8 January 2010 at 9:23 am
I am greatly impressed with this site and you walter. After reading the comment posted by Muslim, i realised the reason why there will hardly be peace in the world. If truely religious beliefs is all about peace to both the rich and needy, then why are killing them instead. God is love, and can never promote terrorism.
I beleive we can still live in peace and harmony if we look at areas of similarities rather differences in our religious beliefs.
Thank you.
Thank you Bala:
Please note that I have not found these differences which Christian and Islamic religious leaders have promoted for the past 1300 years, and which they continue to promote. If only Muslims would read the Bible, then they would realize that there are no significant differences between the Bible and the Qur’an. However, they would realize that there are significant differences between the Islamic religious traditions that they are taught and the Bible.
Regards,
Walter
Saka // 15 January 2010 at 1:29 pm
Wow.. i really commend your effort, am definitely getting a copy.
I was born into a devoted Christian Family and i grew up among Muslims and have a lot of Muslim friends coz i travel a lot, and the hardest feeling is, when u hear things like “ur either with us or ur with them”… religion is meant to unite people.. but in reality it unites people against other people. Thats why i dont like associating with any religion.
I really hope more people get to read your book.
cheers.
SKA // 23 February 2010 at 2:55 pm
Whew! This book has been sitting on my shelf for months and I FINALLY picked it up to read. Not surprisingly, I finished it in two days
Upon meeting me, he had no Christian friends that were actually readers of the Word and like most Muslims were under the impression we serve three gods..I had to straighten THAT out quick. Likewise, although I grew up surrounded by Islam (my mother and her side of the family are Muslims) I have been taught to believe by Christian theology that Islam is of the devil and never really took the time to investigate for myself..he straightened me out quick. I’ve always said to him, make the distinction between what is TAUGHT and what the BIBLE or specifically what JESUS says. Your book has helped proved my point.
I am a follower of Christ, child of God and reader of the Word. My husband is a devout Muslim. We have already reconciled within ourselves the similarities between Islam and Christianity and our discussions have always been lively and healthy on the differences. Your book has helped liven our debate, thank you
There is still some edgy points you made that I would love to discuss with you, but mostly I would like to know, do you still consider yourself “Christian” or a follower of The Way?
brotherska // 24 February 2010 at 1:20 am
Hi Ska:
I commend you for reading the book in its entirety. Well done! I will hapily engage you on any topic.
I believe that Jesus is the Messiah, and consider myself a Christian and a follower of the Way. I believe that a person can be a Jew or a Muslim and also be followers of the Way.
Best regards
SKA // 24 February 2010 at 11:46 am
Well said Walter!
I asked the question because others of the Christian religion may not consider you a Christian because clearly you do not believe in the “trinity” as it is spelled out in Christianity, tho I gather you do believe in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, being born of the SAME Spirit, the One true Creator of the heavens and the earth.
Of course, titles were never important to Christ, only that you believe upon Him and follow the commandments. I have other questions that this venue may not be the best fitting, so maybe you should expect an email from me.
May the Lord richly bless you,
Sama K. A.
brotherska // 24 February 2010 at 11:35 pm
Hi Sama:
I should note that I have not actually formed a definite conclusion on the Trinity as described by Christian tradition, and I do not believe that I actually need to. However, I have found that there is insufficient evidence in the Bible to support the Christian traditional position. Similarly, I have found that there is insufficient evidence in the Qur’an to support the Islamic traditional position. Therefore, I believe that Jesus is exactly who He is described to be in the Bible, and that this Biblical description is consistent with how Jesus is described in the Qur’an. I will happily discuss this with anyone.
Since others may have similar questions to yourself, it may be beneficial to them if we discussed the matter here. Please note that I prefer a discussion, where we try to bring clarity to an issue, rather than a debate, where we try to persuade each other to accept our position through rhetoric.
Regards,
Grenville
Sama // 25 February 2010 at 9:35 pm
Oh Walter (Grenville?)!
You have COMPLETELY thrown out my first three questions with the first line in your last statement.
Forgive me, I was under the impression that you disregarded the trinity belief, and those questions were geared towards how do you reconcile certain scriptures in the Bible. See, the reason why I still call myself a Christian is because I have also not thrown out the trinity belief..with God all things are possible. But I have ALWAYS had major questions. The main reason why this book was so fascinating to me is that in my own personal quest to discover who Jesus is, much of what you wrote was already things I had in my head but not the actual words to formulate them. I’ve taken to reading the Hebraic Roots Version of the Bible, because the entire text is directly from Hebrew/Aramaic translation to English, which makes a world of a difference in the scriptures.
Ok, here’s a question: In your chapter 5 in discussing salvation, you bring up the notion of rewards for good deeds and in the next breath, when discussing assurance for salvation, you use Biblical scripture to support having true grace and forgiveness in your heart as a means of salvation. (correct me if i am wrong.) The problem I am having is that through Christ, we learn that there is NOTHING that we have to do, no extra good deeds to receive salvation just believe upon Him. But I do not find that same notion in the Qur’an, but I do find a lot of doing good deeds to claim assurance into paradise. (lots of prayer, giving alms, etc) I know you will probably just say that the Qur’an refers you back to the Bible, but I feel like if the Qur’an is the true last testament of God as most Muslims believe, then why is there not a definitive statement on how one must be saved?
I guess what I am saying is, I am still not convinced that the Qur’an is inspired scripture or convinced that Muhammad was a prophet of God.
PS: My “debates” are always healthy discussions, and always trying to understand another point of view, even if I don’t adopt it as my own.
brotherska // 27 February 2010 at 2:27 pm
Hi Sama:
Sorry about the delay in responding, but I am in Haiti lending assistance, and was a little exhausted the last few days. By the way, Walter happens to be my middle name.
Please note that I am quite willing to discuss the Trinity with you. I agree that with God all things are possible; however, that does not change the fact that the evidence for the currently accepted position is subject to diverse interpretations, and is in conflict with a significant amount of scripture, all of which are carefully presented in Brothers Kept Apart.
Regarding salvation, you have correctly described the religious tradition, but I presented that Jesus actually said. Who better to define salvation that Jesus? If the traditional definition conflicts with what Jesus explicitly described, then I would have thought that the normal response would be logical. Apparently Jesus did not think so. Remember this:
“He said to them, “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. (Mark 7:9)
Jesus, who will Judge us the end of the age, repeatedly and explicitly explained that if we do not forgive others that God will not forgive us. Neither the Bible nor the Qur’an teach that salvation comes from doing good works. Good works cannot earn salvation; however, both the Bible and the Qur’an teach that they do earn rewards. The Qur’an consistently teaches that Salvation is an act of God towards undeserving man. Remember this:
But ask forgiveness of your Lord, and turn unto Him: For my Lord is indeed full of mercy and loving-kindness. (11:90)
Regarding whether Mohammed was a prophet of God. I suppose that only God can confirm whether Mohammed was actually His prophet. However the evidence, as presented in the Book, supports the position that He was. Perhaps you can present some evidence why you believe that he was not for discussion.
Regards.
Sama // 28 February 2010 at 9:14 pm
Ok, lets talk about Salvation first:
When I made my statement, I was speaking biblically, not traditionally. I’m talking about words straight from the book itself, not just what is taught from the pulpit about salvation. If you look at what Jesus said in John 6:40: “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him might have eternal life and I raise him up in the last day.” Verses 41-69 continue on how Jesus describes Himself as being the Bread of Life and how we should “eat of His flesh and drink of His blood.” (Which we know of course is not a literal cannibalism, but Him really wanting then to absorb, consume and hunger and thirst for him, the Word of God.)
Jesus Himself never gave them any “work” to do except for to believe. He specified the greatest commandments were to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, strength, but also love your neighbor as you love yourself. These aren’t new things or “works”, but simple belief upon him. Forgiveness of others is also nothing new. Now you already tackled much of what “believe in Him” means. But lets go on to what Peter and Paul taught.
In Acts 2:37-40, others asked Peter, what shall we do? and Peter said clearly “Repent and be immersed, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ [HRV actually says ‘in the name of YHWH Yeshua] for the remission of sins, that you might receive the fight of the [Holy Spirit]” In no place did he add any “work” or say “do good deeds” in order to receive salvation.
Paul is the one who spells it out clearly in the entire chapter of Romans 3, stating that we are justified by faith, not by the law or following the Law of Moses. That means that no matter how good we try to follow the law, that is not what is going to save us, but once gain, belief in Christ Jesus. He says very plainly in Ephesians 2:4-9: “But God, who is rich in His mercies, because of His great love with which He loved us, when we were dead in our sins, He gave us life with Messiah [Christ], and by His favor, He saved us…..For by His favor we were SAVED BY FAITH, and this was NOT OF YOURSELVES but is the gift of God, NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast.” These are definitive statements on what one must do to be saved in the Bible itself, that are not in the Qur’an, which puts speculation to me that the Qur’an was not the inspired Word of God.
I am not taking about rewards, for Jesus Himself said that “…..and then He will reward each according to his works.” (Mathew 16:27) but even then He was talking about end times, not salvation. You say that the Qur’an does not teach “good works for salvation” but that is the impression I get when I pick up the Qur’an or ask my Muslim family members, that they have to keep at it –prayers, alms, righteousness, etc – and hope that God has mercy on them….which is unlike what Jesus and His apostles taught, that we are automatically saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. Many Muslims when they come to Christ either have two reactions: Relief that they can rest in their faith and know that they are saved or Anxious when “prayer times” come around that they aren’t on their knees. (I read a book called Secret Believers by Brother Andrew and Al Janssen, which alluded to that information.)
I am sorry that I went through all this, but you started by saying that I described religious tradition, when in fact I was just stating the facts right from the book itself. If you can show me ONE verse, that is not contradictory to the fact that you are saved by the grace of God through faith in Christ Jesus, and not by any good deeds, I will shut up
I’ll talk about the trinity next, but I written enough for the night. PS: May God reward you greatly for your good and selfless deed in Haiti
brotherska // 5 March 2010 at 1:04 am
Hi Sama:
When discussing spiritual matters, it is always useful to attach much value on the words of Jesus, who will ultimately judge us at the end of the age.
What do we want to ask Jesus? Well, how about “How can I have everlasting life?” You are probably well aware of Jesus’ answer provided below.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
So we can conclude that we are saved because of an act initiated by God. Our minimum response is to believe. However, there is a further response for us who are not dying immediately and have time to do what is right. Let us ask the question again. Actually, someone already did.
And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying,
“Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
He said to him,
“What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?”
So he answered and said,
“ ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’”
And He said to him,
“You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.” (Luke 10:25-28)
Jesus then defined his neighbour as someone in need of his assistance.
Perhaps you are also aware of this passage by Jesus.
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ (Matthew 7:21-23)
Also this:
“Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’
“Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 5:41-46)
Now, since Jesus will judge us at the end, and He has explicitly explained what we need to be DOING. Therefore, I believe whatever is in the Bible. Salvation is a gift of God – He initiated it. Our minimum requirement is to believe/trust Him. However, following on from that, our response is to love God and proactively help each other.
Regards,
Grenville
Sama // 5 March 2010 at 9:13 pm
“When discussing spiritual matters, it is always useful to attach much value on the words of Jesus, who will ultimately judge us at the end of the age.”
Unfortunately I am one of those silly believers in the entire scripture, not just one part of it. Yes, Jesus’s words do hold weight, for he is the Word of God. But Jesus also said,
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching then to observe ALL THE THINGS THAT I HAVE COMMANDED OF YOU; and lo, I am with you always even to the end of age.” (Mathew28:20)
So to me, Paul and Peter didn’t say anything different, extra or more than what Jesus taught them (give or take cultural context). All that you have wrote is correct. BUT the danger in saying “He has explicitly explained what we need to be DOING.” will confuse those who have not acceptedJesus Christ as Lord and Savior, that they can DO these things and gain access into heaven, which is FALSE.
The FAITH or BELIEF comes first. Now it’s BECAUSE we believe, we do these things, as it is our BELIEF in who he is that compels us love God with all our might, heart, soul and strength, and love our neighbor. I had a pastor once say that we “accidentally” follow the law because we follow Christ, who was sinless.
What I am saying is, we “work” because we have faith. “work” does not bring us salvation, only to be a good person. It is your understanding that we can enter heaven by being a good person, or by believing in Christ, following Christ, thereby being as good a person as Christ has been on this earth?
Again, I am not saying you are wrong, what I am saying is be careful how you word things, especially when talking to unbelievers, and my fear is that many unbelievers will pick up the book and have a not-so-clear-cut belief about what it means to be saved.