sablya
05-01-2007, 02:34 AM
There is a fundamental flaw in Islamic theology that is so obvious it is a wonder to me that it is rarely mentioned. It is easiest to spot the flaw when viewed in contrast with a robust Christian view of salvation. That is, in Christian theology, God is both merciful and just whereas in Islam this cannot logically be the case.
In Christianity, the Son voluntarily receives the punishment due to His people for their sins (Is 53:4-6) as a substitutionary atonement. He, as God-man, underwent the infinite wrath of the Father. Then, His righteousness is imputed to those who believe and God is both merciful and just. As the Apostle Paul wrote, "It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus" (Rom 3:26).
Even in our corrupt society we decry the injustice when a guilty murderer is set free. Human judges may make mistakes or become corrupt. But far be it from the Holy God to not punish sin. The God of Christianity is one "who will by no means clear the guilty" (Exodus 34:7).
But this then is the key point: In Islam, if anyone is saved, then Allah fails to justly condemn the guilty because in Islamic theology there is no such thing as an atonement. Surely we are all guilty, as the Bible declares. Even our own consciences condemn us. "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:23). Thus Allah in his mercy is forced to become unjust and therefore is no God at all. And this is a fatal flaw in Islamic theology.
In Christianity, the Son voluntarily receives the punishment due to His people for their sins (Is 53:4-6) as a substitutionary atonement. He, as God-man, underwent the infinite wrath of the Father. Then, His righteousness is imputed to those who believe and God is both merciful and just. As the Apostle Paul wrote, "It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus" (Rom 3:26).
Even in our corrupt society we decry the injustice when a guilty murderer is set free. Human judges may make mistakes or become corrupt. But far be it from the Holy God to not punish sin. The God of Christianity is one "who will by no means clear the guilty" (Exodus 34:7).
But this then is the key point: In Islam, if anyone is saved, then Allah fails to justly condemn the guilty because in Islamic theology there is no such thing as an atonement. Surely we are all guilty, as the Bible declares. Even our own consciences condemn us. "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:23). Thus Allah in his mercy is forced to become unjust and therefore is no God at all. And this is a fatal flaw in Islamic theology.