The Children of Abraham The People of God Sunday, March 18, 2007 10 to 10:50 am, in the Parlor. Everyone is welcome!

The Children of The Children of AbrahamAbraham

The People of GodThe People of God

Sunday, March 18, 200710 to 10:50 am, in the Parlor.

Everyone is welcome!

Primary ReferencesPrimary References

Three Faiths, One God: The Formative Faith and Three Faiths, One God: The Formative Faith and Practice of Judaism, Christianity, and IslamPractice of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Jacob , Jacob Neusner, Bruce Chilton, William Graham. Brill Neusner, Bruce Chilton, William Graham. Brill Academic Publishers, 2002Academic Publishers, 2002

The Monotheists. Jews, Christians, and Muslims The Monotheists. Jews, Christians, and Muslims in Conflict and Competition, Volume 1. The in Conflict and Competition, Volume 1. The Peoples of God.Peoples of God. FE Peters, Princeton University FE Peters, Princeton University Press, 2003. ISBN-10: 0-691-0-691-123721 Press, 2003. ISBN-10: 0-691-0-691-123721

Christian Theology. An Introduction. Third Christian Theology. An Introduction. Third EditionEdition. Alister E. McGrath, Blackwell Publishers, . Alister E. McGrath, Blackwell Publishers, Oxford, 2001Oxford, 2001

Almighty Father, whose blessed Son Almighty Father, whose blessed Son before his passion prayed for his before his passion prayed for his disciples that they might be one, as you disciples that they might be one, as you and he are one: Grant that your Church, and he are one: Grant that your Church, being bound together in love and being bound together in love and obedience to you, may be united in one obedience to you, may be united in one body by the one Spirit, that the world body by the one Spirit, that the world may believe in him whom you have may believe in him whom you have sent, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; sent, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.and for ever.

For Peace, Book of Common Prayer, p. 255For Peace, Book of Common Prayer, p. 255

The People of God:The People of God:JudaismJudaism

JudaismJudaismThe Chosen PeopleThe Chosen People

Midrash Rabbah, Exodus, 2, 5:Midrash Rabbah, Exodus, 2, 5: God went around to different nations, asking them “Will you accept God went around to different nations, asking them “Will you accept

my Torah?my Torah? Well, we’re interested, what’s in it?Well, we’re interested, what’s in it? God replied, “You may not murder, steal …”God replied, “You may not murder, steal …” ““No, we can’t take it; …”No, we can’t take it; …” So God went to the next people and asked them. Same rejection.So God went to the next people and asked them. Same rejection. Finally God went to the Israelites.Finally God went to the Israelites. ““We will do and we will hear (accept and obey)”We will do and we will hear (accept and obey)” Thus the Israelites were “self-chosen” by their respond to God’s offerThus the Israelites were “self-chosen” by their respond to God’s offer


Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat 88a:Babylonian Talmud, Shabbat 88a: God approached the Jewish people about giving God approached the Jewish people about giving

them the Torah. He overturned a mountain and them the Torah. He overturned a mountain and suspended it above themsuspended it above them

““If you accept the Torah, fine. If not, this mountain If you accept the Torah, fine. If not, this mountain will drop on you and bury you and that’s the end.”will drop on you and bury you and that’s the end.”


am sigulaham sigulah: Hebrew for “chosen people”: Hebrew for “chosen people” The blessing recited by a person when they go up The blessing recited by a person when they go up

during a service to read the Torah:during a service to read the Torah: ““Praise be Thou, O Lord our God, Ruler of the world, Praise be Thou, O Lord our God, Ruler of the world,

who has chosen us from among all peoples and given who has chosen us from among all peoples and given us the Torah.”us the Torah.”

The Jews view themselves as the The Jews view themselves as the instrumentinstrument through through which the Torah was given to humankindwhich the Torah was given to humankind

It does not make them “better” than other peoplesIt does not make them “better” than other peoples

JudaismJudaismThe People Who Struggle with GodThe People Who Struggle with God

Jacob wrestles with God one night until God gave Jacob wrestles with God one night until God gave him God’s blessing:him God’s blessing:

““You shall no longer be called Jacob, but You shall no longer be called Jacob, but IsraelIsrael, , for you have striven with God and with humans, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed” (and have prevailed” (Genesis 32:28 NRSV)Genesis 32:28 NRSV)

Jacob’s (= Jacob’s (= Israel’sIsrael’s) descendents were called Hebrews ) descendents were called Hebrews or Israelitesor Israelites IsraelitesIsraelites: the people of God who struggle with God: the people of God who struggle with God

JudaismJudaismEthnic Religion, or Universal?Ethnic Religion, or Universal?

How does one become a member of the people of How does one become a member of the people of Israel?Israel?

Judaism has been described as an “ethnic” religion Judaism has been described as an “ethnic” religion because one is born into the people of Israel if your because one is born into the people of Israel if your mother is Jewish.mother is Jewish.

And unlike Christianity and Islam, Judaism is not a And unlike Christianity and Islam, Judaism is not a “missionary religion” and does not seek converts – “missionary religion” and does not seek converts – for salvation is available to non-Jews as well as Jewsfor salvation is available to non-Jews as well as Jews


However, anyone may convert to Judaism, However, anyone may convert to Judaism, accepting the “yoke of Heaven” and the “yoke accepting the “yoke of Heaven” and the “yoke of the Torah”. In this sense, Judaism is of the Torah”. In this sense, Judaism is “universal”“universal”

Conversion requires:Conversion requires: a profession of faitha profession of faith baptism for women and menbaptism for women and men circumcision in the covenant of Abraham for mencircumcision in the covenant of Abraham for men


A gentile who accepts Torah becomes an A gentile who accepts Torah becomes an Israelite. He or she is transformed, becoming a Israelite. He or she is transformed, becoming a new creation:new creation: he or she takes up a position at Mount Sinai with he or she takes up a position at Mount Sinai with

all other Israelites through the agesall other Israelites through the ages their children are Israelite without qualificationtheir children are Israelite without qualification the gentile’s genealogy becomes part of the story the gentile’s genealogy becomes part of the story

that the Torah tellsthat the Torah tells

JudaismJudaismMetaphor of Israel as FamilyMetaphor of Israel as Family

Israelites are the descendants of Abraham and Israelites are the descendants of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob (Israel) and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob (Israel) and Leah and RachelLeah and Rachel includes a sense of social contract. Israel is an includes a sense of social contract. Israel is an

extended family, with obligations of familyextended family, with obligations of family includes a sense of Israel as a nation-people, with a includes a sense of Israel as a nation-people, with a

right to the family inheritance of the Land of Israelright to the family inheritance of the Land of Israel

JudaismJudaismInheritance of the Land of IsraelInheritance of the Land of Israel

The natural state for Jews is to be in the The natural state for Jews is to be in the promised land, the promised land, the Land of IsraelLand of Israel

To be away from that land is the unnatural To be away from that land is the unnatural state of state of galutgalut or exile or exile Throughout history, Jews have often considered Throughout history, Jews have often considered

exile as punishment for their sins against God exile as punishment for their sins against God

JudaismJudaismInheritance of the Land of IsraelInheritance of the Land of Israel

The Jews have spent most of their history trying to The Jews have spent most of their history trying to maintain their identity and integrity as a people under maintain their identity and integrity as a people under the political sovereignty of othersthe political sovereignty of others The Kingdom of Israel survived politically for only a few The Kingdom of Israel survived politically for only a few

centuries before it was overrun in 721 BC by regional centuries before it was overrun in 721 BC by regional powerspowers

165 to 63 BC: Jews again free after the Maccabees or 165 to 63 BC: Jews again free after the Maccabees or Hasmoneans defeated the Syrian Seleucid Greeks.Hasmoneans defeated the Syrian Seleucid Greeks.

The Hasmoneans assumed kingship although they were not of the The Hasmoneans assumed kingship although they were not of the House of DavidHouse of David

They also assumed the priesthood, which belonged the to They also assumed the priesthood, which belonged the to descendants of Aaron (which they were not)descendants of Aaron (which they were not)

Became corruptBecame corrupt 1948 AD: the secular state of Israel established1948 AD: the secular state of Israel established

The People of God:The People of God:ChristianityChristianity

ChristianityChristianityWhat is Israel?What is Israel?

Early Christian community struggled with question: Early Christian community struggled with question: “Who can be Israel? Who can be part of the people of “Who can be Israel? Who can be part of the people of God?”God?”

Strictest view: Circle of JamesStrictest view: Circle of James James, brother of Jesus, head of the church in Jerusalem James, brother of Jesus, head of the church in Jerusalem

(killed in the temple in 62 AD)(killed in the temple in 62 AD) community continued to worship at the templecommunity continued to worship at the temple all laws of Moses must be obeyed; Gentiles cannot be part all laws of Moses must be obeyed; Gentiles cannot be part

of Israelof Israel

ChristianityChristianityWhat is Israel?What is Israel?

Paul: the new Israel is the Body of ChristPaul: the new Israel is the Body of Christ The new Israel are those:The new Israel are those:

who receive the Spirit of God (the Holy Spirit) in who receive the Spirit of God (the Holy Spirit) in BaptismBaptism

who share in the body of Christ through the who share in the body of Christ through the Eucharist Eucharist

ChristianityChristianityThe Body of ChristThe Body of Christ

The cup of blessing which we bless, is it The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not fellowship in the blood of Christ? The not fellowship in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not fellowship bread which we break, is it not fellowship in the body of Christ? Because there is in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we are one body, although we one bread, we are one body, although we are many, because we all share from the are many, because we all share from the one breadone bread (1 Corinthians 10:16-17 NRSV) (1 Corinthians 10:16-17 NRSV)

ChristianityChristianityThe Body of ChristThe Body of Christ

For just as the body is one and has many For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the members, and all the members of the body (being many) are one body, so is body (being many) are one body, so is Christ. For in one spirit we were all Christ. For in one spirit we were all baptized into one body – whether Jews or baptized into one body – whether Jews or Greek, slave or free – and we all were Greek, slave or free – and we all were given to drink of one spirit.given to drink of one spirit. (1 Corinthians (1 Corinthians 12:12-13 NRSV)12:12-13 NRSV)

ChristianityChristianityEkklesiaEkklesia

Christians call their community the “church,” Greek Christians call their community the “church,” Greek ekklesia,ekklesia, those “called out” from their surroundings those “called out” from their surroundings

The “church” or The “church” or ekklesiaekklesia is the assembly of people is the assembly of people summoned for a purpose. Word summoned for a purpose. Word ekklesiaekklesia was used for: was used for: congregation of Israelites whom Moses led out to the congregation of Israelites whom Moses led out to the

wilderness (Acts 7:38)wilderness (Acts 7:38) congregation of Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem subject to congregation of Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem subject to

persecution (Acts 8:1)persecution (Acts 8:1) most common designation in the New Testament for early most common designation in the New Testament for early

Christian communities (114 times)Christian communities (114 times)

ChristianityChristianity “Notes” or “Marks” of the Church “Notes” or “Marks” of the Church

In the Apostles Creed, which early in Christianity was a In the Apostles Creed, which early in Christianity was a profession of faith at Baptism, we say: “I believe in the holy profession of faith at Baptism, we say: “I believe in the holy catholic church”catholic church”

In the Nicene Creed, we expand this to “We believe in:In the Nicene Creed, we expand this to “We believe in: one,one, holy,holy, catholic, andcatholic, and ApostolicApostolic

church”church” These are called the four These are called the four “notes”“notes” or or “marks”“marks” of the Churchof the Church

ChristianityChristianity “Notes” or “Marks” of the Church: “Notes” or “Marks” of the Church: OneOne

Cyprian of Carthage 251 AD: the church is the Cyprian of Carthage 251 AD: the church is the “seamless robe of Christ” which should not be “seamless robe of Christ” which should not be divideddivided

How can we today speak of How can we today speak of “one” church“one” church, , when it is so divided institutionally?when it is so divided institutionally?


Approaches to saying we are Approaches to saying we are “one” church“one” church:: 1. 1. “Imperialist” approach:“Imperialist” approach: there is only one true church; rest are there is only one true church; rest are

fraudulent or imperfectfraudulent or imperfect 2. 2. “Platonic” approach“Platonic” approach: there is an empirical, historical church (which : there is an empirical, historical church (which

is divided) and an “ideal church” (which is unified)is divided) and an “ideal church” (which is unified) 3. 3. “Eschatological” approach:“Eschatological” approach: disunity will be abolished on the last disunity will be abolished on the last

dayday 4. 4. Biological approach:Biological approach: church development like the branches of a church development like the branches of a

tree. Like a tree, still retains an organic unitytree. Like a tree, still retains an organic unity 5. 5. Theological approach:Theological approach: our unity is the belief in the saving work of our unity is the belief in the saving work of

Christ. Diversity results in adapting this message to the world’s Christ. Diversity results in adapting this message to the world’s diversitydiversity


Theological Approach: a unity of basic belief, a diversity in Theological Approach: a unity of basic belief, a diversity in adopting the message for the world:adopting the message for the world: ““The gospel in Anglicanism is, then, one facet in a The gospel in Anglicanism is, then, one facet in a

vast mosaic. In its essentials, it corresponds to the vast mosaic. In its essentials, it corresponds to the gospel as it has been proclaimed and believed all gospel as it has been proclaimed and believed all over the world. Yet it is also characterized by its over the world. Yet it is also characterized by its particularity as an experience of God’s saving work in particularity as an experience of God’s saving work in particular cultures, and is shaped by the insights and particular cultures, and is shaped by the insights and limitations of persons who were themselves seeking limitations of persons who were themselves seeking to live the gospel within a particular context.”to live the gospel within a particular context.”

- Louis Weil- Louis Weil


Theological Approach: a unity of basic belief, a diversity in Theological Approach: a unity of basic belief, a diversity in adopting the message for the world:adopting the message for the world: ““The unity of the church is a spiritual unity. It is one The unity of the church is a spiritual unity. It is one

and the same God who gathers the scattered from all and the same God who gathers the scattered from all places and all ages and makes them into one people places and all ages and makes them into one people of God. It is one and the same Christ who through his of God. It is one and the same Christ who through his word and Spirit unites all together in the same bond of word and Spirit unites all together in the same bond of fellowship of the same body of Christ. . . the Church is fellowship of the same body of Christ. . . the Church is one, and therefore should be one”one, and therefore should be one”

- Hans Küng- Hans Küng

ChristianityChristianity “Notes” or “Marks” of the Church: “Notes” or “Marks” of the Church: HolyHoly

History has clearly documented the sinfulness of the History has clearly documented the sinfulness of the church and its memberschurch and its members

How is the church then How is the church then “holy”“holy”? Approaches:? Approaches: 1. 1. “imperialist approach:”“imperialist approach:” Church must exclude unholy Church must exclude unholy

membersmembers 2. Church is “holy,” but it members are sinful2. Church is “holy,” but it members are sinful

But what is the meaning of church disembodied of its members?But what is the meaning of church disembodied of its members?

3. 3. “eschatological approach:”“eschatological approach:” church is as sinful as its church is as sinful as its members, but will be purified on the last daymembers, but will be purified on the last day


3. 3. “eschatological approach:”“eschatological approach:” church will be holy in church will be holy in the end:the end: Augustine (354 – 430 AD): Augustine (354 – 430 AD): “Whenever I have described “Whenever I have described

the church as being without spot or wrinkle, I have not the church as being without spot or wrinkle, I have not intended to imply that it was like this already, but that intended to imply that it was like this already, but that it should prepare itself to be like this, at the time when it should prepare itself to be like this, at the time when it too will appear in glory”it too will appear in glory”

Thomas Aquinas (1224 – 1274 AD): Thomas Aquinas (1224 – 1274 AD): “That the church will “That the church will be. . . without spot or wrinkle. . . will only be true in be. . . without spot or wrinkle. . . will only be true in our eternal home, not on the way there. We would our eternal home, not on the way there. We would deceive ourselves if we were to say that we have no deceive ourselves if we were to say that we have no sin, as 1 John 1:8 reminds us.”sin, as 1 John 1:8 reminds us.”


4. 4. HolyHoly as being “set apart for God” as being “set apart for God” This is the Old Testament idea of holiness: something or This is the Old Testament idea of holiness: something or

someone set aside for God. People are holy when they are: someone set aside for God. People are holy when they are: dedicated to Goddedicated to God distinguished from the world on the basis of their callingdistinguished from the world on the basis of their calling

The church is holy in the sense that it is “set apart” for The church is holy in the sense that it is “set apart” for God, although God, although notnot holy in the sense it is sinless = “morally” holy in the sense it is sinless = “morally” holy holy

ChristianityChristianity “Notes” or “Marks” of the Church: “Notes” or “Marks” of the Church: CatholicCatholic

CatholicCatholic Greek phrase Greek phrase kath’ holoukath’ holou (“referring to the (“referring to the

whole”)whole”) Latin word Latin word catholicuscatholicus (“universal or general”) (“universal or general”)

ChristianityChristianity “Notes” or “Marks” of the Church: “Notes” or “Marks” of the Church: CatholicCatholic

Thomas Aquinas (1224-1274 AD): church is Thomas Aquinas (1224-1274 AD): church is catholic = universal and general:catholic = universal and general: geographically:geographically: it encompasses the whole world it encompasses the whole world anthropologically:anthropologically: it is for all people. No one is it is for all people. No one is

rejected, whether master or slave, male or femalerejected, whether master or slave, male or female chronologically:chronologically: the church will last to the end of the church will last to the end of

timetime

ChristianityChristianity “Notes” or “Marks” of the Church: “Notes” or “Marks” of the Church: ApostolicApostolic

““Apostolic:”Apostolic:” originating with the apostles, or having originating with the apostles, or having a direct link to the apostlesa direct link to the apostles

Three aspects of the “apostolic” (H. B. Swete, Three aspects of the “apostolic” (H. B. Swete, Cambridge Regius Professor of Divinity, 1890-1915):Cambridge Regius Professor of Divinity, 1890-1915): 1. planted in the world by the apostles1. planted in the world by the apostles 2. adheres to the teaching of the apostles2. adheres to the teaching of the apostles 3. carries on the succession of apostolic ministry3. carries on the succession of apostolic ministry

Bishops, the successors of the apostles, pass on their spiritual Bishops, the successors of the apostles, pass on their spiritual charisma or power of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands in charisma or power of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands in the consecration of new bishops and prieststhe consecration of new bishops and priests

ChristianityChristianity Church and State Church and State

Modern ideas of the separation of church and state Modern ideas of the separation of church and state did not begin until the rise of European nation-states did not begin until the rise of European nation-states in the 16in the 16thth century century

In general (with notable exceptions), Christianity had In general (with notable exceptions), Christianity had no problems with a separate hierarchy for political no problems with a separate hierarchy for political leadership and religious leadershipleadership and religious leadership Jesus (John 18:36): Jesus (John 18:36): “My kingdom is not from this world. “My kingdom is not from this world.

If my kingdom were from this world, my followers If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here”to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here” (NRSV)(NRSV)

ChristianityChristianity Church and State Church and State

Christianity developed for three centuries without any Christianity developed for three centuries without any relationship with the state, until Roman Emperor relationship with the state, until Roman Emperor ConstantineConstantine embraced Christianity in 324 AD embraced Christianity in 324 AD

390 AD: the first major clash between the imperial 390 AD: the first major clash between the imperial hierarchy and the church hierarchyhierarchy and the church hierarchy involved Emperor involved Emperor Theodosius ITheodosius I (347 to 395 AD) and (347 to 395 AD) and

Ambrose, Bishop of MilanAmbrose, Bishop of Milan (340 to 397 AD) (340 to 397 AD) Theodosius I: first Roman Emperor who ruled as a baptized Theodosius I: first Roman Emperor who ruled as a baptized

ChristianChristian Theodosius I, to punish an insurrection in Salonika, Theodosius I, to punish an insurrection in Salonika,

slaughtered 7000 men, women and children after inviting slaughtered 7000 men, women and children after inviting them to an amphitheater for a “special performance”them to an amphitheater for a “special performance”

Ambrose excommunicated the Emperor and forced him to Ambrose excommunicated the Emperor and forced him to perform public confession and penanceperform public confession and penance

The People of God:The People of God:IslamIslam

IslamIslamThe Natural Disposition to IslamThe Natural Disposition to Islam

God created human beings to serve God by their God created human beings to serve God by their active choiceactive choice

One must One must choose choose to be a Muslimto be a Muslim As in Christianity, parents may serve as a “proxy” for a As in Christianity, parents may serve as a “proxy” for a

young child and declare they are Muslim, until the child young child and declare they are Muslim, until the child can make a decision of their owncan make a decision of their own

IslamIslamThe Natural Disposition to IslamThe Natural Disposition to Islam

Human beings are Human beings are naturally disposednaturally disposed at birth to at birth to islamislam, to true submission to the will of God, to true submission to the will of God fitrahfitrah = “way of being created” or “natural disposition” = “way of being created” or “natural disposition” It is poor upbringing that causes a child to turn to less It is poor upbringing that causes a child to turn to less

complete or evil religious practicescomplete or evil religious practices Contrasts with the Christian doctrine of “Original Sin”Contrasts with the Christian doctrine of “Original Sin”

IslamIslamThe UmmaThe Umma

The call of God to The call of God to islamislam (submission to God) through (submission to God) through Muhammad and the Qur’an includes not only a call to Muhammad and the Qur’an includes not only a call to personal faith, but also a call to be part of the personal faith, but also a call to be part of the community of true believerscommunity of true believers, the , the UmmaUmma, to be , to be brothers and sisters with others who have submitted brothers and sisters with others who have submitted to God:to God:

You are the best community (You are the best community (ummaumma) singled out ) singled out for people: you order what is right, forbid what is for people: you order what is right, forbid what is wrong, and believe in God (wrong, and believe in God (Qur’an 3:110)Qur’an 3:110)


Be a community (umma) that calls for what is Be a community (umma) that calls for what is good, urges what is right, and forbids what is good, urges what is right, and forbids what is wrong; those who do this are the successful wrong; those who do this are the successful ones. Do not be like those who, after they have ones. Do not be like those who, after they have been given clear revelation, split into factions been given clear revelation, split into factions and fall in to disputes …. and fall in to disputes …. (Qur’an 3:104-105)(Qur’an 3:104-105)


Umma:Umma: Based on faith, not blood affiliationBased on faith, not blood affiliation Anyone who obeys and worships God alone and Anyone who obeys and worships God alone and

who professes the who professes the ShahadahShahadah: : “There is no god “There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God”God” is considered a Muslim (one who submits) is considered a Muslim (one who submits) and a hence a member of the and a hence a member of the UmmaUmma

First Umma – a human community under God – First Umma – a human community under God – was founded in Medina between 622-632 AD by was founded in Medina between 622-632 AD by the Prophet Muhammadthe Prophet Muhammad


In that first Umma in Medina, Muhammad was the: In that first Umma in Medina, Muhammad was the: political leader,political leader, military commander, as well asmilitary commander, as well as religious leader and prophetreligious leader and prophet

In contrast, Christianity developed for three centuries In contrast, Christianity developed for three centuries without any relationship with the state, until Roman without any relationship with the state, until Roman Emperor Emperor ConstantineConstantine embraced Christianity in 324 embraced Christianity in 324 ADAD In Muhammad, Islam had both its “Constantine” and In Muhammad, Islam had both its “Constantine” and

“Jesus” in one person – from the start“Jesus” in one person – from the start Muhammad is the model for how to live a good life, a Muhammad is the model for how to live a good life, a

“straight path,” for Muslims“straight path,” for Muslims

IslamIslamThe Umma: Sunni ViewThe Umma: Sunni View

632 AD: Muhammad died632 AD: Muhammad died The majority of Muslims (Sunni) believe Muhammad’s role as The majority of Muslims (Sunni) believe Muhammad’s role as

spiritual and religious leaderspiritual and religious leader for the for the UmmaUmma could could not not be be passed on.passed on.

His role as His role as political leaderpolitical leader of theof the Umma Umma however was passed however was passed on through the on through the caliphatecaliphate

The The CaliphCaliph is the absolute temporal ruler charged with is the absolute temporal ruler charged with administering and defending the administering and defending the UmmaUmma He possesses no special authority in matters of faithHe possesses no special authority in matters of faith

Religious scholars, the Religious scholars, the ulama ulama (whose role is akin to Jewish (whose role is akin to Jewish rabbis) help interpret matters of faithrabbis) help interpret matters of faith


632 to 661: under four successive caliphs known as 632 to 661: under four successive caliphs known as the the “four rightly guided caliphs,”“four rightly guided caliphs,” Islam rapidly Islam rapidly expanded far beyond Arabiaexpanded far beyond Arabia

661 to 750 AD: the Caliph resided in Damascus, 661 to 750 AD: the Caliph resided in Damascus, capital of the Islamic capital of the Islamic Umayyad EmpireUmayyad Empire

750 to 1258 AD: the Caliph generally resided in 750 to 1258 AD: the Caliph generally resided in Baghdad, capital of the Islamic Baghdad, capital of the Islamic Abbasid EmpireAbbasid Empire


946 AD: the Abbasid Caliph appointed the first 946 AD: the Abbasid Caliph appointed the first SultanSultan, a Turkish general, a Turkish general Officially the Officially the SultansSultans were military deputies of the Caliph were military deputies of the Caliph

and derived their political power from the Caliphand derived their political power from the Caliph In reality the In reality the SultansSultans were military commanders with the were military commanders with the

power of the army behind them, and they did what they power of the army behind them, and they did what they wantedwanted

The The CaliphCaliph became a figurehead, significant symbolically, became a figurehead, significant symbolically, prayed for during Friday public prayer, but without real prayed for during Friday public prayer, but without real political power in the empirepolitical power in the empire


1258: 1258: MongolsMongols sacked Baghdad and conquered the Abbasid sacked Baghdad and conquered the Abbasid empireempire

1258 to 1517: Caliph resided in Cairo, where the 1258 to 1517: Caliph resided in Cairo, where the Mamluk Mamluk SultanSultan had successfully repelled the Mongols had successfully repelled the Mongols

1517: 1517: Turkish Ottoman EmpireTurkish Ottoman Empire conquered the Mamluks, conquered the Mamluks, and claimed the caliphateand claimed the caliphate 1517-1924: Caliph resided in Istanbul (formerly Constantinople), 1517-1924: Caliph resided in Istanbul (formerly Constantinople),

capital of the capital of the Turkish Ottoman EmpireTurkish Ottoman Empire 1924: the secular state of 1924: the secular state of TurkeyTurkey, formed from part of , formed from part of

defeated Ottoman Empire (which had supported Germany & defeated Ottoman Empire (which had supported Germany & Austria-Hungary in WWI), abolished the caliphateAustria-Hungary in WWI), abolished the caliphate


Ideally, Muslims feel the Ideally, Muslims feel the UmmaUmma should be: should be: a single religious and political communitya single religious and political community ruled through God’s law, the ruled through God’s law, the Shari’aShari’a

Until the end of the Ottoman Empire and caliphate in 1924, Until the end of the Ottoman Empire and caliphate in 1924, Muslims could that imagine an imperfect form of that ideal – a Muslims could that imagine an imperfect form of that ideal – a single, undivided theocratic community ruled by the Caliph single, undivided theocratic community ruled by the Caliph (the political successor to Muhammad) and his deputies (the (the political successor to Muhammad) and his deputies (the Sultans) – had existed since the time of MuhammadSultans) – had existed since the time of Muhammad For many modern Muslims, something seems to have gone terribly For many modern Muslims, something seems to have gone terribly

wrong with Islamic history in the past centurywrong with Islamic history in the past century

IslamIslamThe Umma: Shiite ViewThe Umma: Shiite View

632 AD: Muhammad died632 AD: Muhammad died A minority of Muslims (today’s A minority of Muslims (today’s ShiitesShiites) believe ) believe

Muhammad intended his role as:Muhammad intended his role as: spiritual and religious leaderspiritual and religious leader and and political leaderpolitical leader for the Umma for the Umma

to be passed on through his family, in particular, his to be passed on through his family, in particular, his cousin cousin AliAli Muhammad, an orphan, had been brought up by Ali’s Muhammad, an orphan, had been brought up by Ali’s

fatherfather Ali was married to one of Muhammad’s daughters (Fatima)Ali was married to one of Muhammad’s daughters (Fatima)


Ali was passed over as the rightful leader of the Umma three Ali was passed over as the rightful leader of the Umma three times, finally ruling as the times, finally ruling as the religious and political headreligious and political head ((ImamImam) of the Umma from 656 to 661 AD) of the Umma from 656 to 661 AD

661 AD: 661 AD: Imam AliImam Ali murdered, and the Muslim general murdered, and the Muslim general Mu’awiya, based in Damascus, Syria Mu’awiya, based in Damascus, Syria illegitimatelyillegitimately seized the seized the leadership and founded the leadership and founded the Umayyad EmpireUmayyad Empire Imam AliImam Ali is buried in city of Najaf, in modern day Iraq, site of a great is buried in city of Najaf, in modern day Iraq, site of a great

Shiite shine to himShiite shine to him Ali’s son Ali’s son Imam HusaynImam Husayn was killed fighting the Umayyads in was killed fighting the Umayyads in

Karbala (city in modern day Iraq)Karbala (city in modern day Iraq) Husayn is considered a martyr by ShiitesHusayn is considered a martyr by Shiites Karbala is a site of great Shiite shrine to Karbala is a site of great Shiite shrine to Imam HusaynImam Husayn


ImamsImams, possessing the light of Muhammad, are , possessing the light of Muhammad, are sinless and infalliblesinless and infallible

The The 1212thth Imam Imam, bearing the prophet’s own name , bearing the prophet’s own name Muhammad, disappeared in the 874 AD and went Muhammad, disappeared in the 874 AD and went into a state of hiding/occultation (into a state of hiding/occultation (ghaybahghaybah) = ) = The The Hidden ImamHidden Imam He will return one day to establish a perfect age of IslamHe will return one day to establish a perfect age of Islam In the meantime, In the meantime, Shiite ulamaShiite ulama or religious scholars (often or religious scholars (often

call call mullahsmullahs) exercise a “general representation” of the ) exercise a “general representation” of the Hidden Imam as they interpret the Qur’an and establish law Hidden Imam as they interpret the Qur’an and establish law for Muslimsfor Muslims


The The Hidden ImamHidden Imam went into occultation in a went into occultation in a cave near city of Samarra (in modern day Iraq)cave near city of Samarra (in modern day Iraq)

Tombs of the 10Tombs of the 10thth and 11 and 11thth Imams are in the al- Imams are in the al-Askari shrine (Golden Dome shrine) in Askari shrine (Golden Dome shrine) in Samarra (bombed Feb 22, 2006)Samarra (bombed Feb 22, 2006)


For Shiites, Muslim history has been dominated by For Shiites, Muslim history has been dominated by empires ruled by illegitimate leaders and Muslims empires ruled by illegitimate leaders and Muslims (Sunni) who not recognize the religious and spiritual (Sunni) who not recognize the religious and spiritual leadership of the descendants of Muhammad and Ali leadership of the descendants of Muhammad and Ali (the “people of the house”), the (the “people of the house”), the ImamsImams

Shiites, living as an often oppressed minority, have Shiites, living as an often oppressed minority, have preserved the truth faith of prophetpreserved the truth faith of prophet

IslamIslamThe Umma: SummaryThe Umma: Summary

Faith cannot be merely private, but must also Faith cannot be merely private, but must also be political and socialbe political and social secular societies that tolerate religious pluralism secular societies that tolerate religious pluralism

often do so with the assumption that religion is a often do so with the assumption that religion is a “private matter,” separate from society and politics“private matter,” separate from society and politics

keeping religion a “private matter” is unacceptable keeping religion a “private matter” is unacceptable in true in true islamislam (submission to God) (submission to God)

Primary ReferencesPrimary References

Three Faiths, One God: The Formative Faith and Three Faiths, One God: The Formative Faith and Practice of Judaism, Christianity, and IslamPractice of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Jacob , Jacob Neusner, Bruce Chilton, William Graham. Brill Neusner, Bruce Chilton, William Graham. Brill Academic Publishers, 2002Academic Publishers, 2002

The Monotheists. Jews, Christians, and Muslims The Monotheists. Jews, Christians, and Muslims in Conflict and Competition, Volume 1. The in Conflict and Competition, Volume 1. The Peoples of God.Peoples of God. FE Peters, Princeton University FE Peters, Princeton University Press, 2003. ISBN-10: 0-691-0-691-123721 Press, 2003. ISBN-10: 0-691-0-691-123721

Christian Theology. An Introduction. Third Christian Theology. An Introduction. Third EditionEdition. Alister E. McGrath, Blackwell Publishers, . Alister E. McGrath, Blackwell Publishers, Oxford, 2001Oxford, 2001

Documents

The Children of Abraham The People of God Sunday, March 18, 2007 10 to 10:50 am, in the Parlor. Everyone is welcome!