Comparative Theology · Common Ground
Keep the commandments
In short
- 1.Matthew 19:17 gives a direct answer to a direct question.
- 2.The answer is obedience, not a doctrine about his nature.
- 3.This is the earliest layer of the tradition.
The claim being examined
Asked what must be done to have eternal life, Jesus answers: keep the commandments.
The Islamic position
Islam teaches the same - obedience to God's commands, with His mercy, is the path.
Analysis
The Matthean and Markan versions differ in a theologically significant way: Mark 10:18 has Jesus say 'Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.'
From the Qur'an
Qur'an 4:124
And whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer - those will enter Paradise.
From the Bible
Mark 10:18
Why do you call me good? Jesus answered. No one is good except God alone.
Read it in their BibleSources
The Holy Qur'an · The Bible (NIV / KJV) · Common Ground collection
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