SESSION 2 .

 SESSION 2 

4. What intrinsic reason separates Allah from Yahweh regarding relationships with people? 

Chapter 7 "Questioning Complexity" 

1. What does quantum physics have to do with the differences between Islam's view of one God and the Christian view of one God? 

2. What is the very significant theological problem with Allah being "relational," that is, how can Allah be called Allah the Merciful or Allah the Gracious? Why is this not a problem for the Trinity? 

3. What is the shema? How can Christians account for the shema of Deuteronomy 6:4 and still believe in the Trinity? 

4. What do some notable Jewish scholars teach about Jewish views of God in Jesus' day? 

The Shema is the central Jewish declaration of faith, derived from the first word of Deuteronomy 6:4 ("Hear, O Israel").  The verse states: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one." This passage asserts the monotheistic belief in the uniqueness and singularity of God, establishing Him as the exclusive ruler and object of loyalty for Israel. 

The command to "love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might" follows immediately in verse 5, requiring undivided devotion and obedience.  In Jewish tradition, the Shema is recited daily during morning and evening prayers, often expanded to include Deuteronomy 11:13–21 and Numbers 15:37–41.  It serves as both a pledge of allegiance to God and a foundational instruction to teach these truths diligently to children and integrate them into daily life. 

Chapter 8 "Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God?" 

1. How are the views of God in Islam and Christianity "diametrically opposed"? What texts in the Quran support your answer? 

2. How does the Islamic model of theism promote service to others, yet the Christian model of theism "goes further still" to intrinsically require service to others? 

3. Nabeel writes, "People ought to be selflessly loving because it is who we are." How does he support that truth? 

4. Why is belief in the Trinity not just a"theological curiosity"?