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ionelvGiven that Christians, Jews and Muslims have been killing each other with glee and abandon in genocidal episodes in the name of their (identical) God for over one thousand years, shouldn’t this God set them straight that he is one and the same by sending another prophet or give them at least a single credible sign that he still loves them all?
Gemini has an interesting summary to this dilemma which seems quite close to a complete copout and somewhat irrational and cynical position that absolves God from any duty towards his favourite subjects (beyond the few prophets he sent and which still aren’t clear if they were true or false):
PS: Gemini also clears up why we can’t have another Abrahamic prophet until Judgement Day (of course until another one shows up that claims to be the last one as his taskmaster might have simply lied to the previous one(s), changed his mind later (multiple times) or the prophets might have lied to boost their own credibility).
Too bad that God can never communicate directly and regularly with all his subjects and has to always pick one man to speak to (always 100% privately of course) every thousand years or so and convince him to convince the rest of us.
It’s almost as if this God doesn’t want to be believed (by those subjects which he endowed with a modicum of skepticism or reason) or, dog forbid, does not exist at all except in the figments of human imagination.
Gemini has an interesting summary to this dilemma which seems quite close to a complete copout and somewhat irrational and cynical position that absolves God from any duty towards his favourite subjects (beyond the few prophets he sent and which still aren’t clear if they were true or false):
The question of why the Abrahamic God (Yahweh/Allah/God) does not intervene to stop followers from fighting—despite sharing a belief in one, merciful God—is a central, long-standing philosophical and theological dilemma.
Theology and religious studies generally offer several explanations for this, focusing on human nature rather than a failure of divine communication:
1. The Doctrine of Free Will
A core, recurring argument in Abrahamic theology is that God grants humans free will, which includes the freedom to make evil choices, commit violence, or ignore divine commands.
Preventing Evil vs. Removing Free Will: To "set followers straight" by force would contradict the gift of free will.
The Nature of Humanity: Theology suggests that God permits this conflict, allowing humanity to exist with the capacity to choose between good and evil, rather than enforcing a perfect, robotic, or non-existent humanity.
2. Human Interpretation and "Tribalism"
While the Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) share a common ancestor in Abraham and a belief in one God, the conflict arises from how humans interpret and practice these beliefs.
Cultural and Historical Differences: Over millennia, the faiths have developed into different, sometimes contradictory, traditions based on specific cultural contexts (e.g., Roman influence on Christianity, Arab world influence on Islam).
"Us vs. Them" Mentality: Humans tend to be tribal, often using religion to bolster identity, which creates in-group loyalty and out-group hostility.
Theology as a Tool: Critics argue that religious differences are sometimes used by human leaders to justify conflict, acquire power, or gain resources, rather than following the peaceful aspects of their faith.
3. The "One" vs. Three Claimants
The problem of "One God" is complicated by three different, sometimes conflicting, claims to that God.
Judaism emphasizes a strict, unitary, and non-corporeal God.
Christianity introduces the Trinity and the divinity of Jesus, which Judaism and Islam reject as "associating partners" or idols.
Islam offers a stricter, "purified" monotheism, considering itself the final, perfected revelation of the Abrahamic faith.
These differences are often perceived as unbridgeable, causing followers to believe they are the only ones holding the true, and only, path.
4. Theological Explanations for Continued Conflict
Some theological perspectives suggest that God allows conflict for reasons that are not immediately understood, often linked to, for example, character development or spiritual growth.
Refining Faith: Some believe that in a fallen world, conflict serves as a test to draw followers back to faith and encourage repentance.
Sovereignty: It is also suggested that God allows these events according to a higher, unseen plan.
5. The "God in Man's Image" Argument
A sociological perspective is that, rather than following the will of God, people often create a God in their own image, bringing their own prejudices, fears, and biases into their faith. As a result, the conflicts are seen as a reflection of human nature, not necessarily of a divine being's failure.
In summary, from a theological perspective, the Abrahamic God is often seen as having already provided guidelines, but the failure to follow them is attributed to human disobedience, interpretation, and the misuse of free will.
PS: Gemini also clears up why we can’t have another Abrahamic prophet until Judgement Day (of course until another one shows up that claims to be the last one as his taskmaster might have simply lied to the previous one(s), changed his mind later (multiple times) or the prophets might have lied to boost their own credibility).
Too bad that God can never communicate directly and regularly with all his subjects and has to always pick one man to speak to (always 100% privately of course) every thousand years or so and convince him to convince the rest of us.
It’s almost as if this God doesn’t want to be believed (by those subjects which he endowed with a modicum of skepticism or reason) or, dog forbid, does not exist at all except in the figments of human imagination.
Yes, Prophet Muhammad is proclaimed in Islam as the final messenger and "Seal of the Prophets" (Khatam an-Nabiyyin) before the Last Day, as stated in the Quran (33:40). He is viewed as the concluding authority in the Abrahamic tradition whose message remains until the final judgment.
Key Perspectives on Finality in Abrahamic Faiths:
Islam: Muhammad is believed to be the last prophet sent to all mankind. The Quran reinforces that there is no prophet after him.
Judaism: The era of prophecy ended with Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, with Malachi often cited as the last of the biblical prophets.
Christianity: While John the Baptist is considered the last prophet of the Old Covenant, many Christians believe Jesus is the final, complete revelation of God's word.
Other Traditions:
Latter-day Saints (Mormons): Joseph Smith is regarded as the prophet who initiated the last dispensation before the Second Coming.
