Do Christians, Muslims and Jews Worship the Same God?” — A Comparative Exploration of Monotheism

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As global communities grow more intertwined, the debate over whether Muslims, and Christians worship the same God has emerged as a potent intersection of theology and culture. Rooted in shared history yet divided by doctrine, this question challenges believers to confront the boundaries of faith, identity, and divine understanding.

While all three Abrahamic faiths—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam trace their spiritual lineage to the God of Abraham, many within Christendom firmly assert that the God of the Bible is not the same as the God of the Quran. This belief stems from profound doctrinal differences, particularly regarding the nature of God, the divinity of Jesus Christ, and the concept of the Trinity. Today, we explore this complex and often controversial issue: Are these faiths united in their worship of the one true God, or do their divergent understandings point to fundamentally different deities?"

Shared Origins: The God of Abraham

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are often called the “Abrahamic religions” because they all recognize Abraham as a foundational figure of faith. Each tradition affirms belief in one eternal, all-powerful Creator who revealed Himself to humanity through prophets and scripture.

• Judaism worships YHWH, the God who made a covenant with Abraham and gave the Law to Moses.

• Christianity affirms the same God, but through the lens of the New Testament, where Jesus Christ is seen as the incarnate Son of God.

• Islam worships Allah, the Arabic word for God, and regards Abraham (Ibrahim) as a prophet, along with Moses (Musa) and Jesus (Isa), though not divine.

This shared foundation has led many to argue that the three faiths worship the same God just understood through different revelations.

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Theological Differences

Despite common roots, the way each religion understands and relates to God diverges sharply.

1. Christianity

   • Believes in one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

   • Affirms the divinity of Jesus Christ as central to salvation.

   • Views God as both transcendent and incarnate.

   
   

2. Islam

   • Stresses the concept of absolute monotheism (tawhid); God is singular, indivisible, and beyond comparison.

   • Denies the Trinity and the divine nature of Jesus.

   • Considers Jesus a prophet rather than the Son of God.

   
   

3. Judaism

   • Upholds a strict belief in the oneness of God, rejecting both the concept of the Trinity and the prophethood of Muhammad.

   • Awaits the arrival of the Messiah, who is not considered divine.

These doctrinal differences are not just theoretical, they influence how believers experience and worship God. For many Christians, Islam's and Judaism's rejection of Jesus' divinity signifies a fundamental deviation from the true nature of God.

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Philosophical and Interfaith Perspectives

Some scholars contend that, despite theological differences, the intention to worship the one true Creator fosters a significant spiritual connection. Miroslav Volf’s research at Yale examines this concept, proposing that shared worship is feasible when considered through ethical and relational perspectives rather than rigid doctrinal limits.

However, others warn that God cannot simultaneously be triune and non-triune, or incarnate and non-incarnate, implying that these represent not merely different interpretations of the same God, but entirely different gods.

So, Do They Worship the Same God?

The interpretation of "same" significantly affects the perceived relationship among the three major Abrahamic faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. If "same" refers to a common origin and monotheistic purpose, these religions share a fundamental commonality. They all trace their roots to Abraham and believe in a singular, omnipotent God, fostering a sense of unity through the worship of one God and adherence to a divinely ordained moral framework. However, when considering "same" in terms of identical characteristics, many adherents would disagree. Christianity's doctrine of the Trinity contrasts with Judaism's strict emphasis on God's oneness and Islam's focus on God's absolute singularity and uniqueness. This theological divergence invites exploration of how individuals of different faiths engage with each other despite differing beliefs about God's nature and revelation, prompting reflection on truth and its implications for interactions.

A Christian Reflection: What I Believe

As a Christian, I believe that Muslims, Jews, and Christians all seek to worship the one true God—the God of Abraham. This shared spiritual heritage is significant and offers a foundation for respectful dialogue and mutual understanding. However, our relationships with God differ profoundly. For Christians, God is fully revealed in the person of Jesus Christ, whose divinity is central to our faith and our understanding of salvation. As Jesus Himself declared in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This is not merely a theological claim—it is the cornerstone of Christian belief. We affirm that salvation and reconciliation with God are found only through Jesus Christ, who is both Savior and Lord.

While Islam and Judaism also revere the God of Abraham, they reject the divinity of Jesus and the Christian understanding of His role in salvation. Islam regards Jesus as a prophet, not the Son of God, and denies His crucifixion and resurrection. Judaism does not accept Jesus as the Messiah and continues to await His coming. These differences are not minor—they represent fundamentally opposing views on who God is and how He relates to humanity. Yet, even in disagreement, I believe that acknowledging our shared pursuit of the divine can foster compassion, humility, and a commitment to truth. As Christians, we are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), holding fast to the gospel while engaging others with grace and respect.

Conclusion

Engaging in meaningful discussions about different belief systems in these times that we live in is valuable. It allows us to explore mutual human longings like the search for meaning, moral guidance, and belonging and reveals shared values such as compassion, justice, and love that can unite people across traditions. At the same time, understanding doctrinal differences is essential. As a Christian, I believe that while many seek the divine, true reconciliation with God comes only through Jesus Christ, who said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). This conviction shapes how I approach interfaith dialogue: with clarity about my faith and compassion for others. Respectful engagement with other beliefs not only deepens my understanding of Christianity but also fosters empathy, breaks down stereotypes, and encourages mutual respect. Ultimately, such conversations can strengthen both personal faith and societal harmony when rooted in truth and love.

Thanks for reading! I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this topic.

Yours in the Faith

Margaret (MKO)