How Jesus Changed the World

Talk given at the Islamic Center of Minnesota on February 19, 2012

This talk was given at the monthly Muslim/Christian dialogue sponsored by the Islamic Center of Minnesota. On February 19 the topic was, How did Muhammad and how did Jesus change the world?

Strong reaction came in response to the section on pacifism. One liberal minded feminist objected to my so called “triumphantalist” claim that pacifism uniquely arose from Jesus and could have come no other religious system, in other words she objected to the claim of Jesus’ uniqueness.  What the question ignores is that  Jesus’ forgiveness for his countries enemies was the only time in history this has ever happened. While a peace advocacy is found in both Islam and Buddhism, the peace offered is is individual and personal- peace in the heart only, but ignores peace on earth, and unfortunately this is as far as most Christians go as well. The unique claim is that Jesus brought peace on earth when he, as king of the Jews, forgave the Romans and through his apostles invited them to join his movement. This was a moment of cosmic significance that laid the foundation for the universal peace which is coming for those are prepared to receive it.

Reaction also came re Jesus authority.  With regard to Jesus saying, “All authority on heaven and earth is given to me,” a Muslim responder insisted that Jesus had exactly the same authority as Mohammed, that of speaking for God. My answer is that the difference between the authority of Mohammed and the authority of Jesus is difference between the authority of a messenger and the authority of a prime minister. The prime minister sits at the emperor’s right hand and executes the will of the emperor. The full decision making authority of the emperor is invested as a trust in the prime minister’s person, as one who represents with 100% integrity the will of the emperor. The prophet, the messenger, is no more than a postal employee in comparison with the prime minister.