Catholicism and Islam

Both Roman Catholicism and Islam are similar in some ways. Both are major western religions. The way in which they function as a moral standard for the people who share the beliefs are very similar to each other. Many of their religious beliefs and practices are the same; they both believe in a single god. Both Islam and Catholicism share the beliefs that you must submit to only one god. This god sees and knows everything. He passes judgment. In these ways Islam is similar to Christianity.

Catholicism and Islam contrast more than they show similarity. Catholicism is more oriented towards everyone because it gives women and minorities the same rights as men, it allows them to actively participate. Whereas Islam is geared towards a more patriarchal society; women were considered the property of men. Another difference is that Christianity became popular during a time of social, political, and religious conflict. Islam arose during a relatively stagnant period in history. Christianity was a religion that appealed to everyone: Jews and gentiles; men and women; rich and poor.

Jesus claimed to be the messiah; he taught his ideas peacefully, he did not believe that anyone should be forced to believe him. During the crusades, however, many Christians would kill any Muslims they found, sometimes torture and even eat them. Ironically, Mohammed was visited by the angel Gabriel, he did not claim to be anything higher than anyone else. He was involved in raiding caravans and was quite forceful in promoting his views - he took the city of Mecca and did what he thought