True Christianity vs. Islam

Where Covenant Theology and Moral Practice Divide the Faiths

True Christianity vs. Islam

Where Covenant Theology and Moral Practice Divide the Faiths

The difference between true Christianity and true Islam is not a matter of opinion or sentiment—it is doctrinal, practical, and historical. Both religions make absolute truth claims, yet the results of following each to its logical and faithful conclusion could not be more different. One produces violence, coercion, and legalism; the other produces peace, voluntary obedience, and moral excellence grounded in hope and truth.

This article addresses the fundamental difference: when Islam is followed faithfully, it results in oppression and theocratic dominance. When Christianity is followed faithfully, it results in peaceful living, self-sacrifice, and hope of eternal life through Christ.

Islam and Its Theocratic End

A Muslim who obeys the Quran, the Hadith, and the example of Muhammad is commanded to subjugate or eliminate all opposition. The Quran’s commands to kill or subdue unbelievers, enforce Sharia law, and wage jihad are not fringe interpretations—they are core to Islamic doctrine.

The fruit of Islamic theocracies confirms this reality:

• Apostates are executed.

• Non-Muslims are second-class citizens.

• Women's rights are suppressed.

• Freedom of religion does not exist.

When Islam is practiced as it was revealed, its result is authoritarian rule, religious oppression, and violence. Even moderate Islamic societies that reject this outcome do so by not fully implementing the tenets of Islam.

Christianity and the Covenant Model

In contrast, Christianity operates under a covenant model—not coercion, not civil law, but voluntary submission to God through Christ. A Christian is defined by covenant and continued obedience.

A person is not a Christian just because he claims the name, wears the label, or admires the moral teachings of Jesus. Nor is he a Christian because of cultural tradition or national identity. A Christian is someone who:

1. Believes in Jesus Christ as the Son of God (John 8:24).

2. Repents of sin (Luke 13:3).

3. Confesses faith in Christ (Romans 10:10).

4. Is baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16).

5. Is added by God to the church (Acts 2:47).

6. Continues in faithful obedience to Christ’s commandments (Revelation 2:10, John 8:31).

This covenant model is built on God's terms—not man’s opinion or societal norms.

Christian Worship and Doctrine

Worship under the New Covenant is also not a matter of human preference. It is prescribed and consistent:

• Singing, offering the sacrifice of praise, making melody in the heart (Ephesians 5:19; Hebrews 13:15).

• Prayer offered to God through Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

• The Lord’s Supper observed every first day of the week (Acts 20:7).

• Giving as one has been prospered (1 Corinthians 16:2).

• Preaching and Teaching the doctrine of Christ (2 Timothy 4:2).

The New Testament defines the doctrine, the practice, and the worship of the church. There is no room for innovation. There is no room for cultural manipulation. Christians do not impose these practices on the world through civil law, but they uphold them within the church because they are ordained by Christ.

Where Theology and Practice Meet

Many misunderstand Christianity because they have only seen one half of it. Some see only the moral teachings of Jesus and assume anyone who lives a decent life is a Christian. Others see only the formal structure of the church and suppose that baptism or attendance alone defines Christianity.

Both are wrong.

Biblical Christianity lies where covenant theology and faithful obedience intersect:

• A Christian is one who has obeyed the gospel and entered into covenant with God.

• A Christian is one who continues to obey Christ in doctrine, worship, and life.

As John wrote, "Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments" (1 John 2:3).

Anticipating the “No True Scotsman” Fallacy

Some may object that this is simply redefining Christianity to exclude bad behavior and bad actors. That objection falls flat. Christianity is not defined by personal interpretation. It is revealed truth, given by God, and preserved in the New Testament. One cannot redefine Christianity any more than one can redefine mathematics. You are either following the doctrine of Christ or you are not (2 John 9).

Islam, when followed faithfully, results in theocracies, violence, and suppression.

Christianity, when followed faithfully, results in:

• Peace with enemies (Romans 12:18).

• Love for those who hate us (Matthew 5:44).

• Submission to governing authorities (Romans 13:1).

• Personal holiness and good works (Titus 2:11-14).

• Hope of eternal life (Titus 1:2).

The Fruit of Each System

Jesus said, “Ye shall know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). The fruits of Islam and Christianity are not the same.

When Islam is practiced faithfully:

• Apostasy is punishable by death.

• Unbelievers are subjugated or eliminated.

• Governments enforce religious conformity.

• Women are denied basic rights.

When Christianity is practiced faithfully:

• Persecution is endured, not inflicted (2 Timothy 3:12).

• Enemies are loved and prayed for (Luke 6:27).

• Worship is given voluntarily to God (John 4:24).

• Good is done to all men, especially the household of faith (Galatians 6:10).

Conclusion

True Christianity is not found in name only or ethical living alone. It is a system of faith rooted in the New Covenant, accessed through obedience to the gospel, and sustained by faithfulness in life, doctrine, and worship.

Islam demands submission through force.

Christianity invites submission through the cross.

The difference could not be clearer. The issue is not extremism. It is fidelity to the respective texts.

One path leads to temporal tyranny.
The other leads to eternal life.