Monotheism in the Qur'an and in the New Testament: comparative theological explorations of the role of prophets and the covenants

Abstract

This thesis compares two variants of monotheism: the oneness of God in the New Testament and the oneness of God in the Qur'an.By demonstrating a diversity in the theological schools that deal with the oneness of God, it establishes the fact that in both scriptures the oneness is a complex teaching that is linked to the concepts of prophethood and covenants.Then by analyzing the character of God seen in the covenants and prophetic teachings of both scriptures, it juxtaposes YHWH in Jesus Christ with Allah of the Qur'an.Allah and God in Christ significantly overlap, but they also have significant differences stemming from the concept of the oneness described in each sacred text; in the New Testament the Eucharist adds a sacramental layer to the Shema, the oneness of God inherited from the Hebrew Bible.This thesis also argues that Jesus Christ could in some significant sense be seen as a Muslim, and his submission to God contributes to God's oneness and humans' oneness with God.Accordingly, the first chapter is devoted to a review of the literature (addressing concerns of methodology) and a survey of the theological schools.This chapter also demonstrates the connection between the concepts of the oneness of God, prophets, and covenants.The second chapter focuses on the character of the one and only God as it is filtered through the prophetic teachings and covenants in the scriptures.Here the Eucharistic oneness is established as the uniquely Christian oneness of God, highlighting certain disparate implications to God's character.The third chapter III addresses how as prophets, Muhammad and Jesus relate to the oneness of God in the context of the prophetic series.Moreover, in this chapter their submission to God and the resulting implications for the oneness of God are explored too. IV Table of ContentsIntroduction..1 Review of Literature on the Oneness of God, Prophethood and Covenants..3 Methodological Concerns...8 Chapter 1 -Monotheism in the Qur'an and in the New Testament.12Theological Conceptualizations of the Oneness of God in the New Testament and in the Qur'an.12 The Oneness of God and Scriptural Teachings on Covenants and Prophets23 Implications: Tawhid vs. Fulfillment of OT Promises in God Incarnate...36