The Thin Line between Catholicism and Islam

H.G. Rezas's article titled Embracing Islam, Praying for Acceptance describes the transition that many Roman Catholic Latinos experienced when they decided to become Muslims. Kathy Espinoza mentioned that her transition from Catholicism to Islam was not difficult since both religions shared similar doctrines (Reza 2). The doctrinal dimension of a religion is made up of its core values and beliefs. In monotheistic religions such as Islam and Catholicism, their doctrines are based in the belief that God is the creator of the universe and is the one whom all humans depend on. Both religions believe in Jesus as a prophet, as well they accept the importance of the virgin Mary. The difference between their doctrines is that Catholics believe in the holy trinity. Islam, in contrast, rejects the idea that God was incarnated as human.

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, Catholicism's faith is based on the holy trinity. The word trinity, comes from "tri" meaning three and "unity" meaning one; Catholics believe that the Father God, the son, and the holy spirit are the same person. This doctrine comes clear when it interacts dialectically with the Catholic narrative dimension. For example in the Bible, one can find a description of the holy trinity; the book of John Chapter 15: 22, mentions, " When the Counselor has come, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will testify about me." This explains how God acquires three different forms without losing his essence. For Catholics rejecting the existence of the holy trinity is denying God's sacrifice on the cross and not accepting that his spirit is between us. However, many people questioned Catholicism since they believed that ...

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After practicing Ramadan, Latino Muslims also have learned about the narrative dimension of Islam, since during their prayers they used the Qur'an which is its sacred text. However many misconceptions about Islam cause Catholics to have fear about Islamic traditions without looking to the similarity between their doctrines. In the case of Latino Muslims it was more difficult to tell their families about their conversion to Islam rather than the transition between the two religions

Works Cited

Joyce, George. "The Blessed Trinity." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 15. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1912. 10 Nov. 2013

Molloy, Michael. "Islam." Experiencing the World's Religions. Sixth ed. Colorado: McGraw Hill, 1994. 418. Print.

Reza, H. G. "Embracing Islam, Praying for Acceptance." Los Angeles Time. Los Angeles Time, 29 Oct. 2005. Web. 10 Nov. 2013