As a former Muslim and now a Christian conservative, I have faced many of the same questions and doubts that you raise here. My journey from Islam to Christianity was one of seeking truth, grappling with difficult theological questions, and finding profound answers in the Gospel. Let me address these 13 questions, one by one, from a biblical and Christian perspective, while drawing from my own personal transformation.
1. The Bible and Alleged Errors, Contradictions, and Immoral Laws
The Bible is not a humanly written history textbook, but the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16). While there are claims of contradictions or historical inaccuracies, these often stem from misunderstandings or misinterpretations. Biblical scholarship, archaeology, and careful hermeneutics have consistently shown the reliability of Scripture. Furthermore, much of the so-called "immorality" in the Bible is contextualized by understanding the redemptive narrative of God—God's law was revealed progressively, pointing humanity toward the ultimate moral example, Christ. What may seem immoral in the Old Testament reflects a particular time and culture; Christ fulfilled and transcended the law (Matthew 5:17).
2. Why Did God Have a Son?
God, in His infinite wisdom, sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to fully reveal Himself to humanity (John 1:14). It is not about physical procreation, as you suggest. Instead, it’s about relationship. The "Sonship" of Jesus is not biological; it's a relational term within the Trinity to explain Christ's unique role. God chose Jesus, as the only begotten Son, to bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. It’s the only "deal" because God’s plan is perfect, and His purpose for sending Christ was to offer salvation to the world (John 3:16).
3. Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane and the Cross
Jesus' plea, “Into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46), and His prayer in Gethsemane show His dual nature as fully God and fully man. He experienced the same human emotions, including sorrow, yet submitted to the Father's will. This moment reflects both His humanity and His submission to God's redemptive plan for mankind. Jesus' prayer in Matthew 26:39 reveals His desire to align His human will with the Father's will, emphasizing the importance of obedience even in suffering.
4. Prostration in Prayer
Indeed, Jesus did prostrate Himself in prayer (Matthew 26:39), but Christian prayer is not restricted to one posture. What matters is the heart’s attitude, not the body’s position. The Bible shows people praying in various ways—standing, sitting, kneeling (Ephesians 6:18, 1 Timothy 2:8). The focus is on the sincerity of faith rather than replicating physical gestures.
5. The Trinity Explained
The Trinity is indeed a mystery, but it is essential to the Christian faith. Jesus declared that He and the Father are one (John 10:30). God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are distinct yet one in essence. Jesus did say, "The Father is the only true God" (John 17:3), but this does not negate His own divinity. Jesus' mission on earth was to point to the Father, and the Trinity reveals different aspects of the one true God.
6. Jesus' Mission and the Gentiles
Jesus did initially focus His ministry on the Jews because they were the chosen people of God through whom the Messiah was to come. However, His message was always meant to reach beyond the Jewish people. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations. The interaction with the Canaanite woman (Matthew 15:21-28) demonstrated that the Gospel would eventually reach the Gentiles as well, fulfilling God's broader plan.
7. Jesus' Cry on the Cross
When Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46), He was quoting Psalm 22, a prophetic Psalm that describes the suffering of the Messiah. Jesus was identifying with humanity's separation from God due to sin. His cry expresses the weight of the world’s sin placed upon Him as He took our punishment. But even in this moment, Jesus remained obedient, fulfilling God’s plan of salvation.
8. Why Did Jesus Reject Being Called 'Good'?
In Luke 18:19, Jesus said, "Why do you call me good? No one is good—except God alone." This was not a denial of His own divinity, but a challenge to the man’s understanding of goodness. Jesus was pointing the man to God’s ultimate standard of goodness, redirecting the conversation to true faith and repentance.
9. The Trinity and Christ’s Divinity
God is indeed three-in-one, simultaneously Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While Jesus was on earth, He was fully God and fully man (Philippians 2:6-8). This is a mystery, but it reflects God’s nature—able to operate in distinct persons yet remain one essence. The incarnation does not limit God's omnipresence, nor does it reduce Christ's divinity during His earthly ministry.
10. Why Didn’t Jesus Teach the Trinity Explicitly?
Jesus didn’t explicitly use the term "Trinity," but He clearly taught the triune nature of God. For example, in Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The doctrine of the Trinity was formalized in later theological discussions, but its foundation is deeply biblical.
11. The Letter 'J' and the Name of Jesus
The name "Jesus" comes from the Greek "Iēsous," a transliteration of the Hebrew "Yeshua" (Joshua). While it’s true that the letter "J" did not exist until later in history, the meaning and identity of Jesus are not dependent on linguistic changes. The essence of who Christ is transcends language.
12. God’s Justice and Sacrifice
God is perfectly just, and justice requires payment for sin. Jesus’ sacrifice was necessary because humanity could not pay the price on its own. The sacrifice of Christ was not about God needing something, but about His love and mercy for us (Romans 5:8). Jesus took upon Himself the punishment we deserved, satisfying divine justice while offering salvation freely.
13. The Necessity of Christ’s Sacrifice
Jesus' death was not a mere "murder" but the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan (Acts 2:23). It was a divine act of love and justice. Through the cross, Jesus bore the penalty of sin, offering forgiveness to all who believe. Without this sacrifice, there would be no reconciliation between God and humanity (Isaiah 53:5-6).
In conclusion, these questions, while important, can be answered through deeper study of Scripture and theological reflection. Christianity is not about blind faith but is built upon the historical, spiritual, and logical truth revealed in Christ. My personal journey from Islam to Christianity is a testimony to the power of these answers. The Gospel is not irrational—it is the ultimate demonstration of God’s love and justice.
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