We have seen that Muslims reject the divinity of Christ. Many Americans would nonetheless say that we all worship the same God, since "truth" is what you define it to be. This is "postmodernism," the idea that all truth is relative and subjective. Three "isms" have sprouted from this root.

Yesterday we noted the postmodern mantra of our day: all religions worship the same God, so just be sincere in your faith and tolerant of mine. Let's test that thesis first with Sunnis and Shiites. Have you wondered what makes them different?

Tragedy has struck again in Baghdad. Today's New York Times reports that a truck exploded yesterday in a square bordered by a large Shiite mosque just as worshipers were finishing midday prayers. More than eighty were killed and 200 wounded. Were those in the mosque praying to the same God you and I pray to today?

For several days we've explored the Muslim faith and worldview, focusing more on what we need to know than all we could know about this vast and complex subject. Let's close by discussing the essential differences between Islam and Christianity, and focus on ways to share Christ with those who follow Islam.

On Friday we surveyed the "five pillars of Islam" and mentioned the sixth, declaration of "jihad." The word in Arabic means "struggle in God's way" or "struggle to improve self and society." The word can be employed to describe the effort to live a virtuous life. It can refer to the fight against injustice and oppression. And it can be used to describe armed conflict in defense of Islam.

Salvation in Islam involves submission to the sovereign will of God, along with an almost dominating emphasis on the necessity of good works. These words are detailed in the "five pillars of Islam" found in the Qur'an.

What is the relation of Islam to Christianity? Because Islam began in the Middle East subsequent to Christianity, it has always had some reference to Christian faith. Islam's holy book, the Qur'an, maintains this reference to Christianity, speaking specifically of Jesus and the Christian religion.

Islam means "peace" or "surrender." A "Muslim" is a follower of Islam and worshiper of "Allah," the Arabic word for "God." The movement was founded by Muhammad (A.D. 570-632), in the midst of religious pluralism, idolatry, and division among his Arab people in Mecca and the Arabian peninsula.

A Muslim imam opened the U.S. Senate with prayer for the first time on February 6, 1992; in June of 1991 an imam opened the House with prayer for the first time as well. Islam is a fact of life in America, and will be significant to our society for generations to come.

For our first summer series, let's think together about Islam and its significance for the global conflicts which are in the news every day. My purpose is not to tell you all you could know about Muslims, but what you need to know to understand their growth and relevance today.