1. BELIEF AND KNOWLEDGE -
   REVELATION - HOLY SCRIPTURES

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“Since I have started reading the Bible, one question preoccupies me: How can it be possible what the Old Testament itself says, namely, that Lot’s daughters made their father drunk and slept with him and conceived children? Or is there another explanation for this event?
In explaining why the daughters had to take this step, it is pointed out that were no more potent men to be found in the city. However, it is also reported that, following the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham saw the smoke rising from the burned-out cities. Why then did Lot’s daughters commit this so clearly hideous sin? And how can a prophet be involved in such a hideous sin?” (TR)

27

3

“Why do large part of the Gospels (I assume that "of the Bible“ is meant here) read like a history book?” (TR)

39

4

The Gospels are distinguished through their beautiful language and content. But how are we to understand and interpret the many verses in the Old Testament which contain violence (e.g. Deuteronomy 13:15; Exodus 32:27)? (TR)

47

5

Prophets are sent by God and shall also be examples. But if one reads the stories of David and Solomon, it becomes clear that both have committed grave sins. How can these persons be prophets? (TR)

48

5

If I can prove to you that your Bible is no longer valid under Allah, who created me and you, would you accept and even convert to Islam?(DE)

53

6

If today’s Christianity is the truth, why are there four different gospels? (TR)

60

7

It is said that the number of about 100 different gospels [which were recognized at that time] were reduced to four at a Council in Nicea. Is this true, and if so, how can we be sure that today’s gospels are authentic? (TR)

64

7

John 1:18 states, that no one has seen God. However, in the Old Testament there are several verses claiming exactly the opposite (Genesis 17:1; 18:1, Exodus 6:3; 24:10; Amos 9:1, etc.). How do you explain this contradiction? (TR)

78

9

Genesis 11:5: “The Lord came down to see the city and the tower that the men had built.“ Is your Lord short sighted, so that he cannot see from Heaven and has to climb down from it? (TR)

79

9

What is your view on evolution theory? (TR)

85

10

Why does Jesus curse the fig tree? What can be the guilt of a simple tree? (TR)

88

10

Why did Jesus not ask for His message and teachings to be written down? (TR)

93

10

Many of the details are written down differently in the Gospels. If the same Spirit inspired the writers, why is the details inspired differently? (TR)

94

10

Why do you not accept the Gospel of Barnabas? (TR)

96

11

In the answer to Question 94, you write: “The biblical writers also included myths from others in their books or even devised some themselves.” However, this is rejected in the Gospels (2 Pet 1:16). How do you explain this? (TR)

105

12

What do you think about the so-called Thomas Gospel? (TR)

118

13

Where is the primary, original Gospel that was given to Jesus? (TR)

131

14

Some priests believe that the Incil (Gospel or the entire New Testament) is not entirely trustworthy. What do you think? (TR)

140

15

2. DIVINITY OF JESUS CHRIST AND THE INCARNATION

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“Let us assume that Christians do not believe in three Gods? But where does the divinity of the Messiah come from? Can a man – developed in the womb of a woman, breast fed like every child, raised like every child – become or be God? Is this compatible with God’s greatness and transcendence?” (TR)

12

1

You also explain that God is unreachable for people, or transcendent. If Jesus is God, then how would God remain unreachable for people, or remain transcendent? But how, in your opinion, can Jesus as well as the Holy Spirit be God since you speak of one God and not three? Had God cloned himself?” (TR)

19

1

“What did your Messiah whom you call God, say? How many Gods do you have? Who is it, this Messiah is God next to? The way you describe it, it is not clear whether he (the Messiah) is a lawyer or God. “Who will condem? It is Christ [Jesus] who died, rather, was raised, who is also at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us (Romans 8:34; see also Hebrews 7:25). "My children, I am writing this to you so that you may not commit sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one" (1John 2:1). (TR)

45

5

What do the Jews think about Jesus´ birth? If He is seen as a child born outside marriage, then why wasn't Mary stoned to death and thrown out of the Temple together with all her family? Why was this Jesus as an adult so held in such high esteem by the Pharisees that he was allowed to teach in the Temple and speak to thousands of people and was called Rabbi and Master by the people? Did he conceal his real identity? Did no one recognize who he was? How can these questions be explained with help of the existing Gospels? (DE)

55

6

On your website it says in Chapter 2, The Divinity of Jesus, The 2^nd Muslim View: in Detail: Section 3, Line 1: “Jesus, whose coming was announced by John the Baptist (Yahyá), was born from the virgin Mary without a human father.“ How do you know that it was Yahyá (Peace be with him) who brought Jesus (Peace be with him) this message, whereas the Qu’ran in Sura 3:39 speaks of angels who brought Zakariyya a message from God? (DE)

69

8

Can God die? When Jesus died on the cross, did the part of Him that was God also die? (TR)

97

11

There are three characteristics which define God. 1- the ability to create 2- immortality 3- unending power. Which of these characteristics are also inherent in Jesus Christ? In your opinion, can someone like God be killed? (TR)

108

12

You claim that Jesus is the Son of God, because He has no father. The ancestor of all, Adam, also did not have a father. Is Adam therefore also a Son of God? (TR)

112

12

The Gospels tell of Jesus cursing a fig tree because it carried no figs. What kind of loving care is that? And how can Jesus, whom you consider to be the Son of God, experience hunger? (TR)

113

12

Did Jesus know in advance that Judas would betray him? If so, then why did He not defend Himself? (TR)

128

14

Did Christians fail to understand or even to recognise Jesus, so that they were still arguing over his nature in 325 AD? (TR)

133

14

Why did Jesus cry out on the cross: “My God, why have you forsaken me?” if he himself is God? (TR)

151

16

How can people say Jesus is the son of God, is there any proof of this in the Bible? (EN)

158

16

In the 1st letter of St John a person who does not recognize that Jesus is the Son of God is called the Antichrist. Are all Muslims Antichrists? (TR)

170

17

Did Jesus have brothers? There is one instance where the Gospels say “your brothers are outside”. (TR)

172

17

3. CROSS - SIN - REDEMPTION

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“According to your belief, Satan brought chaos to God’s plan for humanity. God forbid! Does that mean that the will of Satan has overcome the will of God? Would not such a view contradict the dignity and magnitude of God?” (TR)

5

1

“Even if God created Satan and made him superior to humanity (and allowed him to lead people into temptation), God still gave human beings some powers to resist Satan. Did God really find no other way to save humanity except to become a human being himself?” (TR)

6

1

“How can a sensible person understand that, in order to forgive sin, God leads humanity ever deeper into sin finally even to the point of becoming God’s killer, Do Abraham’s children receive forgiveness by killing their God? Why then does God demand prayer and obedience? Why then does God set up commandments for humanity?”. (TR)

7

1

“Would it not be more appropriate if, instead of God himself (in the form of Jesus Christ) fighting Satan, he would leave this to humanity?” (TR)

8

1

“Life’s order in this world is based on humanity taking responsibility for its deeds. Is it not strange that salvation for all people should be accomplished by one person’s suffering for all?” (TR)

9

1

“Let us assume that every person carries sin within himself since birth. Will not God, the merciful Lord, not simply forgive him of this sin? ” (TR)

10

1

“If the crucifixion was the will of your God, should He then not thank the Jews and Pontius Pilate? What do the terms, such as ‘peuple déicide’ (people that killed God), ‘peuple maudit’ (cursed race), ‘peuple reprouvé’ (thrown out of grace) that fill the entire Christian history show? What is the main reason why the term ‘déicide’ has found a place in Western language?” (TR)

15

1

“You claim that every person is born afflicted with original sin. Let us assume for now that that this is correct. In Jesus, reparation came about for the sins of all or Jesus paid the ransom fee for the sins of all people. By the way: What happens here to the responsibility of the individual? Be that as it may: if Jesus, by his death and resurrection, has paid for all sins, will all children who are born now still be born with original sin? If yes, then what use is Jesus [as redeemer] actually?” (TR)

21

2

“Can someone who has come to believe in Jesus Christ lose their salvation again?” (TR)

25

2

“If I understand correctly, the protestants claim that Jesus has forgiven you all your sins and that he has promised you the Kingdom of Heaven. This would mean that you could now commit as many sins as you like, be as evil as you wish, because you have already been saved. How can it be possible to believe in this teaching in the Gospels? Could you not be wrong here? Do the Gospels really teach a faith which encourages people to commit sins? What is your view about this? (For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from you; it is the gift of God; it inot from works, so n one may boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).“ (TR)

44

5

In chapter 9 you mention the concept of "Liberation Theology“. What does this mean and who are its proponents? (DE)

67

8

Why did the Jews not accept Jesus and still do not accept him now? (TR)

83

9

Is it logical to forgive sins every 25 years? Would anyone then fear sinning? (TR)

120

13

Do you still forgive sins in return for alms or financial donations as was the custom during the building of Saint Peter’s Cathedral? (TR)

121

13

Will all those who are not Christians go to hell? (TR)

167

17

4. MUHAMMAD - PROPHET: EVEN FOR CHRISTIANS?

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of the Question

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Do you recognize Islam and Muhammad? If the answer is yes, which is the final religion, Christianity or Islam? If your answer is “Islam”, do you then declare Christianity as over, i.e. should not all Christians convert to Islam? (TR)

46

5

Do many Christians in authorized ministry recognize Mohammed as the true prophet? And what is your view about this? (TR)

157

16

5. GOD, THE TRINITY

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How can one connect the Christian belief in the Holy Trinity and the belief in the unity of God, which is so clearly witnessed in the Old Testament, without getting tied up in contradictions?” (TR)

1

1

“The Son of God was not created but born and nevertheless the Son is not after the Father? Is there significance and an explanation for this belief?” (TR)

2

1

How can the formulation of Christian teaching “one nature in three person and three persons in one nature’’ be reasonable?” (TR)

3

1

“What are the specific tasks of each of the elements (that is, each of the three “persons”) of the Holy Trinity, according to the Christian faith?” (TR)

4

1

“What is there to say about the belief of the early Christians, who were not familiar with the formulation of the dogma of the Holy Trinity. Was their belief recognised as legitimate?” (TR)

11

1

“Two thousand years ago, Hz. Isa (Jesus)did not exist. Can one add something to God later? Is God also so weak and helpless that He can be crucified by humans? Also, there are verses in the Gospels that show that Jesus was not willing to be crucified. (see Mt 27:46)” (TR)

13

1

“The term ‘Holy Trinity’ causes also the following problem: How would it have been possible for one of the three divine persons to leave [the Holy Trinity], to enter Maria’s womb, to mix with this mortal world and to assume the human form? For, if God were a trinity then it would not be possible for only one of the three of the trinity to come down to earth separately.” (TR)

14

1

“If Trinity is God’s nature, then the characteristics (or distinguishing features) of humanity, created in God’s likeness, must also resemble the Trinity of God. What are these characteristics (or distinguishing features)? In other words: What is it that makes humanity resemble God” (TR)

22

2

“Throughout the Old Testament it is said that God was one, not a person, absolutely no one was at his side. The term Trinity is used for the first time by Tertullian [African Church Father (ca. 160 – ca. 225)] in the year 200 after Christ. Can you show any point in the Old Testament that contains, or even makes only a reference to, the term Trinity.” (TR)

23

2

“I have a question regarding the interpretation of the Holy Spirit. This was apparently understood differently by the Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church: The Roman Catholic Church apparently says that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the father and the son. The Orthodox Church apparently says that the Holy Spirit comes only from the father. This belief apparently played a major role in the conflicts regarding the true doctrine in AD 1054. The Orthodox Church said that the Gospel supported its point of view: “When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who comes from Father, he will testify on my behalf.” (John 15:26). How do you explain this statement from the Gospel?” (TR)

26

2

“In response to Question 4 you write: ‘It is a unity that is realised in its variety and a variety that is moving towards unity’. There is variety and still there is also unity, diversity and also equality. How can that b possible?” (TR)

31

3

“What did your Messiah whom you call God, say? How many Gods do you have? Who is it, this Messiah is God next to? The way you describe it, it is not clear whether he (the Messiah) is a lawyer or God. “Who will condem? It is Christ [Jesus] who died, rather, was raised, who is also at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us (Romans 8:34; see also Hebrews 7:25). "My children, I am writing this to you so that you may not commit sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one" (1John 2:1). (TR)

45

5

If God is present always and everywhere, how can He be independent of space and time? (TR)

82

9

In the Gospels Jesus says: “And whoever who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven; but whoever speaks against the holy Spirit will not be forgiven....“ (Matthew 12:32). Is the Spirit greater than the Son? Are they not all of the same being? (TR)

90

10

Can God make mistakes, which of God’s attributes are an expression of the fact that God can make and forget mistakes? (DE)

104

12

Has God given over some of his authority (forgiveness of sins, resurrection of the dead, the Last Judgement) to Jesus? (TR)

122

14

Can God regret? (TR)

124

14

In the Gospel Jesus says that the Holy Spirit comes from the Father, as the Orthodox say. The Catholics say something else in this regard. Who knows best: Jesus or the Pope? (TR)

145

15

6. CHURCH - SACRAMENTS -
   ADMIRATION OF MARY AND SAINTS

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“In the book it says, ‘Believers of different religions should try to identify those issues on which a shared, believing witness is possible, together with a genuine search for unity, in humble submission to God’s will.(Chapter: Religious pluralism, Christian responses, at the end of the first paragraph)
I would like to ask the author: How can people who have entirely differently or even CONTRARY teachings regarding God or Gods, as the case may be, form one unity? And ignoring that for a moment: How can they obey a teaching that lacks unity, that is, that is contradictory within itself. Where does true UNITY exist?” (TR)

16

1

“In the book it says, For believers, Christian or Muslim, human beings are the creation of ‘God’s hand’, formed after his likeness and destined to return to him.’ (Chapter: The Heart of Christianity, Christian Perspectives 2. Christianity as the Way to Human Fulfilment).
According to this sentence, all people will return to God. That undermines the clarity, for where does this return lead to: heaven or hell? The next sentence then says:’ For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. (Rom 8:19–25; Sure 81; 82; 99; 101). This common vocation establishes also the fundamental equality of all people across all differences in race, social position and religion’.
Now I would ask the author, why Jesus described himself in the following verses as THE ONLY WAY. Does Jesus mean in Jn 14,6: all paths lead to God?” (TR)

17

1

“Can you point out a baptism in the Gospel that was made in the name of the Trinity? All baptisms were made in the name of Jesus the Messiah (Christ).” (TR)

24

2

“Where and what is Christendom and why was the concept needed?” (TR)

34

4

“Who is the "Black Mary“? (TR)

37

4

”What kind of religion is Christianity, in view to the fact that Protestants don’t recognize Catholics as Christians and claim, Catholics will go to hell. And this, although Protestants and Catholics believe in the same prophet and the same gospels! Does your scripture not teach you about tolerance? Are views like the ones mentioned not cruel and without compassion? Will only Protestants go to Heaven? Can those teachings be found in your Holy Scriptures?” (TR)

42

5

”Could you please briefly summarize your view of Protestant Christians? According to Catholic teaching, are they condemned to go to hell?” (TR)

43

5

How does one become a Christian? (TR)

52

6

In Matthew 16:18 Jesus calls Peter the rock on which He would build His church and even says that He would give him the key to the Kingdom of Heaven.... But only a few verses on Jesus says to Peter: „Get behind me, Satan!“ What am I to believ