The Myth:
In keeping with the tolerant religion of Islam, Muslims have great respect for the Jesus found in the Bible.
The Truth:
The Jesus of the Quran is the same character, but not the same person. He doesn't say the same things, nor does he do much except refute Christian beliefs and affirm Muhammad's claims about himself. He is a character of convenience.
The Quran agrees with the Bible about the virgin birth of Jesus (and his return), but not his resurrection. In fact, it even denies that he was crucified, which runs counter to all historical evidence. In the Islamic version, Jesus was taken to heaven and will return to "destroy the cross" and all religions other than Islam.
While Jesus of the New Testament says things like "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" the Quran's Jesus says "blessed was I on the day I was born" (from the crib as an infant, no less - 19:29-33). It is an unrealistic portrait devoid of human depth.
The Quran was narrated by Muhammad, and conveniently asserts his role as a prophet of Allah with mind-numbing redundancy. Any mention of previous Biblical figures, such as Moses and Jesus, is almost always within the context of association with Muhammad. These 'fellow prophets' speak superficially, making the same claim that Muhammad makes about himself and castigating anyone who doesn't believe.
By contrast, the New Testament provides rich historical and biographical detail about Jesus, detailing episodes that relate kindness, compassion and profound moral character. The Quran's version of Jesus says little more than that he was Muhammad's predecessor. He offers no great life lessons and speaks in only about six places:
Quran 61:6 - Jesus said, "O Children of Israel! I am the messenger of Allah (sent) to you, confirming the Law (which came) before me, and giving Glad Tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad."
Quran 5:116 - Allah will say: "O Jesus the son of Mary! Didst thou say unto men, worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of Allah'?" He will say: "Glory to Thee! never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, thou wouldst indeed have known it. Thou knowest what is in my heart."
See (3:49-50, 5:112, 5:114, 19:30-33, 43:63) for the rest.
Notice that in 5:116, Muhammad conjures up a future conversation in which Allah will ask Jesus if he told people to worship him (and his mother, Mary) as gods, and Jesus denies that he could ever say such a thing. This is sophomoric - sort of like playing with sock-puppets. It is also significant that Muhammad confuses Mary as a member of the Trinity (he also mistakenly thought she was the sister of Aaron).
Muslims who say that Islam is respectful of Jesus and Christianity are taking the 40,000 foot view. What they really mean is that the character of Jesus is mentioned in the Quran as a prophet... which isn't all that meaningful. In truth, Islam does not respect the Jesus of the Bible, the Christian faith or even Christians. It is hostile to all three.
What Muslim apologists won't tell you is that the Quran specifically labels Christians as blasphemers (5:17 , 5:72) who invent a lie about Allah (10:68-69) - the worst of crimes - and will thus suffer in Hell. While they are in Hell, good Muslims, presumably including Jesus, will mock them while they are being tortured and ask where "their Lord" is (22:19-22).
Imagine how "respected" Muslims would feel by the portrayal of Muhammad as a simple character who denies the central claim of Islam (his status as a prophet) and instead says, "Lo, I am not a messenger, but just one who worships Jesus" Say the account goes on to teach that Muslims are horrible people who are going to Hell where they will be mocked by Christians and Muhammad himself...
Would Muslims feel respected by this? Neither would they claim that anyone propagating the story "believes" in Muhammad. Neither do they believe in the real Jesus.
