Christianity and Islam: What Shared Values for Enhanced Religious Harmony and Global Stability

Abstract:

Violent activities of extremist groups like ISIS, Al Shabab and Boko Haram are at the center of contemporary threat to global peace and religious harmony. They put Christian populations under tension. These activities help to sustain the impression that Islam is a violent religion especially against Christianity. Erroneous as this image is, it is difficult to erase it from the minds of many Christians and even moderate Muslims especially those that have been victims of religiously instigated violence. This paper seeks to identify enduring and shared values of both religions such as charity and love of neighbor at the heart of a shared humanity accepted and propagated by both religions. It is argued therefore that projected as core values of both religions, inter-religious dialogue and harmony are achievable in the interest of global peace and stability.