#But yes !! this is non-negotiable and i stand firmly in the belief that no god would ever recognize him as he is now

[bcneheaded]

hello good morning ! I've added a thing to the rules jsyk - it's not because of anyone dw dw, but just figured I should mention as it is entirely likely that Artemis will run across greek deities or gods in general (the thing i added below the cut for ya!)

[rip66613]

Cora Part 1

TRIGGER WARNING: Religion and illness

Prologue

He was going insane. Sam lay in bed, glaring across the room at the two people who claimed to be on his side. He wished they could understand his pain.

The small stone house was chilly, but Sam was sweating under the piles of blankets they had put on him. His blond hair was plastered against the back of his neck, and he was frustrated by the itch of the woolen tunic; he’d been wearing it for five days straight.  Though his ice-blue eyes blazed with fury, he had no power to do anything.

“He keeps getting worse,” Cora choked, nervously winding and unwinding a strand of blond hair around her finger.

“How much do you think he understands?” Warren questioned, holding his leather-bound Bible to his chest.

All of it, you knobheads! I'm still Sam! he tried to say, but all that came out was: "Uhl! Knohea! Thill than!"

   Cora cast a worried glance at the man on the bed. “He’s still Sam,” she said.

I know, but you seem to have forgotten. He wanted to say, but all that came out was mumbled gibberish.

   Warren and Cora turned away and spoke in low voices. Sam grunted, annoyed. Look at me! Talk to me! I'm still here! Sam tried to beg.

"I think we should send for a priest," Warren said, running his fingers along the edges of the yellowing paper.

No!

"You know he wouldn't want that," Cora said, brushing her hair behind her.

Thank you!

“God can heal all things,” Warren stated, ignoring Sam.  He gripped his Bible tightly as he spoke.

“Then why did he let Sam get sick in the first place?” she fired back.

Warren recoiled at her harsh tone. “God is love,” he said firmly.

Cora took a calming breath and fidgeted with her hair. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I know your faith means a lot to you.”

Warren straightened and looked down at Cora. “The Bible says God loves everyone.” he lectured. Warren looked at Sam lying helplessly in bed. Why isn’t He answering my prayers? Warren thought, looking at the heavy book in his hands. He bit his lip nervously. What if he dies before he comes to Jesus? The thought of Sam and Cora going to hell made him nauseous.  I have to have faith and keep loving them as God would want.

“I know you care about us,” Cora said, pulling Warren from his thoughts. She put a comforting hand on his arm. “We appreciate everything you have done, but we just don’t believe in God, especially after what happened.”

“Why not?” Warren snapped.

Cora withdrew her hand and clenched her jaw. “Because belief in God is what killed our mothers,” she said, gesturing to Sam. “Lord Holward had our mothers burned alive! He is one of the most ruthless and powerful people we know of, and he says everything he does is for God!"

“But that’s not of God!” Warren insisted. “It says in the Bible to love others because God loves us.”

Cora massaged her temples, blocking out Warren’s voice. “No one believes that. The church says non-believers should be killed and sent to hell. Just ask Lord Holward.”

Stop fighting! Sam tried to say. “Stu ightin!”

They paused and looked at Sam. "Let's go into the other room so he can sleep," Cora said.

Warren nodded in agreement.

What? No! I'm not tired! Talk to me! But as he tried to speak around his uncooperative tongue, his head spun from exhaustion. A tear rolled down his face onto the sweat-soaked pillow. Communicating would not be an option.

His soul strained against the confines of his body, but it was no use. It was making him tired.

Tears sprang to his eyes as he heard the door gently close.

Sam laid there angrily glaring at the ceiling while silent tears rolled onto the pillow.  

Chapter One

Cora shivered in the damp cell.

"They're going to be okay," she told herself as tears fell down her face. Talking made the space feel less empty. "Warren took a job on that farm, and Sam is getting better."

But he wasn’t getting better. Cora buried her face in her hands. Sharp pangs stabbed in her chest as she wept. "I'm so stupid!"

Her bony shoulders shook. She brushed her long, honey colored hair from her face and rested her head against the stone wall. "The next time I see the sun will be the last," she uttered. "I hope it's a nice day."

She took out the blue wooden spinning top in her pocket and spun it. The clattering it made against the stone floor comforted her.

She got it from her Sam and Warren for her 19th birthday. Sam had carved it from a block of wood, and Warren had painted it.

She smiled sadly as she remembered the day. They had gone into town and bought some sweets, then went home and spent the day playing ring toss.

She was brought out of her memory as the door opened at the top of the stairs, and a dark silhouette descended the steps. A man approached the bars and placed a torch in the sconce on the wall. He had copper curls to his brow, broad shoulders  and pale skin.

She froze when she saw his eyes. They were blood red, making him look like a demonic spirit in the torchlight. Cora was thankful for the thick metal bars between them.

"What are you?" Cora stammered, getting to her feet.

An amused smile twitched on his lips. "Hello to you too," he said in a husky Irish accent.

"What are you?" she asked again, pressing herself against the back wall.

The man chuckled. "You're the girl who angered Lord Holward," he said, eyeing her.

"It wasn't that hard," she replied.  "Who and what are you?"

“My name’s Ronan. Tell me what happened between you and Lord Holward,” he said smoothly.

She stayed quiet as she tried to form words. Piecing it together in a coherent narrative was difficult given her scattered thoughts. “Our friend,, Warren, and I were taking a trip to town with my brother, Sam,” She began. “He’s been sick. Some weeks he's bedridden, unable to speak, but other days, he can walk and even say a few words. We thought it would be nice to get out a bit. Sometimes Sam gets a little confused, and he bumped into Lord Holward.” She paused to gather her thoughts. “Lord Holward began screaming and raised his hand to hit Sam, so I ran in front and pushed him away.”

Ronan raised his brows, and his eyes widened.“You're tellin' me you put your hands on Lord Holward?” he emphasized.

Cora nodded. “He said I was foolish and that I’m going to die tomorrow," she said as if it were a matter of fact.

Ronan took a moment to wrap his head around what she had said. No one in their right mind touched a Holward like that. And she spoke of her death so casually. Humans weren’t known for going gracefully to their death.

"Ain’t that typical. People like him can get away with doin' terrible things, but when we slightly inconvenience them, our life is on the line!" Ronan ranted.

"It's disgusting," she said bitterly. The tiny bit of cordial conversation put her slightly at ease.

Ronan took a calming breath. "What's your name?" he asked.

"Cora."

"Cora, I've come to offer you a job," he said stiffly.

"A what?" she asked, going tense again.

"Standin' up to a Holward like that is quite impressive," he continued.

"Thanks," she muttered.

"You have two choices. Either come with me, or you can go have your head cut off in the town square tomorrow."

She eyed him suspiciously. Her stomach was in knots, but her curiosity won over her apprehension. "What's the job?" she asked, moving closer to the bars.

Ronan paused as he tried to think of how to word it. "I'm a vampire," he said bluntly, giving her a fanged smile.

A small gasp escaped as her hand flew to her mouth. She took a few quick steps back as her heart thundered in her chest.

He retracted his fangs. "Just listen. I'm not goin’ to hurt you," he said in a gentler tone.

She nervously fidgeted with her hair and nodded.

"The humans and vampires have an alliance. Only a handful of nobles are aware of this. Lord Nightwood allows us to stay at his castle in return for protection. We are at war with the werewolves. We're always lookin' for recruits to help out," Ronan explained.

"Werewolves?" she asked, arching a brow.

He nodded and showed his fangs again.

She went quiet, thinking. This is crazy. But maybe I could make it work in my favor. She confidently strode to the bars. "I'll only go with you if you help Sam," she said firmly.

Ronan smiled, extending his fangs again as he leaned on the bars. "Are you tryin' to negotiate with me?  You're not in a position to do that."

She forced herself to stand her ground and meet his terrifying gaze. "If you want me that bad, you're going to help my brother. If I'm not worth that to you, then I'll gladly die."

Ronan arched his brow, impressed at her boldness. He looked down as he mulled this over. Not only has she stood up to Lord Holward but now she’s giving me an ultimatum.    "Alright. If you come with me, I will do my best for your brother, and in return, you will be turned and fight alongside us."

"Deal," she said quickly before she could chicken out.

Ronan grinned. "You'll be out of here soon," he said, leaving.

***

As Ronan made his way through the maze of hallways, he passed a young woman with long brown hair. She was wearing a plain grey dress and carrying a small boy, who could have been no older than two. He was wrapped in a purple blanket. His head rested on her shoulder, sleeping peacefully.

The woman met Ronan's gaze and held the boy protectively against her. His eyes slowly inched open, and he gave a slight wave to Ronan before fluttering closed again.

"Come on, Quinn," the woman muttered, glancing nervously at Ronan as she hurried away.

"Lucky little shit," Ronan grumbled, looking around the elegant castle.

Quick footsteps echoed down the hall coming towards him. "Ronan!" Lord Nightwood barked, approaching him.

"Yes?”

“Holward has agreed to let us take her. Now let’s go before he sobers up.”

Ronan chuckled. “You got him drunk?”

“Perhaps,” Lord Nightwood said dismissively. “The carriage is waiting for you outside. I’ll start on my way.”

“Alright,” Ronan replied.

He made his way back to the dungeon. A guard with a large metal key was waiting for him.

Ronan paused at the top of the steps, looking at the girl curled up in the corner of the cell. He could clearly see her bones pressing against her skin. When was the last time she ate? He wondered.

There was a loud metal clunk as the guard opened the cell door. She slowly sat up.

Ronan appeared in the cell and offered his hand to help her to her feet. She looked at him apprehensively. He frowned. Her eyes were so pretty, but their minty green color would soon be replaced with bright red.

“Come on then,” he said, helping her up.

Her skin was ice cold. Ronan shrugged off his cloak and draped it over her shoulders. She froze, caught off guard at the kind gesture. "Thank you," she said slowly.

A few tears glistened in her eyes as she shook, terrified.

Ronan kept a firm arm around her as he led her out to a windowless carriage. A servant opened the door. Cora hesitated, but Ronan gently guided her in.

She reached into her pocket, but the top wasn't there. She sighed but didn't say anything. It wouldn't do any good.

"You're goin' to be turned into a vampire, and you are goin' to fight against the werewolves with us," Ronan stated, getting in after her.

"What did the werewolves do?" she asked, nervously fidgeting with the ends of her hair. "Why are you fighting?"

"They're tryin' to take control of the humans and, consequently, our blood supply."

She had to keep asking questions to keep her mind occupied. "Why do they want to control humans?"

"The wolves believe they are the alpha species, and if they are in charge, they will bring about order. They want to make a perfect world."

She laughed and gently ran her hand through her hair, untangling a knot that had begun to form. "I have a difficult time believing that's what they really want," she said, smoothing her hair .

Ronan smiled. She understood. "Greedy, power-hungry bastards."

"They sound like Lord Holward," she remarked with a wry smile.

Ronan sputtered, laughing. "Very true."

"Do vampires have a leader?"

"Not really. We mostly keep each other in line. We all have a common goal, so there's rarely dissent."

"I see," Cora said slowly.

"This also means you will kill people," Ronan added.

Cora paused, letting the words sink in. “You mean werewolves?” she asked.

“Nope. Humans,” he replied. “It’s how you’ll eat.”

“What?” she gasped.

“You will be killing humans to drink their blood,” Ronan repeated slowly.

Every muscle in her body was rigid. It was as if she had been turned to stone. Her mind went numb as she struggled to form thoughts. “Have you killed anyone?" she managed to ask.

Ronan nodded. "It's part of our lifestyle. It does take a bit of gettin' used to."

"Killing innocent people?" she enunciated.

Ronan shrugged. "Humans die one way or another. Doesn't matter much how."

"How can you justify something like that?" She snapped.

Ronan shrugged again. "We don't.  There is no excuse for the things I've done, and there will be no excuse for the things you will do. But we come to accept it."

"Can’t you try to find a better way?" she implored.

Ronan stared at her, confused. "Why would we? It would get us nowhere. Besides, we're no worse than humans."

"I don't think so," Cora snorted.

"Oh?" He laughed. "Humans kill each other all the time over weird things like war, money, sex, and power. This isn't anythin' new."

She went quiet, letting her shoulders sag as she slumped against the seats. He’s not wrong, she realized. She hunched over and buried her head in her hands, trying to breathe deeply.

Ronan waited patiently as she processed this.

"But what would that make us? Monsters?" she asked, looking up.

"Vampires."

https://www.amazon.com/Cora-Into-Darkness-R-I-Polsgrove-ebook/dp/B0953ZHWV6/ref=sr_1_2?crid=HMZ241SYLVKK&dchild=1&keywords=r.i.+polsgrove&qid=1630814053&sprefix=r.i.+pols%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-2

[sourcesoffact]

Paradise for Jews and Christians in Islam?

Many Muslims honestly believe that the Qur’an’s condemnation of Jews and Christians only applies to some (maybe most) of them, not all. This is a quote from a YouTube comment of a Muslim saying such:

Islam doesn't tar all non Muslims with the same brush at all. It very clearly states that they are not all alike. Anyone who has read whole Quran in its entirety with an honest approach can see that. It even promises paradise for non Muslims too, who honestly believe in God, day of judgement and do good works.

But, not all Muslims believe this. So, why the disagreement or misunderstanding? This post will consider the Qur’anic argument for this to uncover the truth.

Argument for Jews and Christians entering paradise

Surah 3 contains verses clearly saying that not all Jews and Christians are the same. Some will clearly enter paradise.

"They are not [all] the same; among the People of the Scripture is a community standing [in obedience], reciting the verses of Allah during periods of the night and prostrating [in prayer]." (Qur’an 3:113)

"They believe in Allah and the Last Day, and they enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and hasten to good deeds. And those are among the righteous." (Qur’an 3:114)

The argument will be a breakdown of these verses to show prove their meaning. There are several things to consider.

“People of the Scripture” is often translated “People of the Book”

“People of the Book” means Christians and Jews in the Qur’an

"Standing [in obedience]” means submitting to the truth of scriptures

“Verses of Allah” is unclear and could mean verses from the Bible or from the Qur’an

"Enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and hasten to good deeds” describes the obedience in point (3)

For the sake of context, all references are from Surah 3 unless stated otherwise.

Point #4

"Verses of Allah” is unclear because the Qur’an considers the Qur’an and Bible to be from Allah. It first mentions “verses of Allah” immediately after introducing the Qur’an. Obviously, since people who do not believe in the “verses of Allah” are punished, “verses of Allah” must include verses from the Bible.

He has sent down upon you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming what was before it. And He revealed the Torah and the Gospel. (Qur’an 3:3)

Before, as guidance for the people. And He revealed the Qur'an. Indeed, those who disbelieve in the verses of Allah will have a severe punishment, and Allah is exalted in Might, the Owner of Retribution. (Qur’an 3:4)

Points #3 and #5

Points (3) and (5) refer to the context of the Surah. Here are some examples:

Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam. And those who were given the Scripture did not differ except after knowledge had come to them - out of jealous animosity between themselves. And whoever disbelieves in the verses of Allah , then indeed, Allah is swift in [taking] account. (Qur’an 3:19)

Say, "We have believed in Allah and in what was revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and the Descendants, and in what was given to Moses and Jesus and to the prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and we are Muslims [submitting] to Him." (Qur’an 3:84)

Thus, it is saying that Jews and Christians were originally Muslims before deviating from their scriptures. Apart from those deviations, they all teach the same message. This is enforced by the recollection of Jesus’ ministry according to the Qur’an.

She said, "My Lord, how will I have a child when no man has touched me?" [The angel] said, "Such is Allah; He creates what He wills. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, 'Be,' and it is. (Qur’an 3:47)

And He will teach him writing and wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel (Qur’an 3:48)

And [I have come] confirming what was before me of the Torah and to make lawful for you some of what was forbidden to you. And I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, so fear Allah and obey me. (Qur’an 3:50)

Indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is the straight path." (Qur’an 3:51)

But when Jesus felt [persistence in] disbelief from them, he said, "Who are my supporters for [the cause of] Allah?" The disciples said," We are supporters for Allah. We have believed in Allah and testify that we are Muslims [submitting to Him]. (Qur’an 3:52)

Moreover, specific condemnation is given for Jews and Christians who commit violence against the Muslims or who harbor evil thoughts in their hearts.

Those who disbelieve in the signs of Allah and kill the prophets without right and kill those who order justice from among the people - give them tidings of a painful punishment. (Qur’an 3:21)

They are the ones whose deeds have become worthless in this world and the Hereafter, and for them there will be no helpers. (Qur’an 3:22)

Say, "Whether you conceal what is in your breasts or reveal it, Allah knows it. And He knows that which is in the heavens and that which is on the earth. And Allah is over all things competent. (Qur’an 3:29)

So, it is argued that the People of the Book who deviated are those opposing Muhammad and persecuting the Muslims. They have abandoned their scriptures. But, does the context state clearly which areas of their faith they have strayed from? Yes, it does.

Argument against Jews and Christians entering paradise

Only Christians and Jews who convert to Islam

The most clear issue with the argument above is that it considers the good Jews and Christians to have originally been Muslims. Thus, it could be said that only Jews and Christians who are Muslims will enter paradise. Clearly, they must also submit to Islam, which means to accept that Muhammad is a prophet and that the Qur’an is of God. This is non-negotiable.

So if they argue with you, say, "I have submitted myself to Allah [in Islam], and [so have] those who follow me." And say to those who were given the Scripture and [to] the unlearned, "Have you submitted yourselves?" And if they submit [in Islam], they are rightly guided; but if they turn away - then upon you is only the [duty of] notification. And Allah is Seeing of [His] servants. (Qur’an 3:20)

Say, "Obey Allah and the Messenger." But if they turn away - then indeed, Allah does not like the disbelievers. (Qur’an 3:32)

And [recall, O People of the Scripture], when Allah took the covenant of the prophets, [saying], "Whatever I give you of the Scripture and wisdom and then there comes to you a messenger confirming what is with you, you [must] believe in him and support him." [ Allah ] said, "Have you acknowledged and taken upon that My commitment?" They said, "We have acknowledged it." He said, "Then bear witness, and I am with you among the witnesses." (Qur’an 3:81)

And whoever turned away after that - they were the defiantly disobedient. (Qur’an 3:82)

And whoever desires other than Islam as religion - never will it be accepted from him, and he, in the Hereafter, will be among the losers. (Qur’an 3:85)

How shall Allah guide a people who disbelieved after their belief and had witnessed that the Messenger is true and clear signs had come to them? And Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people. (Qur’an 3:86)

And how could you disbelieve while to you are being recited the verses of Allah and among you is His Messenger? And whoever holds firmly to Allah has [indeed] been guided to a straight path. (Qur’an 3:101)

And, as mentioned above, the argument above depends upon “verses of Allah” including the Bible. But, this clearly is not true. From Qur’an 3:101, obviously these verses are the verses of the Qur’an that Muhammad “recited.”

Christianity and Judaism are not compatible with Islam

Another thing to consider is what deviations the Qur’an is talking about. Is Islam compatible with Judaism or Christianity? Absolutely not. This is the rest of the account of Jesus that was excluded from the above references.

[And mention] when the angels said, "O Mary, indeed Allah gives you good tidings of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary - distinguished in this world and the Hereafter and among those brought near [to Allah ]. (Qur’an 3:45)

[Mention] when Allah said, "O Jesus, indeed I will take you and raise you to Myself and purify you from those who disbelieve and make those who follow you [in submission to Allah alone] superior to those who disbelieve until the Day of Resurrection. Then to Me is your return, and I will judge between you concerning that in which you used to differ. (Qur’an 3:55)

And as for those who disbelieved, I will punish them with a severe punishment in this world and the Hereafter, and they will have no helpers." (Qur’an 3:56)

But as for those who believed and did righteous deeds, He will give them in full their rewards, and Allah does not like the wrongdoers. (Qur’an 3:57)

Indeed, the example of Jesus to Allah is like that of Adam. He created Him from dust; then He said to him, "Be," and he was. (Qur’an 3:59)

Indeed, this is the true narration. And there is no deity except Allah. And indeed, Allah is the Exalted in Might, the Wise. (Qur’an 3:62)

But if they turn away, then indeed - Allah is Knowing of the corrupters. (Qur’an 3:63)

Say, "O People of the Scripture, come to a word that is equitable between us and you - that we will not worship except Allah and not associate anything with Him and not take one another as lords instead of Allah." But if they turn away, then say, "Bear witness that we are Muslims [submitting to Him]." (Qur’an 3:64)

It is not for a human [prophet] that Allah should give him the Scripture and authority and prophethood and then he would say to the people, "Be servants to me rather than Allah," but [instead, he would say], "Be pious scholars of the Lord because of what you have taught of the Scripture and because of what you have studied." (Qur’an 3:79)

Nor could he order you to take the angels and prophets as lords. Would he order you to disbelief after you had been Muslims? (Qur’an 3:80)

From these, it is clear that the Qur’an considers true Judaism to acknowledge that Jesus was the Messiah and a prophet. And, it considers true Christianity to reject the divinity of Jesus. Any deviations from these are considered disbelief that will receive “punishment in this world and the hereafter.” It also considers these kinds of “disbelief” to be “corruption.” That is significant because Surah 9, which was “revealed” later, in Mecca, gives a death sentence to people who spread corruption in the land. Muslims try to say that this is talking about rebellion and violence, but the Qur’anic context is clearly talking about disbelief in Muhammad as a prophet.

The Qur’an further condemns the Christian views of Jesus, such as in the following:

In other Surah, the Qur’an even explicitly denounces the Crucifixion and Resurrection, calling such beliefs “excess.” It seems to be unaware that such beliefs are the foundation of Christianity. The Qur’an does not seem to understand the prophetic implications of Jesus being the Messiah, which is why Christianity and Judaism are different. It also seems to be ignorant of Judaism’s view of Jesus, saying that they consider him to be the Messiah, which is most certainly not true. A Jew or Christian believing any of these things is counted as a disbeliever who will be (eternally) punished.

And [for] their saying, "Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the messenger of Allah." And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain. (Qur’an 4:157)

O People of the Scripture, do not commit excess in your religion or say about Allah except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allah and His word which He directed to Mary and a soul [created at a command] from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers. And do not say, "Three"; desist - it is better for you. Indeed, Allah is but one God. Exalted is He above having a son. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And sufficient is Allah as Disposer of affairs. (Qur’an 4:171)

Never would the Messiah disdain to be a servant of Allah , nor would the angels near [to Him]. And whoever disdains His worship and is arrogant - He will gather them to Himself all together. (Qur’an 4:172)

And as for those who believed and did righteous deeds, He will give them in full their rewards and grant them extra from His bounty. But as for those who disdained and were arrogant, He will punish them with a painful punishment, and they will not find for themselves besides Allah any protector or helper. (Qur’an 4:173)

The Messiah, son of Mary, was not but a messenger; [other] messengers have passed on before him. And his mother was a supporter of truth. They both used to eat food. Look how We make clear to them the signs; then look how they are deluded. (Qur’an 5:75)

Say, "Do you worship besides Allah that which holds for you no [power of] harm or benefit while it is Allah who is the Hearing, the Knowing?" (Qur’an 5:76)

Say, "O People of the Scripture, do not exceed limits in your religion beyond the truth and do not follow the inclinations of a people who had gone astray before and misled many and have strayed from the soundness of the way." (Qur’an 5:77)

The Jews say, "Ezra is the son of Allah "; and the Christians say, "The Messiah is the son of Allah ." That is their statement from their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved [before them]. May Allah destroy them; how are they deluded?  (Qur’an 9:30)

Is the Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Divinity of Jesus really Christian?

Many Muslims respond to this how the Qur’an suggests, by saying that the Crucifixion, Resurrection, and divinity of Christ are innovations by later Christians. This is a vast topic of debate, but a simple look at the Gospels, which the Qur’an appears to appeal to, is clear.

... [Jesus] said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” (Mark 9:31)

And, regarding the divinity of Jesus, here are comparisons of various verses of the Qur’an to various verses of the Gospels.

They have certainly disbelieved who say that Allah is Christ, the son of Mary. Say, "Then who could prevent Allah at all if He had intended to destroy Christ, the son of Mary, or his mother or everyone on the earth?" And to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them. He creates what He wills, and Allah is over all things competent. (Qur’an 10:68)

They have said, " Allah has taken a son." Exalted is He; He is the [one] Free of need. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth. You have no authority for this [claim]. Do you say about Allah that which you do not know? (Qur’an 10:69)

Say, "Indeed, those who invent falsehood about Allah will not succeed."

[For them is brief] enjoyment in this world; then to Us is their return; then We will make them taste the severe punishment because they used to disbelieve (Qur’an 10:70)

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. (Matthew 28:18)

... and who can forgive sins except Allah ? ... (Qur’an 3:135)

When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” (Mark 2:5-11)

More about this is explained in this YouTube playlist, Christianity for Muslims. Here is the first video, which very representative of the playlist.

And, it goes further than just this. Muslims like to reference Unitarian Christians who reject Christ’s divinity. But, this is another area of ignorance. Unitarians believe that Christ is Lord, which is also explicitly forbidden by Qur’an 3:64 They also believe in the Crucifixion and Resurrection. They believe that Jesus gave His life as a “ransom for many.” They believe that Jesus has authority over all things, that Jesus will resurrect the dead on the last day, that Jesus has the power to forgive sins, and that Jesus will be the judge on the last day. Unitarian Christians also believe that Jesus is the Son of God in power (just not in essence). All of these are still greatly condemned by the Qur’an. No Christian sects have ever believed what the Qur’an claims to be true Christianity.

Authority of the Qur’an

Muslims’ last effort is to attack the reliability of the Christian scriptures. But, the best response to that is to consider the reliability of the Qur’an. Another post has already been written about this: Is the Qur’an True?

Conclusion

Muslims try to argue that some Jews and Christians will be permitted into paradise. But, the argument for this is very weak. The Qur’an is explicitly clear that only people who accept the Qur’an and Muhammad are permitted into paradise. The argument accepts the Qur’an’s odd and ridiculous assertion that pure Christianity and Judaism are Islam. This is explicitly summarized in Surah 98.

Those who disbelieved among the People of the Scripture and the polytheists were not to be parted [from misbelief] until there came to them clear evidence - A Messenger from Allah, reciting purified scriptures Within which are correct writings. Nor did those who were given the Scripture become divided until after there had come to them clear evidence. And they were not commanded except to worship Allah , [being] sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth, and to establish prayer and to give zakah. And that is the correct religion. Indeed, they who disbelieved among the People of the Scripture and the polytheists will be in the fire of Hell, abiding eternally therein. Those are the worst of creatures. Indeed, they who have believed and done righteous deeds - those are the best of creatures. ... (Qur’an 98)

No reasonable person could believe this assertion by the Qur’an. And, no Christian or Jew believes this. If one did, he or she would be called a Muslim. Therefore, the people who Muslims think about when they say this are excluded by the context of the Qur’an across many Surah.