Christianity, as understood today, is often attributed to its founder, Jesus Christ, known as Isa (عِيسَى) in the Muslim world. However, a closer examination, especially of the Bible, reveals that much of contemporary Christian doctrine stems from the teachings of a Jew named Saul from Tarsus in Asia Minor. Later, he became known as Paul.

Jesus, a prophet from the Children of Israel, was sent as a messenger to affirm the teachings of the Torah and introduce the gospel. He was tasked with spreading God’s teachings and foretelling the birth of the last prophet, Muhammad. Just like prophets before him, Jesus showcased signs of his prophecy. All miracles attributed to him, such as raising his friend Lazarus from the dead, healing diseases, and his miraculous birth were performed with the permission of Allah.

Contrary to the commonly held Christian belief, Islamic teachings, as outlined in the Qur’an, state that Jesus was saved from being crucified by the Jews. Instead, the traitor Judas Iscariot was made to look like Jesus and was crucified in his place. This perspective is fundamental to Muslim beliefs about Jesus.

While many Christians revere Jesus, their beliefs differ from Muslims. Muslims hold Jesus in high esteem as a prophet sent by God, acknowledging the miracles as proof of his divine mission. On the other hand, many Christians believe in the doctrine of the Trinity, viewing Jesus as divine, an idea that some argue is challenging to comprehend rationally. This doctrine largely aligns with Paul’s interpretations.

Paul’s influence on Christianity cannot be overstated. Familiar to students of comparative religion, especially Christian scholars, Paul was instrumental in shaping the faith. Initially an opponent of Jesus’ followers, a profound experience on the road to Damascus changed Paul. He claimed to have encountered the resurrected Jesus, which turned him into an ardent advocate for the faith. His letters to various churches, known as epistles, form a substantial part of the New Testament. These writings introduced several ideas not originally taught by Jesus, such as Jesus’ divinity and the concept of the Holy Trinity.

Paul also emphasized the universality of Jesus’ message, arguing that belief in Jesus alone was the key to salvation. He broke away from Jewish traditions, making the faith more accessible to non-Jews. This shift transformed Christianity from a Jewish sect into a global religion. However, this direction was not without its critics, leading to debates that would define the doctrines of Christianity over time.

In essence, Christianity’s development is a complex amalgamation of interpretations and influences that have adapted over time. It’s vital to recognize the myriad contributions, keeping in mind that they all claim to root back to Jesus’ teachings. Further chapters will explore these intricate topics, examining the teachings of both Jesus and Paul, the shaping of early Christianity, and the evolution of the faith to its current state.