A Tale of Two Prophets

Once upon a time, in a faraway country, the people of a small town prayed to God to send them a prophet to show them the path to God and answer life’s difficult questions.  To their amazement, two men, both claiming to be speakers for God appeared.  Both claimed to have been sent by the one true God who created the Heaven’s and the Earth.  Both claimed to trace their roots to Adam & Abraham.  Both taught about Heaven, Hell, Satan, the resurrection of the dead, Judgement Day, prayers, fasting, and helping the poor.  The people rejoiced that God would send them two men, but soon learned that these two men had very different books and very different teachings about the questions that they had.  Let us see what the two men had to say.

The Nature of God

Both taught that God his all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-present. 

However, Prophet #1 taught that God is just and he only loves those who believe in him.  Only the believers receive mercy.  This God is so far beyond us that he will not reveal himself to us, though he will reveal his wills in a book.

Prophet #2 on the other hand taught that God loves all of mankind, regardless of race, ethnicity, or even wrongdoing done by a person against him.  He is full of compassion and mercy.  This God did not only reveal his will, but revealed himself in a person and a book. 

Forgiveness of Sin

Both prophets claim that man’s sins are offensive to God and they must seek forgiveness.  However, both prophets taught very different methods of obtaining this forgiveness. 

Prophet #1 taught that forgiveness might be obtained by first believing in God and his last messenger and then doing good works.  Then on Judgement Day God will decide who he will grant mercy to.

Prophet #2 teaches that good works are not enough to atone for our wrongdoing, and because of this, God provides a way for salvation from our sin in this life that assures forgiveness of sins and obtain the promise of eternal life. 

Lying to others

One day a man was caught telling lies to his neighbor.  He was brought before the two prophets and asked what should be done. 

Prophet #1 taught that a believer should always tell the truth except for a few circumstances such as smoothing over differences to save lives, reconciling a marriage by persuading the wife to avoid strife, or to renounce your faith when threatened as long as it is not a genuine heart-felt rejection.

Prophet #2 taught that lying is a sin and God views it as an act of deception to present false information.  All lies are abhorred by God, not matter the circumstance.  Therefore, one should put off falsehood by speaking truthfully, for nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest nor is anything ever done in secret that will not be known.

Committing Adultery

The next day, a woman was caught in the act of adultery.  As a result of her sin, she became impregnated with a child. 

Prophet #1 taught that this was a terrible sin against God and society, and such a sin must be remove to the man.  So he told the crowd to let the woman give birth to the child and nurse him.  Once the child no longer needed nursing, the woman must then be taken away and stoned to death. 

Prophet #2 heard the accusation against the adulteress and gave the crowd a simple answer.  He told them that anyone among them who was without sin may be the first to stone her.  One by one, everyone in the crowd departed.  Prophet #2 then approached the woman and told her that he would not condemn her either.  He then told her to go in peace and sin no more.

Seeking Revenge

A few days later, another man came before the prophets.  This man was very upset about his new neighbor who partied, drank, and made lots of noise.  In addition, the neighbor frequently cursed at this man’s children and even threw stones at them.  What should he do? 

Prophet #1 taught him that those who do this are not true believers and should be dealt with harshly.  “You should return the violence equally to whatever harm they do to you.” 

Prophet #2 gave a much different answer.  He told the man that love conquers all hate and revenge.  He told him “Do not return evil with evil, but respond with kindness.  Instead of cursing him back, forgive him and pray for God to change his heart.”  “Forgive your enemies and avoid bitterness, which brings misery and anger in your life.” 

Rules in the Family

Both prophets taught about the importance of strong family ties and protecting families from harm.

However, Prophet #1 taught that men are superior to women in position and inheritance.  Men may marry up to four wives and divorce them at will.  If the man decides he wants his divorced wife back, she must first marry another man and divorce him before she can come back to her first husband.  A woman must obey her husband at all times.  If she fails to do so, her husband must follow three steps.  First, verbally admonish her, if that doesn’t work: banish her from the bed, if that fails to work: he may then beat her. 

Prophet #2 taught that although men and women have different roles, both are considered equal before God.  From the beginning, God created one woman for one man.  A man should leave everything behind and be dedicated to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.  A man must give his wife his undying love, and the wife must do the same and grant her husband the same love and respect in return.  God does not like for people to divorce, their love for one another should be of the same unyielding love that God has for us. 

Heaven and Hell

Both prophets believe in Heaven as a reward for believers and hell as a punishment for the wicked.  However, the concept and description of Heaven is differs between the two prophets. 

Prophet #1 describes Heaven in physical terms, as a place where every wish is immediately fulfilled, from food to sex.  Those who are in heaven are said to wear costly apparel, partake in exquisite banquets, will find rivers of wine, milk, and water, and will recline on beds to be served by fair, virgin women. 

Prophet #2 teaches that heaven is a pure place, a place of absolute holiness and absent of sin.  Believers will gather around the throne of God and give praise to the Lord for his gift of eternal life.  There will be no marriage as they will be like Angels in Heaven.  There will be no death, sorrow, sickness, tears, pain, or disappointment.  We will be transformed as we shall never die because we are no longer subject to sin. 

So here are the questions that you must now ask

1. Which of these two prophets represents God and would you agree with?
2. Whose teachings and practices will you follow?