Sin, Forgiveness, and Reconciliation

In most world religions, the theological discourse on the concept of sin, redemption, salvation and deliverance is recurrent. However, in some world religions sin does not appear as their core concept. Buddhism for example considers suffering or pain (dukkha) as the central issue. Christianity builds its theology on the basic assumption of cardinal sin and the great sacrifice of Jesus was needed to save his followers. Islam and Judaism, the other two faiths of Abrahamic origin, look on sin from a different perspective. This collection of scholarly interactions makes an effort to elaborate the Christian and Muslim positions from a scriptural viewpoint. The participating Muslim representatives in this inter-faith gathering refer to selected passages from the Qur’an on the creation of Adam, his violation of the divine command, his confession and regret, followed by his descent to earth. Special reference is made to surahs al-A[raf and al- Baqarah where the creation of Adam, peace be upon him, is mentioned....