I actually saw it as laying a foundation for dialog between people of the two faiths. The document was actually showing that Christianity has as its roots, monotheism, even if some within Christianity have erred into bi or tri-theism.

I also saw within the document, the most hopeful part I might add, an statement to the effect that Christians and Jews who remain within monotheism and obey the two Commandments–love God and love your neighbor do not need to convert to Islam to be of the faithful.

I would say that this is highly significant. This is actually setting a precedent for monotheistic pluralism. Although, yes, Christians and Muslims have much to talk about in regards to our understanding of Jesus and his nature. True biblical faith Christians should have no doubts about their monotheism and thus, we can move forward in sharing from the Scriptures about some of our differences in understanding regarding other shared terms, such as the Gospel (Injil), the Word of God (Kalimatullah), and Messiah (al-Masih).

Lastly, Islam and its use of Jihad found in the Qur’an is purely of a defensive nature, similar to Augustine’s just war. Many of the Scriptures being used by jihadis are taken out of their historical and even Qur’anic context. One ayat or verse is used, but all you have to do is read one verse before or after and you will discover that there are conditions being drawn both for when you are allowed to attack and when you are compelled to cease fighting.

I wonder if part of the Common Word document mentioning war and defense has to do with the fact that our own president has used very religious vocabulary, even using the word “crusade”, in my opinion rather flippantly, esp. in this day and age. Considering some of the religious Right’s vocabulary on top of this, and what seems like a War on Terror becomes a war against Muslims, i.e. the statement by a Christian religious leader that Muhammad (saw) was a terrorist. If Muhammad (saw) was a terrorist, then would not those who follow the religion of Islam be the recipients of Bush’ war against terror?

I don’t really want to argue politics, but I think the Common Word Document is not seeking Christians converting to Islam. The document actually is encouraging Christians to return (if they’ve left) to monotheism. Secondly, that monotheistic Christians and Jews actually do not have to accept Islam, but can remain faithful within their own religions. I think this is highly significant–I guess it’s a glass half empty vs. half full kinda thing eh?

Blessings,
Concerned Reader
http://www.al-najashi.org