Not all Christians are like Eric Rudolph, who murdered an abortion doctor and claimed to be a Christian. Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses claim to be Christian. But some others who claim to be Chritian won’t accept that they are Chritian (including me).
Obama, Jeremiah Wright and many in the UCC and UMC churches believe that Jesus was a good man. But they don’t believe he was uniquely God and that his death and resurrection is any more significant than the martydom of MLK or thousands of other saints throughout history.
Likewise, defining Muslim gets into an endless debate. I’ve known Muslims from several Mosques in Chicago burbs. One Mosque would be more like Jeremiah Wright’s Church. One Mosque would be more like Assembly of God and one would be more like Wackos in Waco or Jim Jones koolaid drinkers.
Not all who claim to be Jew are the same. Not all aetheists are the same. Not all who claim to be Christian or Muslim are the same. And definition of who is what seems to depend on who you talk to.
That’s why we look at the religion itself and its founder. Which Muslims truly follow the religion of Mohammed? Those that do not probably aren’t true Muslims.
Ok… and let’s be clear that there are Christians and those who claim to be Christians but are not. No one enunciated this better than Christ himself…… Matthew 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.