Parallels in the founding stories of religions

I spent a few leisure moments in the last week studying and viewing documentaries on Islam and Christianity. In the past, I would’ve viewed them from the perspective of a traditional believing Mormon, and figured out some way of reconciling the various questions the docs raised, to the One True Church concept. I would’ve viewed the Christian philosophy from the viewpoint of apostasy, and the Islam viewpoint with the backdrop of baptisms for the dead, etc.

However, this time, I found myself slipping into a more cynical view of the events surrounding the rise of Christian churches and Islam. In fact, I built a few observations about the commonalities between Mormonism, Christianity, and Islam as if I was trying to figure out how to start my own religion (I’m not, I was just thinking that way). So, here are my conclusions.

Some parallels in the founding stories of religions are:

1. A claim to a divine commission

Mohammed (Islam) had revelation from an angel. Joseph Smith saw God and Jesus, and Jesus preached his divinity.

2. Inspired Scripture

Joseph Smith had the BoM,, PGP, and D&C, Mohammed wrote the Qu’ran, and Jesus’ followers wrote down what He said as scripture that was eventually compiled in the Bible.

3. A charismatic leader with strong oratory skills

Jesus was apparently a great speaker, performed miracles and was able to generate a strong following among the common people. Mohammed was described as a great orator, charismatic person, and capable of writing beautiful poetry that was full of truth. Joseph Smith wrote some great passages and wrote beautifully.

4. Philosophy which resonates with the people of the time

Jesus’ message of the Law of Moses being done away, Joseph’s message of personal revelation and one true Church in a time of religious confusion. Mohammed’s preaching of a social philosophy when people felt ostracized if they didn’t have blood ties to their tribe, and his focus on eradicating poverty resonated with the people of his time. Plus there was ongoing fighting between tribes that people were sick of — a common religion under one God unified the tribes and reduced infighting, which apparently was a welcome outcome of Islam..

5. Miracles help.

People questioned MOhammed as a prophet because he performed no miracles — his claim to a miracle was the Qu’ran. Joseph Smith and Jesus both made miracles part of their overall message and imprint on history.

6. Dying for your religion helps, but is not essential.

Both Jesus and Joseph died for their religion, but Mohammed didn’t. Yet Islam survived handsomely. Therefore, I don’t see sealing your testimony/philosophy with your life as absolutely essential unless political or other forces puts you in a position to choose between personal safety or living your principles. Your credibility as a leader suffers if you cave when your principles threaten your personal safety, and you sacrifice such principles for safety. However, Mohammed wasn’t placed in that position at the end of his life, yet his religion has lasted for hundreds of years.