The Great Debate I Is there any radical differences between Islam and Christianity? What are the similarities between Christianity and Islam? Many people wonder what the comparison is between Islam vs. Christianity. While there are a few similarities between Islam and Christianity, such as a belief in moral living and doing good to others, nevertheless, Muslims and Christians have vastly different views on major points of ideology and theology. Representing the Muslim perspective was Shabir Ally: Shabir Ally has earned a B.A. in Religious Studies from Laurentian University in Sudbury, Ontario, with a specialization in Biblical Literature, and an M.A. in Religious Studies from the University of Toronto with a specialization in Quranic Exegesis. He is now in his third year of Ph.D studies in Quranic Exegesis at the University of Toronto. He is the president of the Islamic Information & Dawah Centre International in Toronto where he functions as Imam. He travels internationally to represent Islam in public lectures and interfaith dialogues. Representing the Christian side was Mr. Jay Smith, a Ph.D. candidate in Islamic studies at Brunel University in London. He has participated in many debates that have included distinguished opponents such as Benazir Bhuto, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan. The event format includes 2 hours of presentations and rebuttals with a exchange of ideas and worldviews. The dialogue was direct and challenging, yet handled with respect, cordiality and sometimes even humour. The Topic of Debate: Similarities and differences between Islam and Christianity Shabir Ally (www.Shabirally.com) vs. Jay Smith (www.debate.org.uk) (Manchester University, UK 18th April 1997) For further information on upcoming or previous debates click here http://shabirally.com/debates.asp
