Essay 3 Final Draft

Global Climate Change

Global climate change, also known as global warming, refers to the heating of the Earth, which is an issue that seriously impacts the world.  The climate change is caused by the increased concentration of gases that contribute to the warming process, such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and ozone (“Science Basics”). Human activity produces a high concentration of the gases and is therefore, a major contributor to global warming (“Global Climate Change”).  For example, the use of automobiles creates approximately 1.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide each year (“Global Warming Basics”).  The concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide also rises as a result of the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil (“Global Climate Change”).  Commonly used products such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and hairspray, contain chemicals that damage the ozone and contribute to the problem as well (Heilprin).  Global climate change causes extreme weather events, affects wildlife, and puts human health at risk. 

  Global climate change is a concern since a change in weather patterns and an increase in extreme weather events will occur as a result.  (“Impacts”).  In his book, An Inconvenient Truth, former Vice-President Al Gore states that global climate change is “growing more and more dangerous, and at a pace that has now made it a planetary emergency.”  One dangerous effect is the increase in severity of tropical storms.  Global warming causes the water temperatures in the oceans to increase, which gives hurricanes more energy and the ability to cause more destruction.  Another result of the change in climate is the increased chance of a drought.  Within the last forty years, three extensive droughts have occurred, the most recent being the national drought that the United States experienced from 1999-2002 (“Consequences”).  It is also possible for global climate change to cause severe flooding because of its impact on the timing and location of rainfall (“Health”). Some areas experience more precipitation because of the additional moisture in the air that comes from a greater amount of water being evaporated from the oceans (“Impacts”).  Severe weather, however, is not the only problem the world faces as a result of global climate change.

Wildlife is greatly impacted by the variation in climate (“Effects on Wildlife and Habitat).  Global climate change has increased the chance of extinction for thirty percent of all species by producing variations in living conditions.  First of all, global warming causes variation in temperature, making it harder for certain species to survive in their natural habitat.  The temperature in the environment must be appropriate for the species living there.  For example, numerous aquatic species need cold water to survive, but their populations are decreasing as global climate change causes water temperatures to rise.  The interaction among wildlife is also changing as a result of global warming (“Impacts”).  Wildlife is dependent on various food sources in the environment, and the change in climate makes it difficult to find essential food sources during migration.  For example, birds depend on insects and plants for survival, but the climate change causes the plants to bloom either too early or too late, and the insects are not always ready for the birds to eat.  When the bird migrates and arrives to its new destination, it is often times unable to find the food it needs (“Effects on Wildlife and Habitat”).  Not only is wildlife affected by the change in climate, but humans are impacted as well.

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio is co-writing, producing, as well as narrating a documentary film about global warming, and says, "Global warming is not only the number one environmental challenge we face today, but one of the most important issues facing all of humanity" (West).  Global climate change is an issue because it puts human health at risk by causing an increase in temperature and making it easier for bacteria to survive in food and water.  Several diseases, such as E. coli and typhoid, can be transmitted when food or water is contaminated by bacteria.  Approximately five thousand people die in the United States each year because of food and water borne diseases (“Health”).  Another factor that contributes to the increased risk to human health is the air pollution caused by the temperature increase.  The IPCC, a scientific association that examines research related to climate change, claims that “higher temperatures are associated with higher concentrations of air pollutants and reduced air quality” (“Organization,” “Health”).  It is believed that as temperatures ascend, people will use air-conditioning more often, which means power plants will produce more air pollution because of the high amount of energy used.  The poor air quality caused by pollution is extremely unhealthy.  Lastly, since global climate change causes some plants to bloom earlier, more pollen allergens are present in the air, producing a greater effect on those with allergies (“Health”).  Changes in the Earth’s climate pose an immense threat to human health. 

As humans continue to cause an increase in the gases that warm our planet, weather patterns change, wildlife is affected, and human health is in danger.  The variation in weather patterns is a widespread concern because of its potential danger.  As global climate change continues, many species of plants and animals could become extinct because of the inability to survive in their natural habitat.  Humans’ health will continue to be in danger as long as global warming continues.  Global climate change is a critical issue that greatly impacts many different aspects of the world, and once people become aware of its effects, they can take precautions to help improve the planet’s condition. 

Works Cited

“The Consequences of Global Warming on Weather Patterns.” Natural Resources Defense

            Council: The Earth’s Best Defense.  Natural Resources Defense Council, n.d. Web. 17

            Oct 2010. < http://www.nrdc.org/globalWarming/fcons/fcons1.asp>.

“Effects on Wildlife and Habitat.” Effects on Wildlife and Habitat. National Wildlife Federation,

          2010.  Web. 17 Oct 2010.  <http://www.nwf.org/Global-Warming/Effects-on-Wildlife-

          and-Habitat.aspx>.

 “Global Climate Change.” National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Earth Science

            Communication Team, n.d. Web. 24 Oct 2010. <http://climate.nasa.gov/causes/>.

“Global Warming Basics.” Natural Resources Defense Council: The Earth’s Best Defense. 

            Natural Resources Defense Council, n.d. Web. 25 Oct 2010.

Heilprin, John. "Fixing the Ozone Hole Slows Efforts on Global Warming." USA Today. The

Associated Press, 20 Aug. 2006. Web. 26 Oct. 2010. <http://www.usatoday.com/weather/climate/2006-08-20-ozone-global-warming_x.htm>.

“Impacts of Global Warming on the Environment.” University Corporation for Atmospheric

            Research.  National Science Foundation, 2010. Web. 18 Oct 2010.

            < http://www2.ucar.edu/news/backgrounders/impacts-global-warming-natural-systems>.

Markey, Edward J. “Health.” Issues- Global Warming. The Select Committee on

            Energy Independence and Global Warming. n.d.  Web. 16 Oct 2010.

            <http://globalwarming.house.gov/issues/globalwarming?id=0006>.

Markey, Edward J. “Science Basics.” The Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global

            Warming.  N.p.,  n.d. Web. 17 Oct 2010.

            <http://globalwarming.house.gov/issues/globalwarming?id=0002#main_content>.

“Organization.” IPCC. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. n.d. Web. 17 2010.

            <http://www.ipcc.ch/organization/organization.htm>.

West, Larry. “Leonardo DiCaprio to Produce Documentary on Global Warming.” Environmental

            Issues.  N.p., 2010. Web. 16 Oct 2010.

            <http://environment.about.com/od/globalwarming/a/dicaprio>.

Essay 3: Global Climate Change

Global Climate Change

Global climate change, also known as global warming, refers to the heating of the Earth and is an issue that seriously impacts the world.  Global climate change is caused by the increased concentration of gases that contribute to the warming process, such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and ozone (“Science Basics”). Human activity produces a high concentration of the gases and is therefore, a major contributor to global warming (“Global Climate Change”).  For example, the use of automobiles creates approximately 1.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide each year (“Global Warming Basics”).  The concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide also rises as a result of the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil (“Global Climate Change”).  Commonly used products such as air conditioners, refrigerators and hairspray, contain chemicals that damage the ozone and contribute to the problem as well (Heilprin).  Global climate change causes extreme weather events, affects wildlife, and puts human health at risk. 

  Global climate change is a concern since a change in weather patterns and an increase in extreme weather events will occur as a result.  (“Impacts”).  In his book, An Inconvenient Truth, former Vice-President Al Gore states that global climate change is “growing more and more dangerous, and at a pace that has now made it a planetary emergency.”  One “dangerous” effect is the increase in severity of tropical storms.  Global warming causes the water temperatures in the oceans to increase, which gives hurricanes more energy and the ability to cause more destruction.  Another result of the change in climate is the increased chance of a drought.  Within the last forty years, three extensive droughts have occurred, the most recent being the national drought that the United States experienced from 1999-2002 (“Consequences”).  It is also possible for global climate change to cause severe flooding because of its impact on the timing and location of rainfall (“Health”). Some areas experience more precipitation because of the additional moisture in the air that comes from a greater amount of water being evaporated from the oceans (“Impacts”).  Severe weather, however, is not the only problem the world faces as a result of global climate change.

Wildlife is greatly impacted by the variation in climate (“Effects on Wildlife and Habitat).  Global climate change has increased the chance of extinction for thirty percent of all species by producing variations in living conditions.  First of all, global warming causes variation in temperature, making it harder for certain species to survive in their natural habitat.  The temperature in the environment must be appropriate for the species living there.  For example, numerous aquatic species need cold water to survive, but their populations are decreasing as global climate change causes water temperatures to rise.  The interaction among wildlife is also changing as a result of global climate change (“Impacts”).  Wildlife is dependent on various food sources in the environment, and the change in climate has resulted in the migration of many species, making it difficult to find essential food sources.  For example, birds depend on insects and plants for survival, but the climate change causes the plants to bloom either too early or too late, and the insects are not always ready for the birds to eat.  When the bird migrates and arrives to its new destination, it is often times unable to find the food it needs (“Effects on Wildlife and Habitat”).  Not only is wildlife affected by the change in climate, but humans are impacted as well.

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio is co-writing, producing, as well as narrating a documentary film about global warming, and says "Global warming is not only the number one environmental challenge we face today, but one of the most important issues facing all of humanity" (West). Global climate change puts human health at risk by causing an increase in temperature and making it easier for bacteria to survive in food and water.  Several diseases, such as E. coli, typhoid, and polio can be transmitted when food or water is contaminated by bacteria.  Approximately five thousand people die in the United States each year because of food and water borne diseases (“Health”).  Another factor that contributes to the increased risk to human health is the air pollution caused by the temperature increase.  The IPCC, a scientific association that examines research related to climate change, claims that “higher temperatures are associated with higher concentrations of air pollutants and reduced air quality” (“Organization,” “Health”).  It is believed that as temperatures ascend, people will use air-conditioning more often, which means power plants will produce more air pollution because of the high amount of energy used.  The poor air quality caused by pollution is extremely unhealthy.  Lastly, since global climate changes causes some plants to bloom earlier, more pollen allergens are present in the air, producing a greater effect on those with allergies (“Health”).  Changes in the Earth’s climate pose an immense threat to human health. 

As humans continue to cause an increase in the gases that warm our planet, weather patterns change, wildlife is affected, and human health is in danger.  The variation in weather patterns is a widespread concern because of its potential danger.  As global climate change continues, many species of plants and animals could become extinct because of the inability to survive in their natural habitat.  Humans’ health will continue to be in danger as long as global warming continues.  Once people become aware of the effects of global climate change, they can take precautions to help improve the planet’s condition.  Global climate change is a critical issue that greatly impacts many different aspects of the world.

Essay 3: Rough Draft (without conclusion)

The citations aren't finished yet and the conclusion isn't on here, but here is the intro and first 3 paragraphs:

Global climate change, or warming of the Earth, is a serious issue the world faces.  Global climate change is caused by gases, such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and ozone, which contribute to the greenhouse effect (Markey).  The gases don’t allow heat to escape, causing the change in climate.  Human activity is also a contributor to global climate change.  The concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide rises when humans burn fossil fuels, such as coal and oil.  Other human activities involving industry and agriculture increase the concentrations of other greenhouse gases that cause global climate change as well (“The Greenhouse Effect”).  Global climate change produces effects on weather patterns, wildlife, as well as human health.

  Global climate change should be of concern since the change in weather patterns and increase in extreme weather events that will occur as a result of the variation in the climate (“Impacts of Global Warming on the Environment”). In his book, An Inconvenient Truth, former Vice-President Al Gore states that global climate change is “growing more and more dangerous, and at a pace that has now made it a planetary emergency.”  One “dangerous” effect is the increase in severity of tropical storms, such as hurricanes.  Global climate change causes the water temperatures in the oceans to increase, which gives hurricanes more energy and the ability to cause more destruction.  Another result of the change in climate is the increased chance of a drought.  Within the last forty years, three extensive droughts have occurred, the most recent being the national drought that the United States experienced from 1999-2002 (“Consequences”).  It is also possible for global climate change to cause severe flooding because of its impact on the timing and location of rainfall (Markey). Some areas will experience more precipitation because of the additional moisture in the air that comes from a greater amount of water being evaporated from the oceans (“Impacts of Global Warming on the Environment”).  Severe weather, however, is not the only problem the world faces as a result of global climate change.

Wildlife is greatly impacted by global climate change (“Effects on Wildlife and Habitat”).  Specific requirements for living conditions must be met in order for a species to survive in its environment, and global climate change has increased the chance of extinction for thirty percent of all species by producing variations in living conditions.  First of all, global climate change causes variation in temperature, making it harder for certain species to survive in their natural habitat.  The temperature in the environment must be appropriate for the species living there.  For example, several aquatic species need cold water to survive, but their populations are decreasing as global climate change causes water temperatures to rise.  The interaction among wildlife is changing as a result of global climate change as well.  Wildlife is dependent on various food sources in the environment, and the change in climate has resulted in the migration of many species, making it difficult to find essential food sources.  For example, birds depend on insects and plants for survival, but the climate change causes the plants to bloom either too early or too late, and the insects are not always ready for the birds to eat.  When the bird migrates and arrives to its new destination, it is often times unable to find the food it needs (“Impacts of Global Warming on the Environment”).  Not only is wildlife affected by the change in climate, but humans are impacted as well.

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio is co-writing, producing, as well as narrating a documentary film about global warming, and says "Global warming is not only the number one environmental challenge we face today, but one of the most important issues facing all of humanity" (http://www.environment.about.com/od/globalwarming/a/dicaprio.htm). Global warming, or global climate change, puts human health at risk.  Global climate change causes an increase in temperature, which makes it easier for bacteria to survive in food and water.  Several diseases, such as E. coli, typhoid, and polio can be transmitted when food or water is contaminated by bacteria.  Approximately five thousand people die in the United States each year because of food and water borne diseases.  (Markey) The IPCC, a scientific association that examines research related to climate change, claims that “higher temperatures are associated with higher concentrations of air pollutants and reduced air quality” (http://www.ipcc.ch/organization/organization.htm). It is believed that as temperatures ascend, people will use air-conditioning more often, which means power plants will produce more air pollution because of the high amount of energy required. Lastly, global climate changes causes plants to bloom earlier, causing more pollen allergens to be present in the air.  More people will be affected by allergies as a result of global climate change. (Markey)  Human health is put at great risk due to changes in the Earth’s climate.

Essay 3: Paragraph 3 - How global climate change affects human health

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio is co-writing, producing, as well as narrating a documentary film about global warming, and says "Global warming is not only the number one environmental challenge we face today, but one of the most important issues facing all of humanity."  Global warming, or global climate change, puts human health at risk.  Global climate change causes an increase in temperature, which makes it easier for bacteria to survive in food and water.  Several diseases, such as E. coli, typhoid, and polio can be transmitted when food or water is contaminated by bacteria.  Approximately five thousand people die in the United States each year because of food and water borne diseases.  The IPCC, a scientific association that examines research related to climate change, claims that “higher temperatures are associated with higher concentrations of air pollutants and reduced air quality.”  It is believed that as temperatures ascend, people will use air-conditioning more often, which means power plants will produce more air pollution because of the high amount of energy required. Lastly, global climate changes causes plants to bloom earlier, causing more pollen allergens to be present in the air.  More people will be affected by allergies as a result of global climate change.

Essay 3: Paragraph 2 - How global climate change affects weather

       Global climate change should be of concern because of the change in weather patterns and increase in extreme weather events that will occur as a result of the variation in the climate.  In his book, An Inconvenient Truth, former Vice-President Al Gore states that global climate change “is [also] growing more and more dangerous, and at a pace that has now made it a planetary emergency.”  One “dangerous” effect is the increase in severity of tropical storms, such as hurricanes.  Global climate change causes the water temperatures in the oceans to increase, which gives hurricanes more energy and the ability to cause more destruction.  Another result of the change in climate is the increased chance of a drought.  Within the last forty years, three extensive droughts have occurred, the most recent being the national drought that the United States experienced from 1999-2002.  It is also possible for global climate change to cause severe flooding because of its impact on the timing and location of rainfall.  Some areas will experience more precipitation because of the additional moisture in the air that comes from a greater amount of water being evaporated from the oceans.  

Essay 3: Paragraph 1 - How global climate change affects wildlife

Wildlife is greatly impacted by global climate change. Specific requirements for living conditions must be met in order for a species to survive in its environment, and global climate change has increased the chance of extinction for thirty percent of all species by producing variations in living conditions.  First of all, global climate change causes changes in temperature, making it harder for certain species to survive in their natural habitat.  The temperature in the environment must be appropriate for the species living there.  For example, several aquatic species need cold water to survive, but their populations are decreasing as global climate change causes water temperatures to rise.  The interaction among wildlife is changing as a result of global climate change as well. Wildlife is dependent on various food sources in the environment, and the change in climate has resulted in the migration of many species, making it difficult to find essential food sources.  For example, birds depend on insects and plants for survival, but the climate change causes the plants to bloom either too early or too late, and the insects are not always ready for the birds to eat.  When the bird migrates and arrives to its new destination, it is often times unable to find the food it needs.

Essay 3 Topic Idea

For my third essay, I think I am going to research the effects of global warming. 

How does global warming affect our health?

• diseases caused by bacteria in food and water
• air pollution
• allergies affected

How is the weather affected?

• an increase in extreme weather events
• increased severity of tropical storms

Does global warming have a great impact on wildlife?

• changes living conditions
• temperature
• food sources

Final Draft - Christianity and Islam

Christianity and Islam

The sound of continuous chanting filled the streets of New York City as protestors argued both for and against the building of an Islamic center and mosque near Ground Zero.  The proposed location of the mosque has caused great controversy over the past few months.  One minister, Terry Jones, was so opposed to the idea that he threatened to “build a bonfire of Korans and set the books ablaze” (Goldman).  Issues frequently arise as a result of different viewpoints among certain groups of people.  Christians and Muslims do differ in their beliefs.  A main difference includes the Christian belief that Jesus is the Son of God and the Muslim belief in the prophet Muhammad.  It is clear that Christianity and Islam are different, but people often times fail to recognize the numerous similarities that exist between the two religions.  Not only do Christians and Muslims believe in the same God and many of the same religious figures, but they also share some similar beliefs about the content that appears in their holy texts, including beliefs about life after death.

Christians and Muslims possess similar beliefs about God and believe in several of the same important religious figures.  Christianity and Islam are monotheistic religions, and it is believed that God, called “Allah” in Islam, is the Creator of the World (Shahani 12).  Religious figures such as Abraham, Moses, John the Baptist, and Jesus, appear in the holy books associated with both religions.  Many people do not realize the importance of the four individuals in Islam (Renard 226).  For example, Christians and Muslims alike believe they are children of Abraham (Toropov 91).  It is also widely unknown that Muslims believe in Jesus; however, Jesus plays an important role in Islam.  Even though the Islamic religion does not consider Jesus to be the Son of God, Jesus is still recognized as a prophet (Esposito).  Muslims consider him to be “one of the greatest of God’s prophets and messengers” (“Discover Islam”).  According to both religions, Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary, and God “strengthened him with the Holy Spirit” (Renard 226).  He performed miracles, healed the suffering, and raised people from the dead.  Christians and Muslims believe Jesus will return on the Day of Judgment (Renard 226).  Although beliefs about religious figures are not exactly the same among the two religions, both Christianity and Islam express the importance of the figures, especially through holy texts.

            The holy texts of Christianity and Islam, the Bible and Qur’an respectively, as well as the creeds of each religion, are used to express beliefs.  The Qur’an is believed to contain the words of God as spoken through the prophet Muhammad, whereas the Bible contains accounts written by disciples of Jesus; yet the two texts still share common features (Renard 192).  The Bible and the Qur’an actually contain many of the same stories from the Old and New Testament (Renard 191).  The two religions also possess creeds with similar purposes.  Muslims recite the Shahadah, or “Declaration of Faith,” (“Discover Islam”) which confirms the Muslim belief in one God and that Muhammad was God’s messenger (Renard 198).  Beyond the creed, Muslims live by the “Five Pillars” of Islam (Renard 198).  Similarly, Christians recite the Nicene Creed to affirm their faith in God, and in addition, they try to live by the “Ten Commandments.”  The Islam religion acknowledges the “Ten Commandments” as well (Renard 136).  The important texts of each religion show several similarities between Christian and Muslim beliefs, including beliefs about life after death.

            “Death is not the end of life, but a transition to another level of existence” (Renard 202).  Christians and Muslims share the belief that life after death is eternal (Shahani 25).  After death, a “judgment” will take place and humans will be judged by God according to how they lived their lives on Earth (Renard 141).  God’s judgment will determine whether individuals should reside in Heaven or Hell (Shahani 26).  In Islam, Heaven is for those who die believing in Allah and His prophet Muhammad (Shahani 27).  Christians must believe in God as well, but they also must believe that Jesus is the Son of God (Renard 141).  As far as both religions are concerned, Heaven is thought to be a “state of being” rather than a physical place (Renard 203).  Christians and Muslims believe that those who sin during their lifetime and disobey God’s commandments will go to Hell (Shahani 27) and stay there for eternity (Renard 141).  Life after death is a concept that both religions view similarly. 

            Christians and Muslims share beliefs in God, certain religious figures, and eternal life after death, as shown in the holy texts of each religion.  Christians and Muslims have more in common than most people realize.  Although certain aspects of each religion differ in some ways, many central concepts are the same.  It is puzzling why a minister such as Terry Jones would want to burn the holy book of a religion that is similar to his own.  Perhaps there wouldn’t be such an uproar about the location of the new mosque in New York City if everyone could grasp a better understanding of Christianity and Islam and the numerous similarities that exist between them.

                                                                  

Works Cited Essay #2

Work Cited

Discover Islam. Virginia: Annandale, 1999. Print.

Esposito, John. “Islam.” Worldmark Encyclopedia of Religious Practices. Thomas Riggs. Vol 1.

Detroit: Gale, 2006. Web. <http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?action=interpret&id=GALE%7CCX3437900045&v=2.1&u=fred30208&it=r&p=GVRL&sw=w&authCount=2>

Goldman, Russell. “Tensions Mount as 9/11 Anniversary Approaches.” (2010): n. pag. Web. 3

Oct 2010.  http://abcnews.go.com/US/tensions-mount-911-anniversary-approaches/story?id=11397630

Renard, John. The Handy Religion Answer Book. Canton: Visible Ink Press, 2002. Print.

Shahani, Muhammad. The Guide to the Basic Principles of Islam. New York: Community

Publications, Print.

Toropov, Brandon. Complete Idiot’s Guide to World Religions. Indianapolis: Alpha Books,

2000. eBook.

Essay 2: Rough Draft

                                        Christianity and Islam

The sound of continuous chanting filled the streets of New York City as protestors argued both in favor of and in opposition to the building of an Islamic center and mosque near Ground Zero.  The proposed location of the mosque has caused an enormous amount of controversy over the past few months.  One minister, Terry Jones, was so opposed to the idea that he threatened to “build a bonfire of Korans and set the books ablaze” (Goldman).  Issues frequently arise as a result of a difference in views among certain groups of people.  Christians and Muslims do differ in their beliefs.  Main differences include the Christian belief that Jesus is the Son of God and the Muslim belief in the prophet Muhammad.  It is clear that Christianity and Islam are different, but people often times fail to recognize the numerous similarities that exist between the two religions.  Not only do Christians and Muslims believe in the same God and many of the same religious figures, but they also share similar beliefs about the content that appears in their holy texts, including beliefs about life after death.

Christians and Muslims possess similar beliefs about God and believe in several of the same important religious figures.  Christianity and Islam are monotheistic religions, both believing in one God.  It is believed that God, called “Allah” in Islam, is the Creator of the World (Shahani 12).  Religious figures such as Abraham, Moses, John the Baptist, and Jesus, appear in the holy books associated with both religions.  Many people don’t realize the importance of the four individuals in Islam (Renard 226).  For example, Christians and Muslims alike believe they are children of Abraham (Toropov 91).  It is also widely unknown that Muslims believe in Jesus; however, Jesus plays an important role in Islam.  The Islamic religion, unlike the Christian religion, doesn’t consider Jesus to be the Son of God, but rather, he is recognized as a prophet (Esposito).  Muslims consider him to be “one of the greatest of God’s prophets and messengers” (Discover Islam).  According to both religions, Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary and God “strengthened him with the Holy Spirit” (Renard 226).  He performed miracles, healed the suffering, as well as raised people from the dead (Renard 226).  Christians and Muslims believe Jesus will return on the Day of Judgment.  Although specific beliefs about religious figures aren’t exactly the same among the two religions, both Christianity and Islam express the importance of the figures, especially through holy texts.

            The holy texts of Christianity and Islam are the Bible and Qur’an respectively, and each religion has creeds to express its beliefs as well.  The Qur’an is believed to contain the words of God as spoken through the prophet Muhammad, whereas the Bible contains accounts written by disciples of Jesus, yet the two texts have an incredible amount in common (Renard 192).  The Bible and the Qur’an even contain many of the same stories from the Old and New Testament (Renard 191).  Each religion has its own creed as well, and the purpose of each one is similar.  Muslims recite the Shahadah, or “Declaration of Faith,” (Discover Islam) which confirms the Muslim belief that there is one God, and that Muhammad was God’s messenger (Renard 198).  Beyond the creed, Muslims live by the “Five Pillars” of Islam (Renard 198).  Similarly, Christians recite the Nicene Creed to affirm their faith in God and in addition, they try to live by the “Ten Commandments.”  The Islam religion acknowledges the “Ten Commandments” as well (Renard 136).  The important texts of each religion show several similarities between Christian and Muslim beliefs, including beliefs about life after death.

            “Death is not the end of life, but a transition to another level of existence” (Renard 202).  A person’s journey isn’t limited to life on Earth; it is believed to continue after death.  Christians and Muslims share the belief that life after death is eternal (Shahani 25).  After death, a “judgment” will take place and humans will then be judged by God according to how they lived their lives on Earth (Renard 141).  God’s judgment will determine whether individuals should reside in Heaven or Hell (Shahani 26).  In the Islamic religion, Heaven is for those who die believing in God, or Allah, and His prophet, Muhammad (Shahani 27). In the Christian religion, the belief is similar, except the individuals believe in Jesus instead of Muhammad (Renard 141).  As far as both religions are concerned, Heaven is thought to be a “state of being” rather than a physical place (Renard 203).  Hell is for those who sin during their lifetime and disobey God’s commandments (Shahani 27).  Christians and Muslims believe if they are placed in Hell, they will stay in Hell for eternity (Renard 141).  Life after death is a concept that both religions view similarly. 

            Christians and Muslims share beliefs in God, certain religious figures, and eternal life after death, as shown in the holy texts of each religion.  Christians and Muslims have more in common that most people realize.  Although certain aspects of each religion differ in some ways, many central concepts are the same.  It’s puzzling why a minister such as Terry Jones would want to burn the holy book of a religion that is so similar to his own.  Perhaps there wouldn’t be such an uproar about the location of the new mosque in New York City if everyone could grasp a better understanding of Christianity and Islam and the numerous similarities that exist between them.