Scriptural Parallels

In these days in which representatives of Judaism and Islam are often in contention with one another, it is refreshing to recall the close parallel between two central utterances of the two traditions: the Shema of Judaism and Shahada of Islam.

The Christian and Islamic traditions, likewise, are as one in their acknowledgment that the time of the "last days" cannot be predicated in advance.

Since we are noting close parallels between the texts of the Abrahamic religions, the clear and deliberate echo of Genesis found at the beginning of John's Gospel should also be mentioned -- for beginnings, as well as centers and endings, have their family resemblances...