Mark Siljander

Just as saddened as they are to kill innocent men.

Gisella, so now you made up your mind that the victims here have killed innocent men. How insightful of you.
Nice Turnaround.

It is not about who I am or who Mark is, It is about who Jesus is!
According to Mark's own statement, he is not sure who Jesus is. That says a lot about the REVELATION Mark speaks about. How about you Barbara, do you know who Jesus is?
There is no wonder why Mark would not respond to the statements and questions posted below.

Enjoy this quote: I find it easy and pleasant to worship one who is so great and at the same time so affectionately devoted to the uplifting ministry of his lowly creatures. I naturally love one who is so powerful in creation and in the control thereof, and yet who is so perfect in goodness and so faithful in the loving-kindness which constantly ... Read Moreovershadows us. I think I would love God just as much if he were not so great and powerful, as long as he is so good and merciful. We all love the Father more because of his nature than in recognition of his amazing attributes.

Like many things in the Scripture, this issue is left somewhat open to interpretation.. which is how we find jihadists taking advantage and teaching that the Qur'an insures salvation through martyrdom in a "holy war." (something I consider "nonsense" and explain further on pg.p. 176-178 of A Deadly Misunderstanding.)

In actuality the Qur'an speaks of forgiveness repeatedly, more than 150 times. Here's a few to chew on:

Allah will love you and forgive you your sins; for Allah is oft-forgiving and most merciful. (Sura 3:31)... Read More

Those who believe (in the Qur’an) and those who follow the Jewish (scriptures) and the Christians and the Sabians [Aramaic-speaking sects of Christians]—any who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and work righteousness, shall have their reward with their Lord; on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. (Sura 2:62)

Remember Allah’s favour on you: for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love, so that by His grace, ye became brethren. (Sura 3:103)

Allah will grant love and friendship between you and those whom ye hold as enemies. For Allah has power; and Allah is oft-forgiving, most merciful. (Sura 60:7)

So beautiful. Thank you.

are you planning on making this publicly available?

The course description itself is very brief for their catalog. We do hope to utilize this community class as a prototype of working in a group environment with this material. I'll try to let you guys in on that process as it develops, both here and on the website blog. We've had a lot of interest in a group guide or some type of curriculum and this will definitely contribute to that goal!

COURSE DESCRIPTION: A Deadly Misunderstanding: Peacemaking in Action
(to be offered at Lifelong Learning Center of the Florida Keys/ Florida Keys Community College)
... Read More
Join us for a unique exploration of the common ground between Islam and Christianity drawing on the real-life international experiences of author and US Congressman, Mark D. Siljander (ret). His innovative peacemaking efforts have instigated real change amidst political stalemates in countries such as Sudan, Afghanistan, Libya, and Iraq.

The class will survey the bridges and barriers between these two mega-religions, utilizing a study of the Semitic Aramaic language as a linguistic key that sheds light on misunderstood differences in the Holy Books of each religion.

We'll discuss the differences and similarities between these two faiths, strategy for contributing positive presence rather than fear and mistrust and how a renewal of ancient spiritual values contributes to alleviation of major conflicts today.

Mark Siljander is a former U.S. congressman & deputy U.S./U.N. ambassador and author of award winning A Deadly Misunderstanding; A Congressman’s Quest to Bridge the Muslim-Christian Divide (Harper One, Oct. 7, 2008). He is a peacemaker applying the Fifth Track of Engagement by sharing a multicultural spiritual paradigm powerful enough to foster trust, and empowering influential leaders to replace radicalism with reconciliation and peace. www.ADeadlyMisunderstanding.com

The Bible says that Isaac was the promise child. The Koran says it is Ismael, I would call this a great divide and a pivotal issue. One can only be in agreement with one or the other, but not with both. Is this what you would call cultural misunderstanding?

The only mention of Crucifixion in the Koran is where it says ..."But they killed Him not, nor crucified Him." How do you translate that as the Koran stating that Jesus was Crucified???

Tell me Mark, What is the good news that Jesus commended us to bring to the ends of the earth?... Read More

There is only one way to the Kingdom of God, that is through Christ Jesus. Not through Buddha, not through Krishna and not through Mohamed. Only through Christ. That's quite a statement. No it is not politically correct and many are offended by it. But that is the Gospel truth. Shall we water it down, compromise and say it is not so?

I have no doubt that you are aware of all this and I am certain that you heard these arguments many times before. Reflecting on the past comments brings me to believe that your ministry is not about Jesus at all, I think it's more about lobbying for "Novus Ordo Seclorum" if anything.

All Honor goes to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

David, There are differences in belief between Islam and Christianity. I am not trying to make them the same. But I am focusing on common ground between us, in order to build relationships of trust and friendship. In my walk I have continuously been surprised at what we do share.

On the crucifixion question, I referred you to where I explain that issue in more depth.. in short, I believe it is possible the verse refers to the Jews themselves not killing Jesus, but doesn't necessarily indicate that Jesus was not killed.

One major cultural misunderstanding is that Muslims believe the term "son of God" indicates that Christians believe God had physical intercourse with Mary to produce Jesus. Both Christians and Muslims believe this idea abhorrent! Studying the Aramaic linguistics of the genealogy in Matthew indicates Mary birthing Jesus using a female rooted verb, indicating no male was involved! What a blessing to share between Muslims and Christians to build trust and understanding! It is an irony because we did not know that we agree in this regard and misunderstood at least a component of why the other disagreed.... Read More

Blessings David,

Mark

You're very welcome Rafael!

Keep it comming Mark!!!! Thank you!!!

Thanks to everyone, we are so glad to be here with this opportunity!

Iam very glad to hear and see these efforts that are seeking and encouraging for any opportunity of peace, welfare and happiness to my country Sudan... go forward.

This site is packed with lots of good info. http://www.scarboromissions.ca/Golden_rule/understanding_golden_rule.php

Mini FLASH Movie: http://www.scarboromissions.ca/Golden_rule/golden_rule_flash.swf

Nice to see you on-board!

BTW - for anyone interested the official website is: http://charterforcompassion.org/#

thanks Mr siljander