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[quote]Salam All,

[b]Do not prophecies are usually mentioned in implicit terms? Through metaphors and symbolism.[/b]

I would go along with that for the most part.  However, in this instance of "implicitness" of the Bible the belief in the Second Coming is more of an interpretation.  Nevertheless, I would still like to see the supportive verses.

[b]This seems to imply that this belief was later incorporated into the Bible. I however find it a bit difficult to buy into that. After the cononization of the Biblical text well before the advent of the Last Prophet (pbuh), don't you find it a bit strange that chagnes should still be freely incorporated?[/b]

There are various beliefs in Christian theology that have nothing to do with the Bible.  For example, the Trinity is not included in the Bible but verses from the Bible are interpreted to fit the concept of the Trinity.  Another issue is the God-ship of Jesus, though, it is nowhere to be found in the Bible, Christians have found ways to interpret them to mean Jesus was God the Son.  And another very important doctrine which is Original Sin is not found in the Bible however, interpretive measures of a verse from Romans 5:12 became the basis for this.  So new beliefs have crept up into Christianity, maybe not the Bible.  However, the verses from the Bible are used to support these concepts.  I agree with your skepticism that grand changes, especially the Second Coming, may have been developed at a later date.  That's not what I was implying.  I was merely stating we do not have all the information regarding the beliefs of Christians regarding this issue during the Prophet's time.  Just something to consider.

[b]If it had anything to do with the Muslims, it would have been on top of the priority list. Prophethood has always been on the top. This is why Rusul were foretold.[/b]

I can't comprehend how the arrival/return of a Prophet of God has nothing to do with the Muslims.  The impact would be shattering to the world as a whole.  Here Jesus returns and claims Islam to be the righteous path and that won't impact us?  I understand that you may mean from a religious point of view, but considering the circumstances we are in today if Jesus would return he'd have a lot to say.

[b]But it does raise a question why the Holy Qur'an has not negated it. Yes, we can only conjecture, you may say that. Someone else may say that we are explaining and not conjecturuing.[/b]

Now this is the fundamental point that got me thinking.  With this I totally agree.  Why the silence?  Why not address the issue?  etc...  I will insha'Allah ponder over these points.  I would consider that believing in the return of any Prophet may not harm the salvation of the individual even if it's not true.  I don't know.  As I said, this question is powerful and needs furthering.  I didn't mean to sound negative when I used "conjecture."  I only meant that it seems the findings are as yet inconclusive.  Maybe theorizing, is that better? :)  I really meant no disrespect.  So let's use both, you are explaining a theory in the works.

[b]There is only one Jesus in which the Muslims have already professed faith. He has a special mission to accomplish--which has do with the Christians alone. Reinforcing something does not mean to ask for obedience or anything from those who place credence to this message. Does it?[/b]

Of course there is only one Jesus.  What I stated was in response the concept that Muslims had no responsiblity to profess faith in him.  So my point was if we professed our faith in him the first time, then that faith doesn't disappear the second time.  Reinforcement can require those elements but not necessarily.  To my mind Jesus cannot return in a vaccum.  He'll affect all humanity not just Christians.  Will he need the Muslims?  I don't know.  These and others are important questions we must consider.

I have to say that this topic has really sparked great interest in me.  I really appreciate that you brought it up.  It gives us all another perspective on the issue.  Great job.  I hope to continue this lively subject till we reach some sort of understanding on it.

Wassalam

Edited by - ronnie on January 14 2004  04:47:21[/quote]

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