Denomination Differences

How Abrahamic Religions Say to Treat Non-Believers

The Bible is clear that we should love everyone, including non-believers. Jesus said that the two greatest commandments are to love God and to love your neighbor as yourself, which includes every person on Earth, Christian or not. This is not just a suggestion; it is a command. Jesus then goes further to specifically say that we should love our enemies and always treat others as we would want to be treated:

Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

It is a core doctrine of Christianity, regardless of denomination, even if believers do not always practice it.

This also is consistent with what Judaism says:

Exodus 22:21 Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.

This makes sense as God was the same in Exodus as He was incarnate. It is a divergence from human nature however. Religions born out of man's ideas instead of from God often have a different view of non-believers. For example, Islam says:

Surah 8:12–13 Remember, O Prophet, when your Lord revealed to the angels, “I am with you. So make the believers stand firm. I will cast horror into the hearts of the disbelievers. So strike their necks and strike their fingertips.” This is because they defied Allah and His Messenger. And whoever defies Allah and His Messenger, then know that Allah is surely severe in punishment.

Sahih Bukhari 1:25 Mohammed was asked, “What is the best deed?” He replied, “To believe in Allah and His Apostle. The questioner then asked, “What is the next in goodness? He replied, “To participate in Jihad in Allah’s Cause.”

This is essentially the opposite of the teachings of God in the Bible. Instead of the greatest commandments being to love God and your enemies, Islam teaches that the greatest commandments are to believe in Allah and Mohammed and to kill non-believers. Islam shows a clear departure other Abrahamic religions in this regard.