Problem Management — religious Q&A
Jesus

How do other religions regard Jesus?

Given how much disagreement there is even among those that call themselves Christian, that's a large question. But as a general rule, newer religions tend to regard existing religious figures with less importance than their own, while older religions tend to reject anything newer.

Jesus has no spiritual significance under Judaism, the oldest Biblical religion. He might have existed as a historical figure, and might very well have been an important rabbi (teacher) at a time when there were many sects within Judaism, but he is not regarded as a prophet, much less a divine person.

But to Christians, Jesus was much more than a prophet. He was the promised messiah of Judaism, and most Christians believe he was actually God in human flesh, whose sacrifice saves mankind from eternal death, and that he will return again at the end of the world.

Christians do not believe that Muhammad, who was born hundreds of years later, was a prophet. But while Muslims do believe that Jesus was a prophet, and more importantly a messenger, they do not believe that he was the greatest prophet, nor that he played any sacrificial role, and certainly not that he had a divine nature. They believe that the Bible records many of his teachings, but that much of it was misrepresented or has been changed or mistranslated over the years. Some Muslim sects believe that Jesus will return in the flesh at the end of the world, helping Imam Mahdi to defeat evil.

Qur'an IV-171 — Christ Jesus the son of Mary was [no more than] a messenger of Allah, and His Word, which He bestowed on Mary, and a spirit proceeding from Him: so believe in Allah and His messengers. Say not "Trinity": desist: it will be better for you: for Allah is one Allah: Glory be to Him: [far exalted is He] above having a son.