Why is the Bible Better than the Quran?

In Why is the Bible Better than the Qur'an, Dr. Maxwell Shimba explores the significant differences between the Bible and the Qur'an, offering a thought-provoking comparison that challenges Muslims and Christians alike to reflect on the authenticity, integrity, and teachings of their respective scriptures. The book is designed to address the claims made by the Qur'an regarding the Bible, showing that the Bible stands on its own as the true Word of God. Dr. Shimba carefully examines the theological, historical, and doctrinal differences between the two texts, presenting evidence that supports the Bible's superiority in both spiritual and practical terms.

Dr. Shimba begins the book by discussing the historical context in which both the Bible and the Qur'an were written, emphasizing the Bible's long-standing influence on global civilization and culture. He argues that the Bible has been meticulously preserved throughout the centuries, with numerous manuscripts confirming its consistency and accuracy. In contrast, the Qur'an, despite its claim of being the unaltered Word of God, faces challenges in terms of textual integrity, including discrepancies in its manuscript tradition and the acknowledged loss of certain verses.

The author goes on to critique the doctrinal differences between the Bible and the Qur'an, especially concerning the nature of God and the identity of Jesus Christ. Dr. Shimba highlights that the Bible teaches the divinity of Jesus and His role as the Savior of mankind, while the Qur'an denies this central truth of Christianity. He presents theological evidence from the Bible that proves the foundational Christian belief in Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection, which stands in stark contrast to the Qur'an's teachings on Jesus as merely a prophet.

In the next section, the book examines the moral teachings of both scriptures, focusing on how each text addresses issues such as justice, forgiveness, and salvation. Dr. Shimba argues that the Bible offers a higher standard of morality, emphasizing love, grace, and forgiveness, as exemplified in the teachings of Jesus Christ. He compares this with the Qur'an's more legalistic and sometimes harsh prescriptions for justice, noting that the Bible's message of grace is more fitting for the human condition and offers true hope for redemption.

Dr. Shimba also addresses the concept of "preservation" in both scriptures, questioning the Qur'an's claim of being the unaltered Word of God. He presents evidence from both Islamic and historical sources showing that parts of the Qur'an have been lost or altered over time, which raises questions about its claim to divine perfection. In contrast, he argues that the Bible has been consistently preserved and is reliable in its current form, citing numerous historical, archaeological, and manuscript discoveries that confirm its authenticity.

The book further explores the differences in the role of scripture in the lives of believers. Dr. Shimba highlights that while the Qur'an is regarded by Muslims as the final revelation, the Bible is not only a scripture but a guide to living a life that is pleasing to God. He emphasizes the transformative power of the Bible, noting how it provides not just religious doctrine but also practical guidance for daily life, fostering spiritual growth and moral development in its readers.

Dr. Shimba concludes the book by urging readers-both Muslims and Christians-to reconsider the authority and reliability of their respective scriptures. He challenges Muslims to question the claims of the Qur'an about the Bible and to consider the evidence that supports the Bible's integrity.