A Comparative Study of the Division within Religion and the Characteristics of Its Prompters in the View of the Holy Quran and the New Testament

One of the important teachings of Islam and Christianity is calling their followers for cooperation and forbidding them from division. In spite of the repeated warnings which found in the sacred texts of these religions, some sects have taken form within them. The central point at issue here is the cause for the division and the motive and characteristics of those who provoke it. Using a descriptive-analytical method and a comparative approach, this study explores the issue of the division within religion and the characteristics of its promoters from the perspective of the Quran and the New Testament. Both sacred texts warn against the disagreement and division among their followers. The New Testament focuses only on the followers of Jesus Christ in this regard. But, the Holy Quran also warns the nations and the followers of the previous prophets. Regarding the features of the promoters of division, both sacred texts emphasize on their spiritual weaknesses and their involvement in vices. The Holy Quran uses the term "Bagi" as a distinctive feature of those who provoke division. The New Testament considers them as slaves of carnal desires and lacking spiritual maturity. The emphasis given by the sacred texts of Islam and Christianity to this issue indicates the importance of providing true believers with spiritual and moral education in order to prevent division within religion.