Peace Mia666
As you know to each people God has ordained a Law and a Path. That was deliberately and intentionally done by God so He can test us all in what he has given us(5:48). Believing in what God has given each people individually to me is one thing. And to believe in all of them collectively with real faith that they have guidance in them is another. At times one may be very familiar with what is there own inherited teachings. And does not go that extra mile to see what other messages that are out there that could be given to other people from God.
God did not tell the Jews and Christians to abandon there
true teachings. The Quran challenges the
invented lies that was
read into their Scriptures. God repeatedly tells the Prophet Muhammad to tell the People of the Book to
desist from the inventions they added in Gods name and to go back to their source and judge by what was given to them.
There were
some among the People of the Book who were not on the right path. If your read 5:41-43 you will see clearly these are disbelieving Jews who did not even accept there own Message. God is just telling the Prophet to use his logic, why would someone come to you for judgment when they have their own guidance(Torah) and they disbelieved in that. Aren't they both from God authorized? What would make you think they will believe in the Quran? They disbelieved in the Torah why would they believe in the Quran, the overall message is the same but they are just simple disbelievers.
Many verses the Quran instructs the People of the Book to go back to their true teachings of the Scriptures, and not follow what they invented. That is a way and far better approach and they will be believers. At the same time God tells them to not disbelieve in what has come down from God to another community (Muhammads people) which is a confirmation of the what they hold.
In my opinion a true believer does not have arrogance. He can admit there could be better or the like of himself. If a message was to become made clear to people they are expected to believe in it. Especially if its a confirmation of what is with you and you regard it as truth.
For example the verse you are mentioning:
2:89 And when a scripture came to them from God, confirming what they have -- although previously they were seeking victory against those who
disbelieved-but when there came to them what they
recognized, they
disbelieved in it. So God's curse is upon the disbelievers.
I believe that what is meant by the term
recognized is that they recognized that God has spoken again.
Sometimes you can recognize someone even if you don't see him. You can recognize by his voice, his actions, his hand writing, his techniques, his rhythm, his speech, attitude etc.
In this case to the People of the Book, they had recognized that God has revealed another message to another people who are not from their own kind. The know very well that this is from God. The message that was given to Prophet Muhammad.
I think its important to understand the difference between
Believing and
Following the Quran. I do think that if the Quran was to be made clear to the People of the Book then they are
expected to accept it as truth from God and
not to say that God only brought them a guidance and the Quran is not from God simply because it did not come to them through their
own kind.
I would like to share what Joseph Islam has written about a similar topic about what the People of the Book should follow.
Without intending to become overly complex in providing you with a humble response, it should be noted, that the main thrust of theses verses that you share is to emphasise that there was an expectation for the Christian and Jews at the time of the Prophetic ministry, to follow their Scriptures sent by God with sincerity, faithfulness and in truth.
They were expected to be judged by the laws in these Scriptures. After all, all such Divinely inspired teachings are ultimately from Him.
However, in my humble opinion, it can be safely posited that from a Quran's perspective at least, there is no ‘explicit’ requirement for those of the people of the Book that follow their revelations correctly and in truth, to simply abandon them. For example, the Jews are not expected to abandon their laws, such as keeping the Sabbath or any other religious observances. However, they are expected to accept the veracity of the Quran as a revelation from God once the truth of it has been completely manifested to them. This remains key.
Whether today's Jews and Christians with their numerous sects are following their Books justly, or in truth, is a totally different matter and would require a very detailed discussion which is outside the scope of this response.
For example, was it ever the intention of the Gospels to remove Mosaic laws such as the keeping of the Sabbath or abstinence from consuming swine flesh or was its intention to keep to the laws strictly? (5:46) What are the justifications given by certain Christians to abandon those laws and are such justifications correct / cogent? (etc)
The Quran also challenges errant theologies, but at the same stroke refers the People of the Book back to their Books. This somewhat implies that these errant theologies (such as the alleged relationship of prophet Jesus and God) are not necessarily sourced / supported by these Scriptures and are ‘arguably’ errant beliefs which are read into the scriptures without warrant.
As you can see, this will become a very complicated matter requiring detailed scrutiny and discussion. However, the emphasis to keep to their scriptures in truth remains imperative, regardless.
As far as your question regarding ‘conversion’ is concerned; if one prefers to follow Islam underpinned by the Quranic way of life as a righteous, committed believer, then this should not necessarily be seen as a contradiction of verses 5:44-47. It can be posited as an option though not an 'expectation' as is usually the belief of the traditional masses. That I feel, is the difference.
I hope that clarifies, God willing
Also if you have a new question or want to discuss something not relating to the thread your reading you should try to start a new one so people don't get confused,
Peace