and Muslims? Can Christians reconcile with Muslims?"
Answer: On September 11, 2001, the world entered the age of terror.
The terrorists wage cruel atrocities in the name of Islam. Christians
wonder how to respond to the threat. To their reproach, some fearfully
spurn all Muslims as terrorists. Others compromise truth to show
acceptance. Both approaches dishonor God.
Christians must understandtheir differences with Muslims so they can
respond with truth and love. First, let's prayerfully examine how to
overcome some of the initial barriers between Muslims and Christians.
1. Muslims are offended by Western secularism
As global technology shrinks the world, Muslims feel threatened by
Westernculture: immoral movies, pornography, immodest dress, vile
music, and rebellious teens. Western culture threatens the Islamic
faith, worldview, and lifestyle. They equate this Western culture with
Christianity.
Christian response : Befriend Muslims and explain how Western culture
is no longer Christian but secular. Further, not all who claim to be
Christians are true followers of Christ. Show by word and action an
example of a true Christian:"Keep your conduct amongthe Gentiles
honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may
see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation" (1 Peter
2:12).
2. Muslims are resentful of Western dominance
Some countries of the Westhave a history of colonialism and
interference, which Muslims resent. While some approve of the war on
terror, other Muslims bitterly object. Many also feel betrayed by the
West's"favoritism" of Israel, which displaced thousands of
Palestinians.
Christian response : Demonstrate genuine love and humility by prayer
andservice. Focus on Christ—not political controversies. God will one
day restore justice. In the meantime, He provides government leaders
to protect the good and punish the wrongdoer (Romans 13:1-7).
"Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate
with the lowly. Never be conceited. Repay no one evil for evil, but
give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible,
so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never
avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is
written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.' To the
contrary, 'if your enemy is hungry, feedhim; if he is thirsty, give
him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on
his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good"
(Romans 12:16-21).
"Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know
that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be
quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring
evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant
them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may
escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do
his will" (2 Timothy 2:23-26).
3. Militant Muslims act onwar verses in the Qur'an
While many Muslims are peace-loving, others interpret the Qur'an as
giving them divine permission to convert or kill non-Muslims.
Christian response : Sadly,some Christians fearfully despise Muslims.
But the Lord gives the perfect neutralizer to fear and hatred: His
love.
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 4:18a).
"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.
Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell"(Matthew
10:28).
"But I say to you who hear,Love your enemies, do good to those who
hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you"
(Luke 6:27).
Jesus didn't promise His followers a life free of suffering. Instead,
He assured, "If the world hatesyou, know that it has hatedme before it
hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its
own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the
world,therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to
you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted
me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also
keep yours. But all these things they will do toyou on account of my
name, because they do not know him who sent me" (John 15:18-21).
While some misunderstandings can be cleared with Muslims, the main
offense is . . . Jesus Christ! (See 1 Peter 2:4-8.) The truth about
the Lord and Savior must not be compromised. Muslims reject God the
Father who sent His Son to die for sinners. Most deny both
thenecessity and historicity of Christ's death.
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