Page 126 - World Religions I - Islam

o Be a friend regardless of whether they respond favorably to the Gospel. It may open doors to share
later.
• Be hospitable.
o Muslims are well-known for their generous hospitality. Be sure to reciprocate with similar graciousness
and hospitality.

Strategy for Sharing
Islam offers many beliefs and practices which are similar to those in Christianity. It also affirms crucial ideas and
practices which are antithetical to those in Christianity. An appropriate and decisive evangelism strategy for reaching
Muslims is based on the following:
• The message and life of Jesus Christ.
• A clear knowledge of Islam.
• An appreciation of the challenges and struggles of Muslim peoples.
• A love for individual Muslims and their families. V. A presentation of Biblical truths.
• A sharing of one's own Christian faith.

What Christians Need to Know Before Sharing Islam is a religion of 1,400 years of history, civilization,
and growth.

Muslims are proud of their heritage and desire that their religion be understood and respected by outsiders. In
meeting with Muslims, there are a few things one must take into account:

• Muslims are either born into Islam or convert to Islam. They identify their religion with their culture. II. There are
several issues that have great influence upon the attitudes of Muslims toward Christians:
o Muslims assume that Christians believe in three gods (since the Qur'an teaches the Trinity to be
composed of God, Mary, and Jesus; it rejects Jesus as the Son of God.)
o Muslims believe that Jews and Christians have changed the Old and New Testaments to conceal the
predictions of the coming of Muhammad.
o Muslims believe that Jesus did not die on the cross but that someone took his place.
o The Crusades have indelibly branded in Muslim memory a continuing attitude that Christianity is a
warring religion and Christians are a colonialistic people. Recent wars in the Middle East and Central Asia
have only continued to bolster this perception of Christianity.
• Muslims believe they have a high concept of Jesus from the Qur'an when they call him a prophet, messenger,
Messiah, Word, and Spirit.
• Muslims view the West as being "Christian", and attribute Christianity to all Westerners.
o They are therefore critical of the corrupt values portrayed in movies and mass media that come from the
"Christian West".
• Many Muslims view missionaries as agents of Western Christian governments.
• Muslims worldwide identify with the plight of the Palestinians for a homeland and for the return to them of the
rights and privileges over the Muslim holy places in Jerusalem.
• Muslims believe they have the best institution for the family with women and children protected. They do not
like criticism leveled against the place of women in Islam or their wearing of the veil.
• Muslims do not like any negative or "blasphemous" portrayal of their prophet Muhammad, which includes movies,
writings, or caricatures.
• Muslims love to give and receive hospitality with family and friends, especially hospitality centered around food,
meals, and festivities.
• Serious Muslims do not drink alcoholic beverages or eat pork products or engage in gambling activities.

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