Page 153 - Advanced Bible Geography ebook

• 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.
• Orthodox Muslims who take seriously the Qur'an believe their religion is superior to all others in
beliefs and practices.
• Christians need to be realistic about the feelings which Muslims may have towards Christianity in
particular and towards Christians in general.
• Remember that Muslims are people who face life-and-death matters, who laugh and cry, and who
desire a better world for themselves and their families.

Do's and Don’ts
Methods and styles of evangelism to Muslims may differ according to needs, circumstances, and
personalities. Especially with much history of uncongenial relationship between Christianity and Islam, it is
wise to tread carefully but deliberately and intentionally. Remember that the Bible says that one speaks with
the tongues of men and angels but doesn't have love, it not only sounds awful but is a disgrace. There are do's
and don’ts - positive and negative ways of communicating and sharing with Muslims.

• Don’ts
o Do not accentuate the negative at the beginning of a conversation at the expense of the
positive.
 It may be much better to discuss the meaning of "Messiah" and "Word of God" and
"Spirit of God", as Jesus is given those titles in the Qur'an, than to start with Jesus as the
Son of God and as part of the doctrine of the Trinity, which the Qur'an condemns.
 Deeper conversations about deeper truths may follow.
o Do not be critical of Islamic doctrines or figures.
 Do not demean Islam, the Qur'an, or Muhammad in a disparaging spirit.
 Remember that you are addressing topics that they have revered their entire life.
o Avoid argumentation and hostile disputes.
 Muslims are more influenced by stories and parables than they are by logical
arguments.
o Do not relate one-on-one and alone with the opposite gender unless the cultural norms
would permit it and others would completely understand it.
o Do not entertain stereotypes.
 The West tends to view Muslim’s oil-rich sheiks, extremists or terrorists, or

151