Page 150 - Bible Geography and Near East Studies

• Orthodox Muslims who take the Qur'an seriously believe their religion is superior to all others in
beliefs and practices.
• Christians need to be realistic about the feelings that 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 a long history of an 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 oil-rich sheiks, extremists, or terrorists, or generally
dangerous people. Such erroneous views can erect unnecessary barriers to
communication.

• Do's
o Pray and seek the wisdom and peace that can only come from the Holy Spirit.
o Honor and respect Muslims as people with religious beliefs and feelings and culture.
 Be humble.
o Cultivate relationships with Muslims by discussing common and similar areas of interest,
such as belief in one God, the virgin birth, and the names and titles given to Jesus in the
Qur'an.
o Learn Muslim social customs, especially the roles of men and women, greetings, and diet,
so that embarrassment may be minimal in interactions. Don't use Jewish greetings with
Muslims (like "shalom").
o Include Muslims in activities where they may feel comfortable and may interact with
Christians in social and some religious occasions.
o Speak the truth in love.
 Use parables of Jesus and stories of the healing of the sick and miracles.

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