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Answer
On September 11, 2001, the world entered the era of terror. The terrorists commit brutal atrocities in the name of Islam. Christians ponder how to address the threat. Regrettably, some unjustly label all Muslims as terrorists out of fear. Others compromise the truth in an attempt to demonstrate acceptance. Both approaches bring dishonor to God.
It is essential for Christians to comprehend the distinctions between themselves and Muslims to respond with truth and love. Let us first prayerfully consider how to overcome some initial barriers between Muslims and Christians.
1. Muslims are offended by Western secularism
With global technology shrinking the world, Muslims perceive Western culture as a threat: immoral movies, pornography, immodest attire, vulgar music, and rebellious youth. Western culture poses a threat to the Islamic faith, worldview, and way of life. Muslims often associate this Western culture with Christianity.
Christian response: Engage with Muslims and clarify that Western culture is now predominantly secular, not Christian. Moreover, not all who profess Christianity are genuine followers of Christ. Demonstrate through words and deeds the essence of a true Christian: “Having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:12), (1 Peter 2:12).
2. Muslims resent Western dominance
Certain Western nations have a history of colonialism and intervention, which fuels resentment among Muslims. While some support the war on terror, others vehemently oppose it. Many also feel betrayed by the West’s perceived bias towards Israel, a nation whose establishment displaced thousands of Palestinians.
Christian response: Demonstrate genuine love and humility through prayer and service. Keep your focus on Christ rather than political controversies. God will eventually restore justice. Meanwhile, He has appointed government leaders to protect the righteous and punish wrongdoers (Romans 13:1-7).
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be arrogant, but associate with the humble. Never be self-important. Do not repay evil with evil, but consider what is honorable to all. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live peacefully with everyone. Beloved, do not seek revenge yourselves, but leave it to God’s judgment, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good” (Romans 12:16-21).
“Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they only lead to arguments. The Lord’s servant must not be argumentative but kind to everyone, able to teach, patient in enduring evil, correcting opponents with gentleness. God may grant them repentance to know the truth, and they may escape from the devil’s trap, having been captured by him to do his will” (2 Timothy 2:23-26).
3. Militant Muslims act based on war verses in the Qur’an
While many Muslims are peaceful, some interpret the Qur’an as granting them divine authorization to either convert or kill non-Muslims. Verses in the Qur’an that promote violence include Qur’an 4:76, “Those who believe fight in the cause of Allah…”; Qur’an 25:52, “Therefore do not listen to the Unbelievers, but strive against them vigorously…”; and Qur’an 61:4, “Surely Allah…”
loves those who fight in His way.”
Christian response: Sadly, some Christians fearfully despise Muslims. But the Lord provides the perfect antidote to fear and hatred: His love.
“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear” «There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. », (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” «And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to 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” « But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, », (Luke 6:27).
Jesus didn’t promise His followers a life free of suffering. Instead, He assured, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me 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 to you 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 the necessity and historicity of Christ’s death. While Muslims honor Jesus as a noble prophet, they depend on Islamic faith and works—submission to one Allah, belief in Muhammad’s revelation of Allah, obedience to the Qur’an and the Five Pillars—for entrance to paradise. Many Muslims believe that Christians worship three gods, deify a man, and have corrupted the Bible.
Christians and Muslims should discuss doctrinal misunderstandings. Christians must understand biblical theology so they can . . .
• explain the Trinity: God is one in essence, three in Person
• provide evidence of the Bible’s trustworthiness
• demonstrate how God’s holiness and man’s sinfulness necessitate Christ’s atoning death
• clarify beliefs about Jesus: “And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God” (1 John 4:14-15)
With love, humility, and patience, Christians must present Jesus as Lord and Savior. “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” «Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. », (John 14:6).
