December 3, 2001

BGCT offers resource for witnessing to Muslims
___By Ken Camp
___Texas Baptist Communications
___DALLAS--Christians not only must understand Islamic beliefs and culture but also must develop genuine relationships before they can hope to present the gospel to Muslims, according to an Iranian-born Texas Baptist pastor.
___Pastor Iraj, who asked that his last name not be used, was reared as a Muslim. Out of his personal experience and additional research, he wrote a booklet, "Reaching Muslims with the Message of Christ."
___The Baptist General Convention of Texas recently mailed copies of the booklet to all Texas Baptist pastors.
___"The world has changed since Sept. 11. As this disaster continues to challenge our assumptions, we thought it would be important to encourage a better unders tanding of Islam," says a cover letter signed by Charles Wade, BGCT executive director; Rick Davis, strategic evangelism director; and Patty Lane, director of intercultural initiatives.
___"With so much media coverage and information now being disseminated about Muslims, it is easy to become confused or to give in to stereotypical thinking," the letter continues. "Our desire is for you to have correct information and know how to discuss your faith with Muslims. Some Christians believe that we worship the same God referred to by Muslims as 'Allah,' or that Islam is a religion of hate and violence. Neither is true."
___In the booklet, Pastor Iraj notes that more than one-fifth of the world's population follows the teachings of Islam and its confession of faith, "There is no god but Allah and Mohammad is the prophet of Allah."
___Other pillars of Islam are five compulsory daily prayers, fasting during daylight hours during the month of Ramadan, giving alms and making a pilgrimage to Mecca.
___"Many Muslims would add as the sixth duty the holy war (Jihad) which means fighting for the faith. This holy war may be a mental or spiritual striving more than a physical warfare to protect the Muslim faith from enemies of Islam," the booklet states.
___Iraj offers several suggestions for Christians who want to share their faith with Muslim neighbors:
___ Understanding. Christians need to be aware of Islamic beliefs and be firmly grounded in biblical teaching.
___Articles of faith for Muslims include belief in one God, angels and the prophets. They believe in a final judgment and in a fatalistic view that Allah has predetermined the future.
___Muslims believe that Allah gave their holy book, the Koran, directly to his last prophet, Mohammad.
___"There are many Old Testament accounts that are mentioned in the Koran, with variations to suit its own conclusions," Iraj states in the booklet.
___ Relationships. A confrontational evangelism style rarely is effective with Muslims. Christians need to earn the right to share the gospel with them by befriending them and getting to know them as individuals, the pastor explains.
___"Proceed carefully one step at a time, for their culture requires more time to build a friendship and develop trust. Time must be spent in learning the culture, for the culture is ideas, behavior and products, all integrated into the person.
___"Muslims in general are very hospitable, and they treat their guest with the best they have to offer. Even poor people honor the guest with their best," he continues. "Remember the custom of reciprocity, and invite your Muslim friend to your house, showing similar courtesy. Show sincere friendship."
___ Respect. Never ridicule the beliefs or customs of a Muslim, even those with which you disagree, Iraj advises.
___"Be aware of their feelings and problems they may be dealing with. You do not want to put them in a position where they may lose face, as this is very important to their psyche."
___ Avoid offense. Dress modestly, the pastor says. Make sure language and lifestyle are in keeping with the highest moral standards. When witnessing, men should not approach women, and women should not approach men.
___"Be on guard not to be offensive in your clothing and conversation."
___ Reverence for Scripture. Muslims treat their holy book, the Koran, with utmost respect, and they expect Christians to show similar respect for the Bible. For instance, a Christian should not carry a New Testament in his back pocket or distribute Scripture by leaving it on a doorstep.
___"A Muslim considers the Scriptures of highest honor and would not think of handling the book carelessly," the booklet states.
___ Common ground. "Begin with the Old Testament to apply the word of God, since the foundations of our salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ start there," Iraj suggests.
___Since Muslims recognize the first five books of the Old Testament and the Psalms, use selected Scriptures from those books to introduce the concept of sin and sacrifice.
___ Parables. Use gospel narratives rather than theological explanations to explain biblical truth. Iraj suggests using the Gospel of Matthew or Luke to introduce parables that teach about human sin, God's love and the opportunity for assurance of salvation.
___"Do not get involved in discussing controversies, and make sure your points lead to the helpless nature of man on his own and the necessity of the Lord Jesus Christ, until they are prepared to see the truth of him being the Son of God," the booklet recommends.

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