Reading the Culture: What Muslims really think

The 10th anniversary of 9/11 is fast approaching, drawing the world's attention to the horrific actions of 19 Islamic terrorists. Animosity against Muslims likely will rise in the weeks ahead. Perhaps this book can help us separate radical Muslims from the rest of the Islamic world: John L. Esposito and Dalia Mogahed, Who Speaks For Islam? What A Billion Muslims Really Think (New York: Gallup Press, 2007). Based on the largest poll of Muslims ever, it reveals some surprising facts about the global Islamic community.

First, only 7 percent of Muslims worldwide think the 9/11 attacks were "completely justified" and view the United States unfavorably. The vast majority of Muslims correctly reject attacks against nonaggressors as a violation of the Qur'an.

Here are some more surprising facts revealed by Gallup's global survey:

• Radicalized Muslims are more educated than moderates (67 percent have secondary or higher educations vs. 52 percent of moderates).

• They hold jobs with greater responsibility (almost half supervise other people at work vs. 34 percent of moderates).

• They are more satisfied with their financial situations, standard of living and quality of life (64 percent vs. 55 percent of moderates).

• They believe that "moving toward greater governmental democracy" will foster progress in the Arab/Muslim world (50 percent vs. 35 percent of moderates).

• They are eager to have better relationships with the West (58 percent vs. 44 percent of moderates).

In light of these unexpected facts, what motivates radical Muslims? They believe the West has been attacking Islam since the Crusades and especially by supporting Israel. And they see citizens of Western democracies, since we elect our leaders and support our military, as enemies of Islam.

The good news is that more Muslims are coming to Christ today than at any time in Islamic history. Muslims already hold a high view of Jesus: The Quran teaches he was born of a virgin (3:47), lived a sinless life (3:46), ascended to heaven (3:55) and will return at the end of history. They view him as one of the six most important prophets of all time, alongside Adam, Noah, Moses, Abraham and Muhammad.

Now this "prophet" is appearing to Muslims around the world in visions and dreams. Through supernatural encounters with the risen Christ and courageous witness on the part of believers, a genuine spiritual awakening is occurring in the Muslim world today.

What can we do to help? Pray daily for millions of Muslims to know Jesus as their Lord. And support Muslim-background believers in your community. When Muslims come to Jesus, they often are forced to leave their families and friends. They need to know God's love in yours. Gospel For Muslims, one of my ministry partners, can help you help Muslim-background believers around the world.

God redeems all he allows. As he continues to redeem 9/11 ten years after this tragedy, can he use you?

Jim Denison is president of the Denison Forum on Truth and Culture (www.denisonforum.org) and theologian-in-residence with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.