A short post by Warren Larson. From the intro:
Today there is a polarization as to the nature of Islam: Some say Islam is violent; others insist it is peaceful. The truth lies somewhere in between those two statements.
The conclusion:
Perhaps we should let both Muslims [peaceful and violent] stand up and concentrate on how we can reach them for Christ. Such an approach means we let Muslims be the teacher while we are the learner. We allow Muslims to tell us what they believe rather than assuming we know because we listen to select news media. We ask Muslims what Muhammad means to them and look for felt needs so that we can present the Gospel with love and understanding.
Read the whole thing.
2 comments:
I couldn't agree more. I only wish more people would read what Warren Larson had to say.
I agree with Warren Larson. We should "allow Muslims to tell us what they believe rather than assuming we know because we listen to select news media."
Along with this, Christians need to think about Islam and Muslims in terms of "common grace." Almost 70 years ago the theologian John Murray wrote, “How is it that men who are not savingly renewed by the Spirit of God nevertheless exhibit so many qualities, gifts and accomplishments that promote the preservation, temporal happiness, cultural progress, social and economic improvement of themselves and of others? How is it that races and peoples that have been apparently untouched by the redemptive and regenerative influences of the gospel contribute so much to what we call human civilisation?”
Murray's answer: Common Grace. God's common grace extends to all people, including Muslims.
Murray reminds us that God not only restrains evil but He also “endows men with gifts, talents, and aptitudes; He stimulates them with interest and purpose to the practice of virtues, the pursuance of worthy tasks, and the cultivation of arts and sciences that occupy the time, activity and energy of men and that make for the benefit and civilisation of the human race. He ordains institutions for the protection and promotion of right, the preservation of liberty, the advance of knowledge and the improvement of physical and moral conditions.” (“Common Grace”; Westminster Theological Journal; 5:1, November 1942; available at http://www.rosetree.com/ccog/comgr/f_comgr.html).
Post a Comment