Board index ‹ Islam

[Michael Henderson]

We are told to be "wise as the serpent, yet harmless as the dove." Unless one knows a bit of the culture being entertained, all can be interpreted as truth. Having taught in several schools of ministry, I report sadly that we do a poor job at training future ministers / disciples for the work of the ministry. History, language and culture are mandatory ingredients for a well-balanced minister of the gospel. In this way, he/she can provide at least a reasonable answer...Shalom

[McCaw]

This confirms my suspicions that ministers are as biblically illiterate as their congregations and as ignorant of one of the ripest harvest fields under their nose. There are a few that have responded with appropriate biblical insight. Jim expressed Paul's missionary philosophy and cited support with knowledge of who Paul was quoting in the literature of those he hoped to win. There were a few others that leaned this way but did not pick up on the hints or supply scriptural support. Perhaps this is why the western church is failing to retain our young people who go off to college and are assaulted by liberal academia? Others demonstrated a gross misunderstanding of Islam's origins. It is at best an early 7th-century religion but more likely late 7th-century one. (That is, the Muslim sources are much later.)

[Nsubuga]

Most ministers are illiterate. They don't want to take time to study or be updated with what is happening.

[jimwalton]

James McCaw, You asked about taqiyya. It seems to be it's extremely important for Christians to understand this Islamic doctrine, since it can affect how we perceive their are responding to our evangelistic efforts. (For those who don't know what it is, there is an explanatory article at http://www.answeringislam.org/Index/index.html). We have to understand both the culture and the theology to know how best to share the gospel.

[McCaw]

Jim, thank you for being diligent in your pursuit of honoring the Lord. Have you also looked into the doctrine of 'tawhid' (tawheed)?

[jimwalton]

Yes, tawhid has to do with the necessary oneness of God. The Bible teaches the same doctrine with the added paradoxical truth of trinitarian theology. Why do you mention it?