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How important for believers to understand Islam?

Postby McCaw » Mon Jan 09, 2017 10:07 am

A question to gauge the atmosphere of Christians in the West. How important is it in this day and age that believers understand basic Muslim doctrines?
McCaw
 

Re: How important for believers to understand Islam?

Postby Rev. Joy » Mon Jan 09, 2017 10:10 am

In my opinion having basic understanding of Islam is sufficient for western culture. However, Christians should have a deeper understanding in respect as to where the Arabs fit into bible prophecy especially those Arab nations that surround Israel. Biblically Arabs are from the seed of Abraham, however, they are not heirs according to the promise. It's imperative that we understand from a biblical perspective what role the Arabs nations will play in future prophetic events. Unless you're actively in "Apologetics" and your goal is to convert Muslims or to defend Christianity versus Islam then acquiring more in depth knowledge of the Koran would be imperative.
Rev. Joy
 

Re: How important for believers to understand Islam?

Postby Dr. John Boyd » Mon Jan 09, 2017 10:14 am

We are constantly receiving advice from other ministers to become knowledgeable concerning Islam and other belief systems. My question is why not spend our few remaining moments on this earth sharing the Gospel with all people. Should we have to devote weeks or months of our precious time learning "another Gospel" while the world around us perishes for lack of the one and only true Gospel that can save them? It may seem to give us a more "culturally acceptable" air when discussing other religions, but that is NOT what we have been commissioned by our Lord Jesus to do! Anyone who does not know the urgency with which we must deliver His message to the nations does not know Him. Let us redouble our efforts to faithfully deliver His Gospel.
Dr. John Boyd
 

Re: How important for believers to understand Islam?

Postby jimwalton » Mon Jan 09, 2017 10:15 am

I think there are several reasons for believers to understand basic Muslim doctrines. First, better understanding will help us to give better answers to Christians with questions or with misunderstandings. Second, better understanding will help us have more meaningful evangelistic conversations with Muslims. Third, better understanding will keep us from being prejudicially judgmental because we lack understanding. the Bible urges us to get wisdom, and with it understanding. Remaining deliberately ignorant about Islam is a deficit to discipleship, evangelism, and responsibility.
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Re: How important for believers to understand Islam?

Postby Nsubuga » Mon Jan 09, 2017 2:08 pm

It is important for Christians all over the world, not only the west, to have an understanding on the basic Muslim doctrines in order to counter their falsehood. Here in Africa in some cities, Muslims conduct open-air meetings where they use the Bible & the Quran to blasphame Christianity.
Nsubuga
 

Re: How important for believers to understand Islam?

Postby McCaw » Tue Jan 10, 2017 8:46 am

Does 1 Peter 3:15 come to mind when considering this issue? Also, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of documented accounts of Jesus appearing to Muslims in dreams. Why is Jesus visiting Muslims in dreams? If Jesus is targeting Muslims, not to the exclusion of others, does that mean the church should also?
McCaw
 

Re: How important for believers to understand Islam?

Postby Calvin Habig » Wed Jan 11, 2017 11:18 pm

Incredibly critical. Both for relationship as well as for knowing how to share an accurate understanding of OUR Christian faith.
Calvin Habig
 

Re: How important for believers to understand Islam?

Postby McCaw » Wed Jan 11, 2017 11:21 pm

Did Paul capitalize in his proliferation of the Gospel by his knowledge of other cultures and civilizations?
McCaw
 

Re: How important for believers to understand Islam?

Postby jimwalton » Wed Jan 11, 2017 11:37 pm

Paul was an expert at using the cultural context in sharing the gospel. Acts 17.16-34 (Paul in Athens) is a brilliant example. Epicurean and Stoic philosophers confronted him. Paul responds not only with the gospel of the cross and resurrection, but also quotes Epemenides and Aratus. He uses the poets of their culture to create a bridge to the resurrection. In Lystra (Acts 14.8-20), Paul uses his knowledge of the Zeus myth to confront paganism with the gospel. In like manner we should be familiar with Islamic beliefs so we know (1) how to best capitalize on bridge points (their respect for Jesus, etc.) and (2) where the weaknesses of Islam are so we can emphasize grace, love, and other Christian theologies absent from Islam. If we wish to help people, we must first understand them.
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Re: How important for believers to understand Islam?

Postby McCaw » Thu Jan 12, 2017 11:23 am

Jim, that is exactly what I was inferring. Thank you. I have been in a 27-year journey studying Islam and befriending Muslims. More Muslims have come to faith in Jesus since 9-1-1 than all previous 14 centuries combined, according to the Crescent Project. So, specifically, is it important for Christians to understand the ISLAMIC doctrine of taqiyya?
McCaw
 

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