Part 7: Today's Questions and Problems
All are familiar that Islam is of worldwide belief. But as Christians how are we to react to their teachings and to the Moslem peoples?
We know of the appalling acts of terrorism, such as the Twin Towers attack, are done by a small fragment of the Moslem peoples. Islam is a religion of peace, we are told. But, for Christians it doesn’t matter if the followers of Islam do or do not engage in terrorism. Christians are to love everybody, even those who persecute them.
Christianity is a religion of love and caring. Romans, Chapter 12, Verses 14 through 21 instructs us to:
Bless
those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live
in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with
people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do
not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of
everybody. If
it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do
not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written:
"It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.
On the contrary:
"If
your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if
he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In
doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."
Do
not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
But there are times when the above is not possible. Because of this, Christians can be soldiers. The Bible holds example of many who were soldiers. But can Christians hold that Moslems are safe for eternity in God’s sight?
The Koran is completely clear that Jesus was not the Son of God. We cannot agree with this thought no matter how badly we might want to “just get along with each other.”
Our outlook, then, must be one of continued love for Moslems. If possible, we must teach them the Way of Christ. This is extremely difficult and much patience is required. Too, we should be familiar with the teachings of the Koran. Be careful here because religious statues and the display of the cross acutely offend Moslems. Their religion does not use the instrument of music in its worship.
Teach them, if they will listen, but we must love them as we are instructed to do in the verses above.