I really didn't think that we would touch on Islam and the journey's of Muhammad. In the Christian Ministries department, Islam comes up very often in the spectrum of Apologetics. The toughest thing about evangelism to the Muslim culture is their unmistakable amount of similarities with my own belief such as: Monotheistic focus, Old Testament inspiration, and the absolute truth of Heaven and Hell. Though these do not necessarily make evangelism harder, but they have supported Islam in the sense of their devout practices. For example, in our discussion today the prophet was led to paradise by an angel. In Heaven, he was revealed that fifty prayers were practiced daily. To think that modern Muslims practice five prayers daily is quite humbling when comparing my own faith to theirs. Typical Evangelical Christians believe in giving ten percent of their selves (monetarily, physically, and spiritually) to God, but rarely do. To think that Islamic culture gives ten percent of the prayers, which they believe are offered in Heaven everyday is astonishing. Muslims are hard to minister to because they are so close, yet so far away. I would say the biggest difference between Christianity and Islam would be it's Soteriology. Islam is completely works based, calling to keep oneself stable and Consecrated before Allah pure. Christianity mandates the same thing, but not without stating it's impossibility. Liberals will claim salvation is by the human experience, but ignore the blatant separation of definition between creation and creator.
I understand most of this blog is my religious opinion, and i'm very sorry if it seems irrelevant. I suppose a question that I would ask is how far has Islam served us? Beginning with the journey of Muhammad and his successors, how does has this religion served the world in the testimony of it's culture and the implications it has spread socially, and politically. In keeping this applicable, how does Christianity compare, and does it contribute more positively or negatively to the world we live in? These two religions are clearly the largest in the world, and I believe if one can answer these questions they can be one step closer to finding truth.
Preston C. Smith
P.S. I commented on Meghan Johnston's "Questions."
You raise some interesting points, Preston, and I think I am only beginning to attempt at answering those questions. In fact, I asked some of the same questions while writing my blog... It amazes me the amount of devotion Muslims have, and Allah isn't even portrayed as a very loving figure. Look at us- Jesus died for us yet we have a hard time bending our knees to pray even once a day. I think that should say something to American Christians. If we truly believe the love and grace of God, and also His power and majesty, it should move us to do something more. It's beautiful to me that the option is left to us, though. It's not forced or demanded... which just makes me love Jesus all the more.
ReplyDeleteDon't apologize at all for the post. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. You're right though. What appals me is the fact that their religion relies on works and complete devotion, and people spend time doing just that. Our religion, on the other hand, is completely free, and we generally don't work half as hard as they do towards our rewards. It's like we can't be bothered to do much for our God any more. The moral of the story: we're all ungrateful.
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