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Christians were praying and fasting, as an alarming new threat loomed over the dark horizon. Shirley Dobson, spouse of the famous Dr. James, urged a nationwide call for prayer and fasting on September 25th. What stirred Shirley’s tender heart? What would drive her to skip Hamburger Helper and Diet Pepsi for an entire day? Abortion? Gay Rights? Socialism? No. Prayer. Well, a special kind of prayer, Muslim prayer. American Muslims decided to show support for America by having a prayer rally at our nation’s Capitol. It was also an attempt to counter the American tendency to lump all Muslims into the category of “bearded terrorist who wants to kill me.” According to Hassan Abdellah, one of the rally’s organizers, the hope was to “display the beauty of Islam . . . the groups are going to be people who love and respect America, and we want America to know that we are here and that we support the country.” Perhaps anticipating Dobson’s response, he noted “I know that it’s hard for people to believe it’s that simple.” And so, Dobson and company issued a call for “a counter-prayer rally.” I’m not really sure what the point was, maybe they thought God would assume that prayers from the American capitol were from Christians, and he might answer them by mistake? Or that God would be displeased by Muslim prayers for American unity and smite all of us? The Washington Post reported that “As faint shouts of "Repent!" from Christian protesters floated across the gathering, dozens of long rows of men in robes and white knit caps and women in head coverings prostrated themselves to God, gave praise and listened to sermons as part of the congregational prayer that occurs about noon Fridays.” Wow. How . . . beautiful? Hopeful? Dobson and company used their usual fear monger approach, declaring that 50,000 Muslims would be at the Capitol to “Islamize American society and replace the Bible with the Koran.” 3,000 showed up, and as far as I know, my Bible is still a Bible. I just checked. I wonder. What does this group think they are accomplishing by protesting against a peaceful gathering of Muslims? Do they really believe that Muslims should not live in America? Or that if they do, they are not allowed to publically worship? Don’t they realize that our rights are only effective when we all share them? I don’t understand why the Christian Right can’t see that the stunning beauty of America is the precious unity found in the midst of embraced diversity. Wasn’t that part of how America was founded to begin with? People fled religious persecution to create a place without state religion, a place where those labeled “apostate” could worship in freedom. In this case, those who trumpet themselves as “true Americans” and protectors of freedom tried to refute the freedom of others, only because they practice a different faith. The “Anti-prayer” rally did accomplish one thing. It brought the vivid hypocrisy of Dobson and her crew out of the church and into the public, where every Muslim could see it clearly. |
Comments
Wow. This quite simply brought tears to my eyes. I'm so very afraid of the direction our nation is heading towards.
Still room to move, Jenny! I agree, it is sad, but we have an opportunity to engage.
This is sad, just another reason why non-believers dislike Christians.
This is the only source I've seen for this story, so I can't really comment on anyone's actions here.
But it's important to remind readers that the Muslim world is a very different world than ours, and what we may naively believe is the right hand of fellowship is often accompanied by a dagger in the left hand.
We need look no further than those who lead the Muslim world - generational violence, a bent toward destroying all Jews, and a reluctance to condemn evil - even among their more moderate believers.
The Bible warns us about these things, gives us the history of these people. We need to pray that Muslims will be saved - that they will receive Jesus Christ and renounce the false god of Islam.
Thinking for one moment that 3,000 Muslims gathered for prayer on the Washington Mall is intended for anything but curses upon Americans and American culture, for conversion to Islam and radical Sharia law, or is directed toward the God of Israel - the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ - is a foolishness deserving of its consequences.
Emie,
"But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." 1 Peter 3:14–16
Yes, Muslims worship the false god, Allah. I will unashamedly tell them that Isa (Jesus in Arabic) is the only true God. But your false god, though less obvious, is your selfish sense of self-preservation. There is no such thing as a Christian nation, much less a Christian America. God is not on the side of the American people because we have built thousands of churches and fill them up with unregenerate people every Sunday morning. So what if they are praying to curse Christians! "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me." (Matthew 5:11) Muslims will turn to Christ when we, like the apostle Paul, "fill up in [our] flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions" (Colossians 1:24) and die for them so that they may know that there is a person, Jesus Christ, who died that they might see the glory of the grace of God and worship Him forever.
The Washington Post's original article:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/24/AR200909...
Thanks!
Wow, Ernie, I have to strongly disagree. Do you know any Muslims? Ever had dinner with someone from the Middle East? I mean this sincerely, as our stereotypes fade when we meet real people.
Be careful not to lump all Christians in with Dobson's crowd, just as they lumped all Muslims into the terrorist crowd. That's where we really get in trouble. We agree to the labels. We don't allow people to be different. It's our diversity we should celebrate, not equality. We are not all equal. We are all wonderfully different, and America is founded on the idea that you can be different. The equality we should aim for is that we all possess the freedom to choose our differences. Equality doesn't mean conformity! Just because one Christian does something wrong doesn't make us all that way. Just because one Muslim does something wrong doesn't make them all that way.
Personally, I think the Muslims that stepped out to pray publicly are brave and their act is beautiful. As Christians, we are called to many things but the one thing God asks of us above ALL ELSE is to LOVE...everyone. Even those we would rather consider our foes. That's not an easy task by far. But, I find it really sad when I see Christians having a hard time loving another person's loving act just because they are "different." It's really sad when we can't even tolerate another person's loving act just because they are "different."
If you find yourself questioning whether you can accept Muslim's praying in public, remember that we are not each other's judgers and ask yourself these questions: What is more important to God? That someone defines themselves as a Muslim, or that they bow their head to Him in gratitude, praise and thanks? Would you bow your head to Him in gratitude, praise and/or thanks in public? Do you even do these things at all?
You statement is totally Biblically false that we are not to judge one another. This is unfortunately reflective of the biblically illiterate average churchgoer. Of course we are to judge. This is exactly what Paul, John, Peter and the rest of the NT authors compell us to do. We are to judge people by their fruits and contend with people that have a false worldview. The famous line about judging one another is about HYPOCRITICAL judgement.
If someone defines himself as a Muslim, he does not bow his head to pray to GOD. Have you ever read the Koran or Hadiths??? If you believe that how someone defines himself is not important, then I say that you have been infected by the culture of post modernism or you are a troll.
Thank you, Guest #1, for a thoughtful post. I agree, we can't lump all Christians into the same pile. I guess part of what I struggle with is the human tendency to do that, and that many Muslims will hear of the "anti-prayer" rally and assume that's what Christians are about. We need to be thoughtful, honoring, and kind. As you said.
Guest #2:
Actually, I have read the Koran and many texts of other world religions and most of all, I have read and continue to read the Bible. For you to question my beliefs with name calling is absurd. I hope you've come back to this site to read up on the post below by Mike...
Some points in his post that relate to what I had to say:
1. Muslims are, as ALL humans are, created in the image of God.
2. We are called to love ALL people. (In case you aren't sure, Muslims are people.)
3. His quote from James 4:7-12: "...Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." How often do you personally do this? (Not actually looking for you to answer the question but think about it.) Muslims may not bow their heads to the God I believe in, but do you think He doesn't see their acts and then the poor reactions to it? Do you think He misses what's in your heart against them for not hurting you by praying to their God? I don't know if you pray, but if you don't bow your own head before Him, how do you think He'll judge you over them because of who they pray to? Who knows? I don't...but I'd sure be asking yourself that question again, how humble are you in your judgement?
4: Also from the James verse: "...There is one lawgiver and judge who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?"
No, I am not a "typical churchgoer" with an average la-la land view of "love thy neighbor" so the world will be a better place that is ignorant of the Bible. I truly believe, through years of being dedicated to understanding and learning about God and His Word that He is the ONLY judger, the final say, our savior and condemner. Yes, He calls us to judge sin, but not to hate the sinner. Do you really think you are adding to humanity's suffering condition by being a good "Judger" for Christ? Judgement is not a spiritual gift. How many people have ever thanked you for judging them because it made their lives better or turned them from their sinful ways?
My Biblical understanding is exactly why I don't judge with hatred the Muslims that were praying and allow God to make his judgement on how they define themselves. Of course how someone defines themselves is important... I was posing that people stop and consider how God wants us to respond to these Muslims and their act. What is the important thing to react to? By thinking that they are Muslims and therefore must be horrible, rotten people that should be condemned and stopped because other Muslims before them have proven this to be so??? Or should we educate ourselves about their faith and be loving and understanding representatives of Christ so that we may reach them on a deeper level?
I agree that a better response is to pray for them. I can pray that more acts of peace will come from Muslims as a whole. I can pray for other Christians to love them and reach out to them with understanding and therefore have the opportunity to speak the truth and promise from God to them, that we are ALL his people and are ALL worthy of his salvation...not each other's wasteful hatred and judgement...I pray that Christians become more knowledgeable of Muslims so that we will have the appropriate reaction to make a difference. Not act out of fear and ignorance and hateful judging.
So, how do you think anyone is going to turn Muslims to Christ? Judging them or putting on the peace of understanding to show we are not angry, do-it-our-way-or-else Christians, but bold speakers of the truth, who are living representatives of Jesus Christ.
Peace.
Guest #1
PS to Mike: Thank you for sharing. I hope people read the facts here.
PPS to Mark: Thanks for understanding the meaning of my 1st post. Keep speaking truth.
Hi Guest,
You post is painfully disorganized and contradicts your first post. It is also unimpressively condescending. For instance, obviously I know that all people are made by the hand of God in His image. I never said that we are not to love Muslims. In fact, I am heavily involved in a ministry reaching out to Muslims.
You quote from James has no relevance to the post. Like so many post modernists, you tell me not to judge, but you are judging me and accusing me of not being humble! I guess it is OK for you to judge me. I suggest you reread the passage and look in the mirror.
Also, it does not matter what you believe, it matters what is true! God is the ultimate judge, but we sit in judgment with Him. We are to judge the angels, apostates and be rulers with him in the world to come. We do not send people to Hell, but testify to the truth. That is what the Bible says my friend.
You seem to be caught up with people being angry at Muslims? I think this is a personal insecurity of your or perhaps you have read to many left wing blogs. I am certainly not angry at Muslims. In fact, I had 3 classmates killed in 911. I have forgiven as well as I can under the power of the Spirit. I am realistic though about the power of Satan and the religion of Islam which he inspired.
Guest #2:
Actually, I have read the Koran and many texts of other world religions and most of all, I have read and continue to read the Bible. For you to question my beliefs with name calling is absurd. I hope you've come back to this site to read up on the post below by Mike...
Some points in his post that relate to what I had to say:
1. Muslims are, as ALL humans are, created in the image of God.
2. We are called to love ALL people. (In case you aren't sure, Muslims are people.)
3. His quote from James 4:7-12: "...Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." How often do you personally do this? (Not actually looking for you to answer the question but think about it.) Muslims may not bow their heads to the God I believe in, but do you think He doesn't see their acts and your absurd reactions to it? Do you think He misses what's in your heart against their not hurting you by praying to their God? I don't know if you pray, but if you don't bow your own head before Him, how do you think He'll judge you over them because they pray to the wrong God? Who knows? I don't...but I'd sure be asking yourself that question again, how humble are you in your judgements?
4: Also from the James verse: "...There is one lawgiver and judge who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?"
No, I am not a "typical churchgoer" with an average la-la land view of "love thy neighbor" so the world will be a better place that is ignorant of the Bible. I truly believe, through years of being dedicated to understanding and learning about God and His Word that He is the ONLY judger, the final say, our savior and condemner. Yes, He calls us to judge sin, but not to hate the sinner. Do you really think you are adding to humanity's suffering condition by being a good "Judger" for Christ? Judgement is not a spiritual gift. How many people have ever thanked you for judging them because it made their lives better or turned them from their sinful ways?
My Biblical understanding is exactly why I don't judge with hatred the Muslims that were praying and allow God to make his judgement on how they define themselves. Of course how someone defines themselves is important... I was posing that people stop and consider how God wants us to respond to these Muslims and their act. What is the important thing to react to? By thinking that they are Muslims and therefore must be horrible, rotten people that should be condemned and stopped because other Muslims before them have proven this to be so??? Or should we educate ourselves about their faith and be loving and understanding representatives of Christ so that we may reach them on a deeper level?
I agree that a better response is to pray for them. I can pray that more acts of peace will come from Muslims as a whole. I can pray for other Christians to love them and reach out to them with understanding and therefore have the opportunity to speak the truth and promise from God to them, that we are ALL his people and are ALL worthy of his salvation...not each other's wasteful hatred and judgement...I pray that Christians become more knowledgeable of Muslims so that we will have the appropriate reaction to make a difference. Not act out of fear and ignorance and hateful judging.
So, how do you think anyone is going to turn Muslims to Christ? Judging them or putting on the peace of understanding to show we are not angry, do-it-our-way-or-else Christians, but bold speakers of the truth, who are living representatives of Jesus Christ.
Peace.
Guest #1
PS to Mike: Thank you for sharing. I hope people read the facts here.
PPS to Mark: Thanks for understanding the meaning of my 1st post. Keep speaking truth.
I think before we talk about how Muslims want to be free and to talk about their religion in different places, we should analyze how and why people, mainly Christians are being killed every day in places where the same Islamic faith preaches the killing of the "infidels".
Before criticizing a woman/group (not representing of the whole Christian community) that right or not, is not killing - I think we should focus more our attention to places like the one I am living (Middle East), where anti-democracy, anti-freedom for religion and consequently for peace is going to through a bomb of surprises in our so called, "Western Nations".
After carefully reading the Washington Post article posted by a guest, I believe that my instincts were correct.
The organizer's association with terrorists strengthens my belief that this is a manipulation.
How far will we take this myth of "diversity"? How long will we advance the lie that America is not a Christian Nation?
People prefer to be around like-minded people of similar culture. This is not racist, this is not exclusivity; it is comfort - it's world history. There is nothing wrong with this intrinsically. The Christian who ventures out to other lands and other cultures to bring Christ to a people who don't know Him makes a great sacrifice in this regard, and we should want to have a similar call.
But diversity is not some utopia we can achieve, primarily _because_ of our predisposition. One is not above another because God has not called him to venture out in this way. Who will stay behind and work to provide the financial support? Who will continue the traditions which raised up a generation willing to sacrifice for the next generation of the lost for Christ? Who will organize and lead the prayers?
As for a Christian nation? It is a denial of history that we are not a Christian nation. Not by governance, but by calling. We are not a Theocracy. We are Christians. And the breaking-down, from generation to generation, of the boldness and prayerfullness and accountability has led us to this condition we find ourselves in now.
Reading the sermons of 100 years ago by the great preachers, recognizing the lifetime of study reflected in their boldness and wisdom, there is no doubt that we are a Christian nation.
Believers must not kow-tow to the atheist influences of Darwinism, environmentalism, and the flavor of the day which corrupt our thinking, cloud our senses and make us ashamed of the Gospel. The scriptures teach what true love is; the scriptures teach true stewardship for His creation, and the scriptures teach us to be bold in Jesus Christ.
Christ did not suffer on the cross so that we might be "tolerant" of sin. He did not endure persecution so we could "accept" and "embrace" diversity. He died and rose to redeem we who were condemned. And our proper response is to win others to Him, to sacrifice our own lives for the Gospel.
Please read my blog post on Love at http://www.seekthetruth.com/christianity/is-this-love-pt-1.
Ernie, did you note that the "terrorist connection" was that one of the rally's organizers was a muslim lawyer? And that he provideed legal defense for men accused of terrorism in American courtrooms? Personally, I don't think you can get more American than that.
Amen.
"Amen" to Ernie's post.
To the author, MarkM,
You would do yourself a great service to educate yourself on the principles this country was founded. The freedom to practice ones' faith was based on Christianity, period. The Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit.
You criticize Mrs. Dobson for trying to preserve the beliefs on which our country was based, but make no mention of the fact that the sitting president had The gold "IHS" monogram , whose letters spell out the name of Jesus, inscribed on a pediment in the hall at Georgetown University (A Catholic University) covered over by a piece of black-painted plywood, and remained covered over the next day while he gave a speech on economics... shame on Catholic University.
Quote: "Georgetown University hid a religious inscription representing the name of Jesus during President Obama's address there Tuesday, FOXNews.com has confirmed, because White House staff asked the school to cover up all religious symbols and signs while the president was on stage."
Be careful, be very careful for what you ask, you may just well get it.
Guest, with all due respect, I had to smile as I read your post. First, you need to read a little more into the origins of our country. Take a good look at the constitution and tell me where the Holy Spirit is mentioned. The key was to seperate church and state, not combine it.
And our sitting President, the one who wrote in his book that he had a conversation experience to Christ, that goes to church in DC, that has publically declared himself to be a Christian, this is the one you will sit in judgment on? What gives you the capacity to do that? To deny his written and spoken words and judge him as a nonbeliever? If you look at your Bible, you will only see one group doing that. Would not want to be in their company.
So what do you want, Guest? State religion? Do you want the authority to assess others spirituality and proclaime them apostate? Look at history and tell me what kind of place that is. Tell me you want to live there.
Hi Mark,
Actually Mark, you are completely wrong (with all due respect). You did not address the guest's post. The separation of church and state is NEVER mentioned in the Constitution. It is based on a private letter TJ wrote. The separation of church and state was a Denomonational issue. The founders did not want one denomonation being advocated by the state. This is why the Pilgrim's left England. This is why the Scots (Templars and their descendents) fought England. This is Why the Anglicans kicked out the Romans. The issue of separation is a modern MYTH which is why the left talks about the Constitution being living and breathing and evolving!
Also, you are wrong about a number of other facts. We are to look at a persons fruit and judge them. We are all required to do that as followers of Christ. Also, I am not sure that being the most radical abortion president in our nations history is something that we should not look at. It is very simple, he believes in killing babies that are innocent. He has said that he would not want to make a woman have a baby if it would create an economic problem. There is no way around it! This is what pagans do, not followers of Christ.
It appears we have a failure to communicate. Where to begin...
1. If you believe attorneys are supposed to get their client's off, you've been raised in a corrupt system for too long. A defense attorney is an officer of the court, bound to uphold a fair and equal system of justice. His job is to ensure his client is not given excessive punishment, if guilty, and to defend the wrongly accused. Today's attorneys take great pride in getting their clients off regardless of guilt, and then they can rape, molest, rob and kill again.
2. It is up to the Christians of America to uphold our Christian nation. I didn't see anyone here demand or expect the government to play any role in it. That is proper and correct. The government is to stay out of religious affairs. And religion in America refers EXPLICITLY to the Christian religion, and implicitly, Judaism. Our government does not discriminate against Islam or any other belief system, but it most certainly _does_ get involved in defending our nation against terrorism, against 'all enemies, foreign and domestic'. Statements and threats by Muslims here and abroad make it the United States' business to respond.
3. Mark, you're reading into the guest's post what was not there. You draw conclusions the guest never even implied then accuse him/her of judging others.
4. And judging? We make judgments nearly every moment of every day. Whether it's a prompting of the Holy Spirit, based on past experiences, or is a hunch, we judge. What Jesus says about not judging is in regard to a person's eternal soul. It's natural to look upon a wicked man who claims to be a Christian and wonder in our heart how it can be true. And that's where it should end. We can't know their heart, we can only see their actions (certainly a little inward reflection on our own private thoughts will solidify what our response should be here).
So, though we've drifted from the point of the original post, maybe Dr. Dobson's wife was wrong to be so outspoken. Maybe the prayer's offered by 3,000 Muslims were for peace. Refer to paragraph #4 above and move on. If you're embarrassed for the conduct of your Christian brothers and sisters, pray for them. We do no good for the Gospel of Jesus Christ by publicly disowning them.
We're so easily manipulated into being ashamed for what others do, as if we can apologize for God! The need for bold, unapologetic Christians is greater than I ever believed. I will not go wishy-washy on the Genesis account of creation because the world embraced the foolishness of Darwinism 120 years ago. Nor will I deny the cross because Bill Mahr tries to make me sound like a fool for believing in the Resurrection.
Amen to Ernie's post.
But it seems like some Christians confuse the Republican Party with the Kingdom of God, or that our human institutions of government (though the best in the world and founded on Christian principles) is the best means of bringing Christ's reign on earth.
Since there's so much anger, innuendo and misinformation floating around, here are some sources for folks interested in forming their own opinion.
First, here is the announcement made by the planners of the Muslim event, including their target figure of 50,000 attendees:
http://www.islamoncapitolhill.com/Home_Page.html
Their stated objective?
"The objective of this gathering is to invite the Muslim Communities and friends of Islam to express and illustrate the wonderful diversity of Islam. We intend to manifest Islam's majestic spiritual principals as revealed by Allah to our beloved prophet Muhammad (PEACE BE UPON HIM) of Arabia. Likewise; we intend to inspire a new generation of Muslim to work for the greater good of all people. We shall serve all people, regardless of race, religion or national origin."
Here is the website of "The Call" to prayer issued by Lou Engle and Tony Perkins:
http://www.thecall.com/#Urgent
Their stated vision?
"First of all, we cannot be passive as a Church to let these kinds of developments go on without being challenged in the spirit. Our fight is not against Muslims, it is against principalities, powers, and forces of darkness. We are calling the Church of America at the end of Ramadan, from September 21st through 25th, to five days of concerted prayer. On Friday, September 25th, the Muslim Day of Prayer, we are calling the Church of America to fast and pray that Muslims would be moved by the Holy Spirit, convicted by the testimony of Christ, and even be visited by Jesus in dreams. We must pray that God would restrain the spiritual powers behind Islam and grant us the great awakening that we desperately need for America."
Here is the actual source (in context) of the quotation incorrectly attributed to "Dobson and company," but actually from the Anglican Church and Islam Project:
http://www.churchandislam.com/Church_and_Islam/The_Time_has_Come.html
The stated purpose of their website?
"The information in this site is designed to help Christians understand the religion of Islam. Muslims are individuals created in the image of God, when Jesus said, “God so loved the world”, God’s love was not meant to exclude the Muslim population of the world."
Here is a critique of the event which is pointed yet gracious, and which portrays the issue primarily in spiritual rather than political terms:
http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com/2009/09/25/muslim-event-on-capitol...
Here is a three thousand year old observation by King Solomon (Proverbs 18:13) which is terribly pertinent in the "Rant first, ask questions later" age in which we live:
"Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish."
Last, but certainly not least, here is a comment from James (4:7-12) which applies to how followers of Jesus are called to live and how they should view and talk about one another:
"Therefore, submit to God. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people! Be miserable and mourn and weep. Your laughter must change to mourning and your joy to sorrow. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. Don't criticize one another, brothers. He who criticizes a brother or judges his brother criticizes the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one lawgiver and judge who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?"
Elsewhere in Scripture, we are called to judge. Always, however, it must be from a heart of deepest humility. Our discussion of events like this give us a great opportunity to practice that.
With great affection,
Mike
Mike, good to hear from you. It's been a while. Hope all is well.
Thanks for bringing so much additional information, and the encouragement from James. I'm not sure the site you quote from re. "thechurchandislam" correspond to the story I found online and on the Conversantlife news listing. I'll check. And the article I had that provided the quote about "islamic tide" is not mentioned here, but was clear about the Christian intention in doing the rally.
Again, I appreciate the additional info, but I'm afraid it may not be as clear as presented in your post.
Thanks Mark. We're all doing well.
I completely agree about the documents I posted not providing the entire picture. Most things are more complicated than they appear...and certainly more complicated than commentators make them sound! For that reason, I thought it important to go back to at least a few original sources as a starting point for people who want to understand the story in context.
Where people's motives are concerned, two things are certain: they're virtually always mixed, and they're never completely knowable. That leaves us with nothing but words and actions to go on: Not an easy task!
Blessings,
Mike
PS I don't think your column mentioned a quote about an "Islamic tide," but you will see a similar phrase used twice on the Call website whose link I included in my original post. The first says:
"The natural things speak of the invisible. Natural happenings on the earth are revealing something that is going on in the spiritual realm. There is a great spiritual conflict with a rising tide of Islamic boldness being manifested."
The second says,
"Now these events are enough to awaken us to this significant throbbing moment, but when they all converge it becomes a massive spiritual alarm that must be responded to by the praying Church. This convergence, I believe, is urgently summoning us in the midst of the rising tide of Islamic influence in America to recognize that our God is above every god and that if we return to Him with all of our hearts and call upon Him with fasting and prayer then God could use what the enemy meant for evil to bring about a great day of salvation for Muslims in America."
Reading the quotes in their context on the website makes it clear that they reflect a particular view of spiritual warfare that not all Christians will necessarily share. However, the writers also demonstrate a deep concern for Muslims and their eternal destiny which I hope we do all share!
It occurs to me that some readers might be interested in this update I received from someone involved in outreach at the event in Washington:
"[Our team coordinator] estimated that about 75% of all the Muslims that were on the mall on Friday were offered either the Jesus DVD, the More than Dreams DVD, or other Gospel materials (another person estimated that every Muslim there was offered Gospel materials at least once, and many had multiple opportunities). Our outreach director also thought that at least 60% of the Muslims accepted these Gospel materials, some with great joy and gladness. The More than Dreams DVD (www.morethandreams.org) was particularly well received, sometimes even sought after by Muslims. We, and those we worked with, distributed over 2,500 packets of materials."
"Among those [our team] worked with, and others too, there were more than 90 believers reaching out to the Muslims at this event with an appropriate attitude. Beyond the passing out of Gospel materials, there were many good and Christ-centered conversations with Muslims."
It sounds like some folks got it right!
Blessings,
Mike
Wow, I'm highly reluctant to add anything here, in part because of the climate (the loving reminders that Muslims are human beings) and in part because my own words here would judge my own actions as a witness. An over-arching theme here and elsewhere today is to love first, and the rest will come later. I can only reply to 1 comment, so I can't see the exact words, but someone mentioned that they love Muslims, and then pray for them.
That is some heavy stuff against Romans 10:14: "But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?"
I add this thought as much to chastise myself for not speaking enough about Christ, but also to balance this idea of relationship evangelism. I believe in relationship evangelism. What I don't believe in is relationship with no evangelism, just as it is not often effective to have evangelism without relationship. Both ideas sometimes work in isolation of each other, but God called us to be in relationship (these Scriptures are well quoted above), and to speak the Truth- the truth about God, of Christ, of an eternity with or apart from God. We have a Commission to carry out, and it is rarely fulfilled in secrecy and cloak.
Thanks for adding something, Dave! : ) And I appreciate your thoughts. I wonder about what you think about relationships. Is it possible for the relationship to be the evangelism? That we walk with God, and as we do so, we "carry him with us?" Not that we should be afraid, but that we can also trust God's presence in us and through us.
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I would say, in all sincerity, that you seem to have a very firm grasp on that of which you write - which, for me, is something that simply cannot go unrecognized ... see what I'm saying?