| Time
recoils at, but does not fixate on, “a troubling
contingent of indeterminate size that combines
religious arrogance with political ignorance.”
The writer voices legitimate concern over
the damage such “clumsiness” can cause in
a volatile region. Agreed! This is one of
the reasons we provide on-going training,
and a growing number of our members have earned
advanced degrees. Our members immerse themselves
in language and culture learning, making long-term
relationships in their communities. By becoming
proficient in Islamic history and culture
and the languages of the Muslim world, our
members feel they are able to maximize their
sensitivity and respect for Muslim peoples.
Time
is candid in discussing the real tensions
between humanitarian work and evangelism.
It is clear that they prefer the first—people
who witness through their actions, not their
words. Yet they acknowledge the obvious sincerity
of those motivated by Christian compassion
and conviction to share their faith. Time
's sketches of the latter evince a grudging
admiration for these workers' dedication,
knowledge of local languages and sensitivity
to culture.
However,
the story headlines project an unnecessary
note of foreboding about Christian witness:
“Growing numbers of Evangelicals are trying
to spread Christianity in Muslim lands. But
is this what the world needs now?” Overall,
most of the responsibility for any “backlash”
is placed on Christians.
The
online page even asks readers to “vote” as
to whether Christians should “convert” Muslims
or not! (By the way, for the record—only God
can “convert” people! See John 6:44.)
Yet
nowhere does Time ask us to vote about whether
Muslims should “convert” people to Islam.
Why is that?
Also,
why is responsibility for “backlash” not placed
on the Muslim governments, imams, and others
who seek to stifle freedom of expression rather
than create freer civil societies? Why do
followers of Jesus face the threat of ostracism,
expulsion from family or job, beatings or
death simply because they want to follow God
on the path of Jesus Christ?
In
the marketplace of ideas and ideologies, Christians
and Muslims should have a level playing field.
Neither should fear the proclamation or seeking
of truth. This is a critical human rights
issue: the freedom to hear and the right to
believe, the right to have and express one's
faith according to conscience.
Rather
than criticizing Christian witness, Time could
have addressed more pointedly the laws, oppression,
and social climate that force such witness
“underground” and create intolerant societies.
Which is the greater threat to peace—compassionate
Christian work and witness in the name of
Jesus or the perpetuation of a social system
that violates universal standards of human
rights?
Back
to Time 's question: “Is this what the world
needs now?” For us, Jesus is the only One
who can meet the world's need. Only He can
remove the terror of sin from human hearts.
So our answer is unreservedly “yes.” Now and
always, the world needs Jesus.
Before
rushing that answer to press, let's admit
that even Jesus forewarned us that an inflammatory
“backlash” is one response (not the best one)
to His presence and message and followers.
It has happened before. It happened to the
Best on the cross.
It's
a good question, really. Maybe Time readers
(and more than a few lethargic Christians)
need to turn their faces upward and ask God
that question, "Is this—living and teaching
the gospel of peace through Jesus—what the
world needs now?" If this gospel is what the
world needs, then it demands our response.
We must join God in his loving invitation
to all peoples, as Jesus told us: “As the
Father has sent me, so I send you.”
So,
Christian, ask yourself the question: “Do
I really believe it? Is this what the world
needs now?”
Take
a look for yourself at Time 's article. Take
another look at your Bible. Then have a think
and a chat with the Lord.
If
you join us in answering “yes,” what will
you do about it?
Here
are some possibilities:
- Pray
for the good news of Jesus to be available
to all Muslims
- Give
of your resources to share Christ's compassion
Click here
for more info on giving (Can link to Financial
Partners)
- Go
to share the love of Jesus (Can link to
the following PSB sites)
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