"There are two main categoris of African American Muslims: black supremacists and mainstream Sunnis"Based on his description, I'm assuming that he's talking about the Nation of Islam. Most, if not all, Muslims I know would not dream of categorizing the Nation of Islam as Muslim. Because of their overt and obvious denial of one of the central claims of Islam, that Muhammad was the last and greatest prophet. I don't think this is a wise association to make, as we would be equally offended if some Christian cult (e.g. Branch Davidians of Waco, TX) was considered part of Christianity.
"Both teach that idolatry, murder, adultery, stealing, lying, and abortion are wrong. Both agree that family ties, generosity to the poor, hard work, and honest business are good."This is a good list, there's probably many more that could be added. One that is a blaring ommision is that homosexuality is wrong.
"Islam teaches that the books of Moses, the Psalms, and the gospel of Jesus are from God."This is a statement that helps build bridges and find similarities, but I think mis-represents the real picture. For a more realistic picture you could add the phrase at the end of the sentence, "but were corrupted by humans."
A secondary issue that is eluded to here is the word, "God". While some may argue that "Allah" is the Arabic word for "God", Islam and Christianity are not referring to the same God. Not when you get down to His base charactistics, qualities, or actions. Allah in Islam, is not the same triune God of the Bible. Rev. Feddes brings this out in later paragraphs as well, but not as directly.
"People of Christian background who slide from biblical revelation into moral relativism, secularism, or religious pluralism could learn from Islam's clarity of conviction..."Amen, brother Feddes! I believe this is a big reason for the attraction to and growth of Islam. People are getting tired of not having anything to hold on to, and Islam provides straight-forward 'absolutes'.
"Islam aspires to win hearts and shape nations. ... Don't underestimate the challenge."Most Muslims are trained and can defend their faith better than most Christians. Any sincere interaction you have with Muslims will challenge you, but it can also help increase your faith and better understand why you believe what you do. Trust in God, and don't be afraid of a challenge.
"Sharpen your witness by studying more about Islam."Ditto, I have studied and have taught about Muslim beliefs to other Christians in Sunday School and other presentations. I will be teaching again soon, to the Sunday School class at Peoria, IA. I'm looking forward to it.
Always remember, as Rev. Feddes stated in the article, that all people are made in God's image. Muslims are lost and need a loving neighbor to be used by God to lead them to the truth of the Bible and a loving Father.
1 comment:
David Feddes here. Thanks for your perceptive comments on my article. I'd like to clarify two things:
1. You are right that the Nation of Islam is considered heretical by most Muslims. However, this does not mean that there is no meaningful connection. It is important to take seriously the fact that 70% of African Americans who now call themselves Sunni Muslims were formerly in the Nation of Islam or a similar group. That is where they began to call themselves Muslims. Later they switched to Sunni. Still, their gateway to Sunni Islam was through a black supremacist cult that called itself Muslim. If 70% of Christians started out as Branch Davidians, the connection would be noteworthy.
2. You mentioned homosexuality as "one blaring omission" from my list of things that Christianity and Islam agree in opposing.
I did mention homosexuality in the article I wrote, but (without consulting me) the Banner edited out my reference to homosexuality. My orginal, unedited statement was: "Both teach that idolatry, murder, adultery, homosexuality, stealing, lying, and abortion are wrong. Both agree that family ties, generosity to the poor, hard work, and honest business are good."
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