When it comes to reaching Muslims with the gospel of Jesus
Christ, relationships and conversation can lead to evangelism, George Braswell
said.
“The best way to win a Muslim to Christ is through your
example,” said Braswell, a former missionary to Iran and professor of missions
and world religions at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest,
N.C.
When it comes to reaching Muslims with the gospel of Jesus
Christ, relationships and conversation can lead to evangelism, George Braswell
said.
“The best way to win a Muslim to Christ is through your
example,” said Braswell, a former missionary to Iran and professor of missions
and world religions at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest,
N.C.
It is a simple process – and coupled with a sincere desire
to understand Muslims, it is one that can prove effective in leading them to
a relationship with Jesus, he said.
Most Muslims live peaceful lives, separated from the violence
and terrorism often associated with the faith as reported in the media, Braswell
noted. He added that learning to move past negative preconceptions is vital
to witnessing effectively to Muslims.
“Both sides have been suspicious and distrustful of each
other,” Braswell said. “It makes it difficult for conversation to
occur. Its not that biblical Christianity accepts what Islam believes,
but if youre going to have a Muslim friend, youve got to communicate
about what is vital in your life. Weve seen missionaries who disagree
but dont go on the attack. Theyve been able to befriend Muslims
and share the gospel with them.”
That is a lesson Braswell said Christians should learn –
especially as they seek to reach out to a world in need.
“There are non-negotiables, as we well know, between Islam
and Christianity,” he acknowledged. “But those non-negotiables can
be used strategically.”
In his book, “Islam: Its Prophet, Peoples, Politics and
Power,” Braswell gives key insights into Islam, including:
The Islamic beliefs about the concept of a distant
God who cannot participate in a personal relationship, an acceptance of Jesus
as a prophet but not as Gods own son and savior of the world and adherence
to the Koran as the perfect and complete law of God.
The five pillars of Islam, which entail a confession
of Allah as the only deity, prayers five times a day, fasting, almsgiving of
certain percentages of income and possessions and a pilgrimage to Mecca at least
once in a lifetime.
The branches of Islam that exist, most notably
the Sunni and Shiite Muslims, a division formed with disagreements about
leadership after Muhammads death in 632.
The growth of Islam worldwide, to the point that
there are more Muslims than Episcopalians in the United States and that tens
of millions of Muslims live in Central Asia, China and India.
That the most well-known Islamic group in America
– the Nation of Islam – is not accepted among most orthodox Muslims
as a viable form of the faith. (BP)
(Braswells books on Islam – “What You Need to Know About Islam and
Muslims,” “Islam,” “Understanding World Religions”
and “Understanding Sectarian Groups in America” – can be purchased
at LifeWay Christian Stores or through www.LifeWay.com)