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Chrislam and friendship between Christians and Muslims
Written by Peter Youngren on November 18, 2011This article was published in the St.Catharines Standard.
Recently, I was told by a critic that I am a “Chrislamist”. Not sure exactly what the term meant, I did a little research. First I discovered that I am not the only one so accused. Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Community Church in Orange County, California, recently responded to similar accusations. He pointed to Proverbs 14:15, which states, “Only a fool believes all that he hears.” Amen, to that.
What is “Chrislam”? The essential idea is that Christianity and Islam are compatible, that one can be a Christian and a Muslim at the same time. Chrislamists don’t claim to have a new and separate religion; they just blur the distinctions between Christianity and Islam. Advocates view Chrislam as a solution to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, as well as the political tension between the Western world and Islam. Some suggest that the two largest monotheistic religions have similar teachings on morals, and the need for the two to stand united against the onslaught of modern atheism.
While there are undeniable similarities, there is an all important question that divides Christianity and Islam, “Who is Jesus and what did Jesus do?” To Gospel believers the identity and work of Jesus Christ is crucial. Christ’s deity is non-negotiable, for without it, His death on the cross is insufficient to put away the sins of the entire world. Here is the Christian Gospel in a nutshell. Jesus is God from God, entering the human race to show humankind who God really is, and to erase human shame and sin by His death and resurrection. The different view on Jesus is what separates.
As I see it, the real problem and the real danger among Christians is Islamophobia, and recently, “Chrislamophobia”. Any Christian, who seeks friendship or dialogue with Muslims, is branded. This is very different from what we see in the early Christian history. The apostle Paul is on record of having such faith in Jesus Christ that he did not need to speak against other religions; speaking for Jesus Christ was enough to get the job done.
In an effort to keep Christianity pure, some preachers quickly go on the attack, criticizing anyone who befriends Muslims. It is not hard to see why I am suspect. In my book, My Muslim Friends, I make a clear case for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, while advocating dialogue and mutual respect towards Muslims. The book explains why I conduct “Friendship Dinners” with clerics of other religions. Yet, to some Christians such activity is suspect. One person approached me recently, saying, “Peter, I like every other book you have written, but I refuse to read the one about friendship with Muslims”. I countered by explaining how the book focuses on Jesus Christ, offering it for free, but to no avail. The man didn’t want to even consider another viewpoint.
Preachers who warn against Chrislam often state that anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ is an Anti-Christ. Others go much further. Remember the Florida pastor and his thirty or so parishioners, who had their fifteen minutes of fame for “burning the Quran”. It should be noted that the media co-operated by providing the zealous pastor all the publicity he could ever have wanted. Ultimately this incident led to the death of several American soldiers, as militant Muslims responded in violence.
I am not a Chrislamist, but neither am I supporter of a bunker mentality type of Christianity, that hides itself in a theological fortress, firing Bible bullets at anyone who disagrees. When Christians and Muslims meet in friendship, it doesn’t mean that either side is compromising. Being interested in others and listening to others doesn’t constitute a reneging on your own faith. On the contrary, an unwillingness to listen could be an indication of insecurity in one’s own beliefs.
The Quran contains more than 90 references to Jesus, calling him the Messiah, the Word, sinless, a healer and Judge. That’s more than faith in Jesus Christ than many ministers of the United Church of Canada or Anglican bishops exhibit. Just this week I spent three days speaking in a large Anglican compound in the Middle East. Recently I showed a short clip from a Hollywood movie to illustrate a point in a sermon. Neither of these activities were to show my support for everything The Anglican Church or Hollywood stands for. Similarly, when I meet with Muslims, it is not an indication of anything, except that I believe in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ in all worlds. Let’s stop the phobias. I believe the Gospel is the most fantastic message in the world: Come on Christians, we have nothing to be afraid of.
Bob
~ Huntsville, Arkansas, USA
Peter -
(In past years Joan and I were with you in Izhevsk, Perm, and New Delhi, and you once enthusiastically responded to my suggestion that you have a campaign in the big stadium in Tehran.)
Here’s another suggestion: As the Lord leads, take small groups of Christian leaders on (self-financed) visits with key Moslem leaders you know ... just to watch you do it and to teach them how to share the Good News with such leaders themselves!
Bob
Jeff
~ Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
A clear, simple yet profound statement of truth and reality combined.
Sounded like a message straight from the Bible.
Amen to all you said Peter.
Dave
~ Brantford, Ontario, Canada
Very well put.
Pst Elisha
~ Nairobi, Kenya
some christians have became god’s ,if you dont act on their own way of doing thinks then you have sin to them but not to God. they have became the people to forgive sin not God.What did the Lord forgive us? All our sins. So what defines sin? Anything against God’s word.So we have a big bag of things that God forgave us but what’s in the bag of “forgiveness” that we’re carrying around? It’s the “sins” of people against ME (my own little god). We are forgiving people for not worshipping us and doing things like we’d like to have them done.may be thus why somebody feel he cann’t read my book,yet they read cross-culture books,history,watch videos,programs but haven’t changed their faith.. We can examine our hearts to see if this is a sin against God in heaven or was this a sin against the “me” god.
Pst Elisha
~ Nairobi, Kenya
Colossians 3:13 – “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
We need to take the phrase “bear with one another” more to heart.
a fool is delighted is sharing his own opinion-proverb
Elena
~ Burns Lake, British Columbia, Canada
Peter: After going to Lebanon and meeting Muslims, Catholics, and all other religions, there is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that they know who we are in Christ Jesus. Healing, Deliverance, generosity, etc. and eternal life leads us. They even know that the Messiah is from Israel!
I would not, however, be in league with Mr. Warren.
Ele
Rev John
~ Jos Plateau State, Nigeria
Prov 16:7
When a person’s ways are pleasing to the Lord,
he even reconciles his enemies to himself.
I believe that what ever they said remain focus sir am sure nothing changes the eagle in you as a prophet of God
Gloria
~ Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada
Wonderful! Thank you for the post. I believe Jesus would say and do the very same thing.
Romans 10 14-15 “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (NIV) I have been thinking about supporting your ministry as I have enjoyed what I have heard in the past; but this is the deciding moment…I will begin supporting you on a monthly basis. I must join in with you-even in a small way. To help “Send you and the message you carry.
May God bless richly the work of your hands and heart.
Mary
~ Sarawak, Malaysia
Peter, I have been reading about your work in different parts of the world.
To me it is a fulfillment of what the Bible says that before the return of Jesus Christ, everyone will get to hear the gospel.
As a young Christian I often wondered how this is going to be possible, especially in areas which seem impenetrable.
Keep up the great work, which I believe is done with God’s wisdom and favor and ignore all the accusations.
As a believer of the grace message, my personal belief is that ultimatley GRACE triumphs over SIN.
Amen! Amen!
Nell
~ Merritt, British Columbia, Canada
Thanks for this comment.
I am in agreement with the contents and wish all Christians could be so secure in their faikth as you are Peter.
I would like more explanation on Jesus being man/God in the context of your comment. That belief seems to be a dividing factor between many groups. Is there a simple explanation as many people think logically and cannot embrace the idea that God can be two or more persons at the same time. The ‘Spirit ’ also presents a problem for logical thinkers.
Elena
~ Southbank, B.C.
If Peter Youngren does not mind, I did an amazing study on Jesus and the Holy Spirit in a little bible study I started in my old age and seeing Neil is from my end of the country, he might enjoy it, as well as Peter’s studies on Jesus.
Elena
~ Burns Lake, British Columbia, Canada
Isaiah ( 9:6-7) prophesied For unto us a child is born (man) unto us a son is given (God) and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His Government shall be no end upon the throne of David, and upon His kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
Andrew
~ Sydney, Australia
Surely this what “love your neighbor” means….
who is my neighbor…? anyone who is not on my side.
Suzy
~ Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada
I’m glad you say you are not a Chrisislamist. I am also glad you are doing the Lord’s work in reaching out to the Muslims.
It is God’s will that they all be saved. God is confirming His word, healing the Muslims-to show them Jesus is who he said he was-the son of God, sent by God to be crucified as an atonement for our sins!
Elena
~ Burns Lake, British Columbia, Canada
Since you, Peter, have come on Grace TV, our whole area has changed because of your teaching on Grace.
Most do not understand it, but didn’t Jesus say that when the Kingdom of Heaven will be preached in all the world, then the end (of the age) shall come?
Grace is of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Thank you.
Binu
~ Bangalore, India
I agree with Peter Youngren,the best methodology to reach Muslims for Christ is to have a meaningful dialogue with them without comprosing the truth of the Gospel.
We cannot evangelize the Muslim world with hatred…They need to hear the true Gospel not Political sermon’s which often muddle the true essence of the Gospel of our Lord.
Pastor Elisha
~ Nairobi, Kenya
what i like about peter ministry the unique approch to the Gospel, in Kenya , he reached the Prime minsister with the Gospel of Jesus Christ,the way he teach the grace of god very simple concept, remember the so called christian who are spirit filled ,having christain names,baptism ,kill their fello christain during 2007 post election violence .why christian like to point their long fingers on others yet prayers,witnessing is all gone in their life,what they like most is accusation and blamegames.
Peter
~ Victoria, Australia
Yes, of courseyou state the obvious truth that followers of Jesus must build friendship bridges in order bo effectively witness to Muslims - or anyone else. And the many mentions of Jesus in the Koran is a great door opener into their hearts.
But Chrislam is what happens when they actually get saved and continue to live within the Muslim culture. I’d be really interested to hear how they become disciples, and how effective they are at reaching other Moslems for Jesus.
More effective than those born into Christian families, I suspect.
Hagere
~ Toronto, Ontario, Canada
All religions are scams. I do not think that any religion has the answers to reality but limiting our understanding to physical scientific methods.
Christianity want us to believe that Christianity is superior religion to others. How can there be a superior religion?
Just how? How is it possible that one person’s individual beliefs are ‘better’ than anothers? Are we not all equal?
Most religiouns are fundamentally the same, are they not?
Religion is slowly but surely going out of style like bell bottom jeans, with the internet, Christianity is able to be openly analyzed, scrutinized, allowing people to realize what Christianity is all about.
Christine
~ Saint John's, Newfoundland, Canada
There is only one God (Jehovah), and one son of God (Yeshua) the living Christ-Saviour of all who call upon him. Religion is useless without being filled with his Holy Spirit.
Don
~ Claresholm, Alberta, Canada.
Well put Peter!
And Hagere, true Christianity is not a religion but a relationship.
Bassey
~ Zaria
In Nigeria,muslims sect cald boko haram bombed a church on christmas day.how can i love them wth their violent spirit?
Dalya
~ Colima, Mexico
Muslims eibleve in Jesus like you, but they eibleve he was a prophet. Why not tell the Hindus? They don’t even have a book. I wish you could study Islam and learn what it really is, I’m pretty sure you’ll like it.
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Comments:
ewell
~ Chiefland, Florida, USA
Please read koran. If you donot have a copy, I qwill loan you mine. To not be muslem is to bev less than human. You have no rights, no courtesy or recognition of you is allowed to a muslem. To lie to you , rob you or murder you is not in any way a sin. Actually to kill you is a requierment, if you will not convert. So any “friendship” from a muslem to an infedel, is dangerouse for the non-muslem. Even a in a inter faith marriager, the non muslems life mis in danger, note what happened in checoslavakia, how manyy husbands, wives and childeren were murdered my their own families because they were not “proper” muslims.