To Our Muslim Readers We are glad that you are reading our materials. We feel that it is very important for Christians to understand their Muslim neighbors, fellow co-workers, and students. Regrettably, too many Christians still hold prejudices against Muslims because they lack personal knowledge of Islam or experience in Muslim relationships. We discourage argument or debate. We wish to promote a constructive, unbiased view of Muhammad, Islam, and Muslims. Our View of Proselytism Even though the US Center for World Mission is an evangelical ministry, we do not support proselytism or any other form of coercion or inducement. We actively discourage any negative forms of personal witness which are argumentative or which do not respect the traditions and opinions of others. We are evangelicals and, as such, feel an obligation to share our faith. However, we understand this must be done in gentleness, love, and respect, and not on a conditional basis: 1 Peter 3:15 says, “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.” The response to our witness is in God’s hands, and Christians are not to intimidate in any way. Concern for Human Needs In this course, we also call on Christians to pray for and strive for improved human conditions for Muslims. As you know, many Muslims do not have access to basic human rights, education, healthcare, clean water, and adequate food, and many are not able to freely practice their religion and do not have a voice in governing their own affairs. Atypical Approach We recognize that our approach may be different from what has been heard publicly from some Christian ministries since September 11, 2001. Sadly, too many Christians have responded with a fear of terrorism, continued uncritical support for Israel, and the denial of equal rights for all members of our society. Other Christians have disparaged Muhammad and Islam, not recognizing the deep debt that all modern societies owe to Islamic civilization. As a part of our course, we encourage Christians to apologize sincerely for wrongs carried out against Muslims, however mistakenly, in the name of Christ (i.e., the Crusades, slavery, imperialism, and even current political economic oppression). Christians should not be silent on these issues or allow the name of Jesus Christ to be dishonored by the sins of opportunistic so-called Christians. Appreciating Muslims However, we firmly believe Christians will benefit from reading articles written by Muslims, no matter what background knowledge they may already have about Islam. We believe our curriculum will help Christians appreciate Muhammad, Islam, and Muslims, as they see the points Christians and Muslims have in common and as they hear Muslims thoughtfully and reasonably explain their faith. Muslim Contributers to the Curriculum We specifically thank the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Amana Publications, and Dr. Javeed Akhter for trusting us to include their articles in our course. We sincerely hope, because it is our intention, that all of our materials will be consistently respectful, while at the same time clearly presenting our desire to obediently share our faith in Jesus Christ with Muslims.
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