Joanna Joanna
#0
Over the past two weeks my girls have been taking tennis lessons at a local park. While waiting for the kids I struck up a conversation with an Indian woman who happens to be Muslim. She is well educated (she\'s an MD) and also seems to know about her faith. We began talking about opportunities for our children who perform at the gifted and talented level. I can\'t exactly remember how we got onto the subject of religion, but we did.
I tried to keep the conversation very open, accepting and non judgemental. I saw this as an opportunity to speak with a Muslim who was not a fanatic and possibly learn what the \"everyday\" Muslim believes. I asked a few questions \"Why don\'t you cover your head when your friend sitting next to you has not only her head covered, but the lower part of her face as well?\" (there was a friend of hers there in what I would call a western burqa). \"What do you mean you believe in the \'original\' Bible?\"
Anyway, this past Monday she came to lessons and gave me my very own copy of the Quran. ( do I really need one?) Again, I was trying to be polite, I thanked her and said I would look it over. (that may have been a lie, I\'m not sure yet if I\'ll open it or not) At this point things are still going ok.
Then we start to discuss heaven and hell. (here\'s where she started ticking me off) She said that the Quran says that God doesn\'t have partners. (ie the Holy Trinity) She said that God does not have parents, doesn\'t get hungy, doesn\'t sleep (Jesus).
The Quran says that anyone who belives in God having partners will go to hell. ( I guess the entire Christian religion has a one way ticket south!)
She quoted one or two things from Isaiah and Matthew, which I can\'t recall, because at that point I was getting and tuning her out at the same time, that she claimed foretold the coming of Mohammed.
We left on cordial terms. The girls had lessons again today. I chose not to stick around at the park and instead ran errands while the girls had their lessons. I will see this woman again on Friday.
So, regarding the above, what would you say to this woman given the opportunity? How would you defend not only Orthodoxy but Christianity as a whole? I want to be able to speak with confidence to this woman, but I just don\'t know how to articulate what I KNOW to be the Truth.
Any suggestions?
Jana
I
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Dia Lamb
#1
In my experience, Muslims respect honor, firm belief and tradition.
I generally am very comfortable informing anyone if asked that I am a very faithful Orthodox Christian. In situations of dealing with non-Christians I will only get into details of what our Faith teaches if I am asked.
I do not get ticked off (I do not take it personally), but do explain to Muslims that I cannot tolerate having my God (Christ) be called a prophet or my God called \"helper\" (Christ, Holy Spirit).
Yes, according to Muslim belief, all non-muslims go to hell. There is no two ways about it. I find it hilarious (I used to work in grad school with a guy who was adamant in sharing his muslim belief with me, as otherwise he sais Alah would count it against him. It was hilarious. He was telling me I will go to Hell, and I would reply that if I am there with Christ, I\'d rather go to hell. But it was all light-hearted.)
I do not propose you act the same way with this woman, but maybe she is also of the thought that she HAS to share her beliefs as an obligation, otherwise Alah will not like it..
More interesting would be to ask her what they think Paradise is for women (we know what guys think. I was never able to get an answer about women.. Probably to be one of the beautiful virgins awaiting the guy...)
Or ask her about the difference between Suni and Shia, and watch her blow up.
Or even better (so that you don\'t risk getting her angry, \'cause who knows..) just inform her of your firm Faith and if you\'d like, add how much Tradition there is. (Many american muslims don\'t realize that not all Christians are protestants).
I would not offer her a Bible so that the Book does not end up in the trash. If she wants to learn more she can easily find much information.
As for the Quran, I am sorry but I would not have it in my house.
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AH
#2
I would read the articles or tapes of Fr. Daniel Byantoro, a former muslim and now Orthodox Archpriest. One very good one is http://www.roadtoemmaus.net/Indonesi.pdf
Fr. Daniel would not steer you wrong. He is the most eloquent when it comes to explaining the fallacies of Islam and the truth of our faith, and how it can make sense to a muslim mind. I have never seen anyone more qualified to coach you through this! God bless your journey, and may it be to the salvation of your friend\'s soul!
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Ji
#3
I agree re Fr Daniel. I am lucky to have been given his CD \"Road to Orthodoxy\". It\'s great!
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Rev Fr Athanasios Haros
#4
What a great opportunity for you to practice Agape Love. There is nothing you can say that will convert this person. Only the power of the Holy Spirit can accomplish this. If you show her Agape Love and refrain from anger and judgement, she will see the Love of Christ in You, \"They will know.....etc\" and eventually, the Holy Spirit will take over. Be loving and patiet.
This makes me think.....
As Orthodox Christians, we are sooooooo uneducated in the faith that these types of interactions are a losing battle. Most people don\'t know (I\'m sure on their side too) the truth of their tradition. We need a lot more training in this.
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GC
#5
Hi,
I would have to agree with Fr. Anastasios\' post. It\'s best to show this woman what Chritianity is about through example and let the Holy Spirit take care of the rest. If the Holy Spirit so desires that you speak of your faith, He will put the words in your mouth. Remember, you may be the only Gospel this woman will ever read. That was a famous quote but I don\'t know by whom, St. Francis of Assisi once said, \"Preach the Gospel at all times and if necessary use words.\" St. Seraphim of Sarov also said, \"Save yourself and you will save thousands.\" MOst important pray. I hope this helps.
Gerald :)
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da
#6
My experience with muslims. They are absolutely blinded to truth. Regardless of what u say to them. how well u know ur faith and speak to them with firm conviction they just fail to see truth and meaning in what u say..( unless they themselves are seeking truth) i find the best thing to do is speak about Christ and His love and what He teaches us. as opposed to arguing.
Everything that shes said to u, all muslims try. esp the bible foretelling the coming of mahamoud..i love how they actually believe that. they all seem to have the same old arguements. and dont let her ever tell u that our Gods are the same! i hate when they say that. I remember having a huge debate with this muslim guy at uni about all this.. he was so stubborn.. his arguement was so ridiculous. he had nothing credible to say in his defense...
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Andrew Colias
#7
Since there are two versions of this thread I will post this link here also: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/christ-muslim-debate.html
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