Introduction
Building proper and trusting relationships with representatives of another religion is essential for presenting the gospel. It should be remembered and realized the importance of the fact that there are barriers in communication that need to be overcome with extreme caution. In this case, interaction with representatives of the Islamic religion, which is quite close to Christianity, is considered. However, significant differences may also prevent Muslims from accepting the gospel.
Practical Steps
It is worth noting that it is essential not to start a conversation with someone who does not want to join a dialogue because here, we need a person who is capable and ready for open discussion and who wants to know the truth in their soul. In addition, in order to properly start a friendship with Muslims, it is necessary to have some basic knowledge about Islam and its historical, theological, and cultural roots. It is important to mention 1 Peter 4:8-10: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (NIV Bible – New International Version, n.d.). Thus, it should be remembered that in this dialogue, it is necessary to separate the religious and personal aspects, not to violate the cultural framework by turning to personal insults.
Preparing to Share the Gospel
We must remember that our main task is not to expose Islamic misconceptions but to witness the Gospel of the Savior to this person as well. Even the apostles were ordered, in case of rejection of the sermon, to leave the city. However, of course, we are talking here about a person who, not wanting to know the truth, bitterly rejects the Gospel and indulges in senseless disputes. The one who sincerely wants to know the truth but does not understand everything deserves constant attention (Hindson, 2016). If it comes to the difference between Islam and Christianity, then before starting a conversation, it is essential to determine how a person relates to Christianity.
Beliefs or Reasons
The Muslim concept of deity has influenced the formation of all areas of Islamic culture. It is precisely the spirit that binds Muslims and prevents them from becoming Christians. Thus, according to Islam, man is not created in the image and likeness of God but as His slave, which is emphasized by the ritual of prostrating a praying Muslim (Halverson, 2005). Islam understands sin not as a reason separating a person from God, for which a person is responsible (Halverson, 2005). In this case, it is an oversight or a mistake that ultimately occurred due to the fault of Allah, who created a person so weak and easily tempted.
Personal Challenges
The desire to present the Gospel to a representative of another religion may naturally encounter resistance. This, in turn, with careless dialogue, can lead to aggressive arguments and insults. Consequently, my personal problems are the fear that the right approach to a person will not be found. This may affect the relationship with a person with whom a friendly relationship could have developed over a certain period of time (Weider & Gutierrez, 2013). Thus, the main obstacle is the lack of confidence in my own knowledge, with the help of which it will be possible to raise the Gospel in the right light.
Conclusion
The main task is to be heard, to make a person think, to start analyzing, and to become interested in Christianity. It is necessary to correctly create the theoretical foundations of Islam so that it is possible to conduct a constructive and restrained dialogue. It is mutual understanding and sensitivity that leads to mutual understanding. Therefore, this way representatives of another religion have a better chance to get acquainted with the Gospel and understand its importance and essence.
References
Halverson, D. (2005). World religions. International Students.
Hindson, E. (2016). Everyday biblical worldview. B&H Academic.
NIV Bible – new international version. (n.d.). YouVersion. Web.
Weider, L., & Gutierrez, B. (2013). Finding your worldview: Thinking christianly about the world. B&H Publishing.