www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Parish Life & Evangelization Muslims For Conversion

I just wanted to raise this topic again. Can we agree on a coarse of action to take to Evangelize Muslims?

Ray,

The big question from myself is, are we talking about evangelizing them on our turf or theirs?

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

Ray and Father Anthony,

This is a subject I have been pondering lately. I'd say an important and difficult one.

For myself, I am focusing on learning about Islam, it's History and it's Theology.

I for myself think that I can not convert muslims. In fact, if I lived in a Muslim country, I would not attempt to convert Muslims.

Why? It is God who converts. I am the Instrument of His Will.

That is basically what I ahve been thinking about lately.

Also, I know there are good and bad people, irregardless of Religion. So, I would try to meet on a common ground, respect customs as necessary.

I think a great example was posed in one thread, the example of the Native Americans, and the evangelization (the proper ones).

I think it is important to love your friends. Charity would be my rule in this case. I would try to really build up friendship with Muslims. Not to convert, but because of Truth and love. Just to have friendship. For me, I think this is where I would start.

The forseeable problem for me though is, would I be able to be friends with Muslims (would it be allowed by law)?

Just some thoughts.

Dear Laka Ya Rabb,

This is a matter I have also pondered at one point or another. I feel that it is a part of our calling as Christians to share the Great Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ with those that are in spiritual darkness such as the adherants of Islam.

How personally do I feel about going about it, I have never tried to think through. If I was to contemplate it, I would first like yourself have to learn more in depth their theology and to read their scripture. The history I am very well versed in, but their beliefs I only have a rudimentary knowledge about.

I would be interested in seeing how some would like to approach this matter, and if any sucesses have been made by any Catholic or Orthodox recently that we can learn about.

I agree, that it would not be advisable to undertake a missionary effort in a Muslim country, but rather here were it seems to be growing by leaps and bounds. I think that we need to examine this topic.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

I think the best thing we can do is show our faith through love - build more hospitals and schools, take care of their poor and ignored.

My Hindu friend and his family are all very fond of Catholics because of the nuns that taught them up through secondary school. Their parents even knew of the great reputation these schools have. His uncle fondly mentions those nuns every time I see him.

(He once told me that he was given communion. One thing to remember is when we evangelise we should NEVER BREAK THE RULES. Sets a horrible precedent to those who have no idea about how Church works. Doing that is not an act of charity, but a disservice to everyone.)

Michael,

First, I must agree that in any missionary endeavor the Eucharistic discipline of the church must never be comprimised. It gives an extremely poor example and also gives the person the idea, "Why convert?"

That said, I agree evangelism comes through many vehicles, one is the formation of educational facilities and hospitals. My personal impression is even though these are vehicles of Christian love, few may desire the need to further see what the faith is about.

Islam is openly proselytising in this country, and is gaining converts by the day. We have to counter with some understanding as to who they are and to pick up the challenge that they are giving us. If not, in a generation we will start becoming the minority. If it was not for the unfortunate events of 9/11, which I personally believe may have slowed this tide here, the Muslim conversion steamroller would probably be gaining at a faster rate.

Even in the tiny city I live in, a mosque has appeared in the last few years. Though from what I understand from our clergy association the community is poor, their funding comes from outside the country to maintain them.

Just a few thoughts.

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

Apologetics, people, learn Apologetics. I am sorrowed, but not astounded, when I hear of Episcopalians, Latin Catholics, and others in the Christian faith apostatizing to Islam. the emphasis on Oprahism and a lack of sound doctrinal instruction in the Faith leads to such occurances. you hardly ever hear of an Evangelical going over to Islam. why do y'all think that is?
Much Love,
Jonn

Some sermons are best preached with the mouth closed. In Muslim counties the example demonstrated by Christians is the best sermon. How many times have husbands and wifes been the instrument of bringing their better half into the Church by the example of their lives.

Do you really think they have sound instruction in the Faith???

A propos of the Hindu who was admitted to Holy Communion, here is an (unfortunately true) story along a similar line: a friend who is an Eastern Orthodox priest with a sense of humor was in hospital somewhere in the USA for a stay of several days. One evening a woman appeared - unbidden - at my friend's bedside to ask "D'ja want Communion?" My friend was somewhat startled by this apparition and asked who this person was and what she was talking about. Turned out she was a Roman Catholic nun and was in charge, if you please, of giving Holy Communion to the people in the hospital.

As I said, my friend has a sense of humor. He therefore said: "You know, Sister, I don't think that we should do that." She seemed shocked, so my friend continued: "You see, Sister, I am a Hindu, and I don't think that the Catholic Church would want me to receive your Holy Communion."

To this the nun replied "Don't worry - since the Council it's alright."

My friend was then nasty enough to identify himself for real, invited Sister NOT to come back, and assured her that he would take pleasure in notifying the local RC diocese that she was quite prepared to give Holy Communion to Hindus. He added that he himself was quite competent to bring Holy Communion to his own parishioners, hear their Confessions, anoint them and so on and that he would not tolerate any attempt to impose upon them!

Incognitus

Dear Friends,

Salaam!

There is a talk given by a former Muslim who is now an OCA priest on how best to facilitate the conversion of Muslims - Father Geoffrey Korz has a copy (All Saints of North America OCA parish, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada).

Essentially, it is affirmed that those things that approximate Muslim practice that Eastern Christians have and do should be emphasized.

For example, the seven-fold daily Prayer of the Hours of the Horologion should be promoted - the priest said the scrupulous observance of these separate times of prayer throughout the day - as Muslims do as well - is what connected him with Orthodox Christianity!

Prostrations and pilgrimages are other examples.

I've also read the testimonies of Buddhists and Hindus who attended Catholic schools in their countries and later became Catholics.

Reasons they gave for their conversion included the use of statues in the Latin Church - something they had in their temples.

So a scrupulous observance of our Christian traditions, charitable work and a positive attitude to one's Muslim neighbours, acceptance of them etc., are key here.

Also, Christ gave us the commission to preach the Gospel to all nations. This is what is within our power to do. Conversion is something that is only within the power of the Holy Spirit to accomplish.

But He won't do it without our input, to be sure!

Alex

Alex,

Well said. I wonder if this priest friend of yours has his talk available online somewhere so that it can be read by us?

In IC XC,
Father Anthony+

The best we can do to present Christ to anyone is live the Christian life ourselves. Putting up banners and flags in some 'in your face' way would be counter productive. The challenge then is to return to the gospel and be humble in our witness. People notice and ask questions if they like what they see then we can show them in a way that can't be said to be 'sheep stealing' who we are and what we believe.

Dear Alex you said:

"Essentially, it is affirmed that those things that approximate Muslim practice that Eastern Christians have and do should be emphasized.

For example, the seven-fold daily Prayer of the Hours of the Horologion should be promoted - the priest said the scrupulous observance of these separate times of prayer throughout the day - as Muslims do as well - is what connected him with Orthodox Christianity!

Prostrations and pilgrimages are other examples."

I say:

How brilliant! I had never thought of that. Not only should we practice that within our religion that the Muslims can relate to, but we should start emphasizing modesty in our behavior and dress as well...not to mention a little morality.

If we can break that breach, and make them realize that the secularism that they come across in the Western media, etc., is not really part of our faith, and that there are devout Christians and show it in ways that they can relate to, we might, just might, be able to start forming true dialogues.

One never knows when God's spirit will come upon their world, and conversion will become possible.

Zenovia

Yes, when everyone acknowledges there is One God and Mohammed is his prophet - no negotiation. How many Muslims in Spain converted when they were overthrown by the catholics?