Connecting with Muslims

Round Trip Missions spoke with T.V. Thomas, Director of the Centre for Evangelism & World Mission.

You grew up in Malaysia, so you’re no stranger to other religions. How should Christians respond to the growing number, specifically of Muslims, in the United States and Canada?

Number one, I think we need to deal with our fear issue. I think a lot of Christians are fearful of all Muslims, and that’s because it’s formed by images on the screen and rhetoric in the media about what’s happening overseas. This fear is counterproductive when relating to Muslims. A lot of Christians don’t realize that most Muslims are nominal, and nominal Muslims are more apt to respond to the gospel if they can see Christianity lived out for them.

What are some of the obstacles Christians face in relating to Muslims?

Most Muslims think that Western Christianity is bankrupt. So that’s one problem. From their perspective, Western society has become morally degenerate. They have a point. And unfortunately, they see this as a reflection on Christianity in general. After all, the West is a so-called “Christian” society. So my first piece of advice for Christians is not to use the word “Christian.” I describe myself as a diligent follower of Christ. “Christian” means a lot of things. But identifying as a diligent follower of Christ suggests the kind of relationship I have and the faith I live by. And that really throws Muslims. It saves me from having to defend somebody else’s activity, somebody else’s lifestyle.

To read more, click here.