Are Reproducing Muslims the Enemy?

I caught this video on Facebook today:

Then I posted this comment:

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Then someone responded to what I wrote:

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Aside from being a hokey video (complete with dramatic, movie voice-over guy), I found it to be incredibly offensive. Offensive in the way that I can’t comprehend the type of Gospel the producers of this video had in mind when they created this piece of propaganda. I can’t imagine this being the message of Jesus towards people of the Islamic religion.

I could say more–a lot more–but I want to hear what you think. Thoughts?

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  • D.K. Norrisson
    Interesting video, and interesting comments. Some thoughts:
    1. the video isn't advocating an attack on Islam or Muslims, but evangelism
    2. I think that it is meant as a "wake up call," but that videos like this tend to be alarmist and to perhaps scare people rather than wake them up
    3. it's unclear to me whether this video is suggesting that Christians need to start having more children?
    4. it is clear to me that anyone who is not Muslim needs to come to terms with understanding and learning to relate to Muslims - it is definitely true that they (and others who are different than us, whoever we are) are coming - the world is shrinking, diversity is increasing, and we need to learn to live with others who are different. For me as a Christ-follower, it means that I need to learn to love and share Jesus with others who are different than I am (whether Muslim or other).
    5. whether Christian or other, everyone finds it easiest to live in a country where the majority is like them; another challenge that is coming the way of non-Muslims is, can we learn to live in situations where Muslims are either a significant minority, or the majority?
    6. as shown in the comments above, one thing that non Muslims tend to be uneasy about is the tendency (or the perceived tendency) for Muslims to impose a Muslim religious framework on society, when they are in control. This is rooted in the Islamic vision not to separate but to join religion and state, and to impose morality (this is also true, to some extent, of "fundamentalist" Christians). A question I have for Muslims in the world today is, can you agree to separate religion and state and to allow freedom of conscience, leaving people free both to practice their faith and to call others to it? I.e., can you embrace the free marketplace of ideas approach to society, and "compete" with others (religious and non) on the basis of appeal rather than forcing people to go along with your Islamic way? In the U.S., all Christian and others (Jewish, etc.) have found that their faith community is healthier with this open "competition" (or standing on their own feet, having to attract people to their faith community). And Muslims need to learn to deal with criticism of their community, even of their religion, through discussion and modeling of the good that you offer, rather than going on a rampage.

    Thanks, Justin, for posting this, and generating the discussion.

    D.K. Norrisson
  • Well said!
  • jason kramme
    7. It is just as possible to be "culturally Muslim" as it is to be "culturally Christian." The trend towards watered-down faith is happening in Muslim countries too.
  • jason kramme
    some thoughts:

    1. All statistical projections are exactly that: projections.
    2. Using fear tactics to inspire Christian faith is stupid considering how often God told us not to fear.
    3. Europe (and the US) will be agnostic or atheistic before it becomes completley Islamic.
    4. The period of time between the reformation and the twentieth century all but ensures that there will never again be a western theocracy.
    5. The appeal for western converts to Islam is the life change required and bad associations from history. Our lives need to change and we need to own our history.
    6. When it comes to using Scipture, Scripture isn't the problem, Users are.
  • Overall, I think Dean and I are being seen as wanting to bash people over the head with the bible and water-board them until they confess Jesus as their savior. I hope you're all smart enough to know better, even though Justin and I may not agree, he can tell you that I'm not even close to that.

    As far as what Dean has said: He used scripture to back up all his thoughts and statements. Aren't we taught to back up what we say or feel in scripture? By Saying his comments are stupid is to sy The Bible is stupid, and I know you don't mean that, right?

    Love God. Love People. Tell the World.
  • Dean used Scripture, true. Unfortunately, it is painfully out of context. You can quote Scripture to affirm any position one holds, just ask Fred Phelps.

    The question isn't, "did you quote Scripture?" The question should be, "did you quote Scripture correctly." I don't believe he has. Context is king, not our own interpretations.

    "Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes."
  • Susan
    Justin, I think it really boils down to intent. What is the intent of the video? Is it to lift up and inspire or is it to cause fear and division?

    When I explain sin to my kids it goes like this: Sometimes we make mistakes and we hurt someone and we didn't mean to do it...like you stepped on my toe, but it was an accident and you can say sorry and that's all we need to do. But sometimes you haul off and slug your sister. That's not an accident and that's a sin, and for that you need to say sorry to your sister AND to God.

    It's all in the intent.
  • "It's all in the intent." Amen. Couldn't have said it better myself.
  • As far as your friend on Facebook who said, "the blind hatred and intolerance [of these people who have posted on your blog scares me]. i'm pretty sure jesus was against both."

    I feel like I'm taking "Crazy Pills!" Jesus wasn't tolerant of everyone, he hung out with the "sinners" to share the Truth with them, not to be tolerant of their sin and let them think it was OK.
  • But "your religion sucks" is not doing anyone any good. I want to meet the muslim who has found the message of Jesus compelling through a "your religion sucks" experience. I think we need to be developing relationships, friendships and trust. Let our lives embody Jesus. And see where that and prayer get us. It's working for guys like Carl Medearis and Rick Love. It's working for New Frontiers as best I understand it. This video doesn't scream relationship to me. It screams "quick, get the muslims out of here". And that's just not winning anyone over.
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