This is a very real and very controversial thought that is thrown around in the United States often. And it breaks my heart, because it could not be further from the truth.
I am writing about my personal experiences with Islam. I am no scholar or expert on Muslim culture, but I believe I know more than many Americans. I strongly believe that if Americans took the time to educate themselves on the core beliefs of Islam and the actions of the majority of Muslims, there wouldn’t be as much judgement and discrimination as there is today.
I also believe I need to clarify, I am not advocating for Islam. I am absolutely not trying to convert you or cause you to question your faith. I believe in Jesus Christ as my savior and no other religion. However, I also recognize that we are all people. Jesus clearly calls us to love unconditionally in John 13:34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” This includes Muslims.
Last week I visited an Islamic community center here in Georgia with everyone in missions track. We got a tour from 5 Muslim women who showed us where they pray, have children classes, and eat together. After the quick tour they gave us coffee and donuts (an unexpected treat) and we all sat down for a presentation on Islam. We learned their beliefs and some of the similarities to Christianity (both religions believe they are descendants of Abraham). It was very helpful and clarifying and when it was finished, they opened up the floor for any questions we might have. The women specifically said, “Please ask us. We love it when you ask because then we can tell you the truth of what believe, not what the media and Muslim extremists have made it out to be. We don’t even consider Muslim extremists to be Muslim, because we do not believe what they believe.”
After some very insightful Q&A, terrorism was brought up. One of the women told us of how she was living in NYC on 9/11, and she watched the whole thing happen. It wasn’t long before tears streaked the face of hers and several others in the room. She was crying for her country, for the loss of lives, for a tragedy that effected Muslim Americans the same as any other.
The other women proceeded to share how anytime there is an attack by a Muslim, they won’t leave their house for several days because of the judgement and prejudice they receive. This angered me to my core. Here were 5 beautiful women created in the image of God, scared to leave their own homes in America when they themselves have done absolutely nothing wrong. I wonder how many of those Americans causing them shame would call themselves Christians.
Another interesting observation I made was that each of the women were from different countries. One from the USA in New York, one from Syria, one from Pakistan, one from Senegal, and one from Morocco. It was a beautiful diversity that left me wondering, why doesn’t that diversity exist in a typical American christian church? Could it be the prejudices we place on different people and cultures- consciously or unconsciously? I do not know.
After the presentation the women saw us out with smiles and hugs. They asked if we would come back and visit them. They wanted to cook us their food and talk with us more. They were thrilled that instead of us judging them because of their religion and the reputation in holds in America, we just wanted to get to know them and love them.
This post isn’t meant to bash on America or Christians, it’s to encourage. Are you truly loving your neighbor? Are you supporting prejudice blindly- without actually knowing the facts? Christians murder people. Abuse their families. The KKK proudly endorses themselves as Christians. Does that represent our faith and what we stand for? Absolutely not. Just the same, if a group of Muslims sets off a bomb or flies a plane into a building, the entire Muslim population should not reap the consequences of that decision.
Love your neighbor, no matter who they are. Love your neighbor as Jesus would- unconditionally.
