Question #2: Your idea that Muslims can follow Jesus and somehow stay Muslim has always confused me. Can you explain what this means in clear laymen’s terms?
This is a big one. And a cornerstone of what we believed God has called us to be a part of…seeing Arab Muslims love and follow Jesus and stay within their context.
First of all, I’m not a Universalist. The scriptures are clear that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the one and only way to life here on earth and forever. All ways do not lead to God. Only Jesus does.
Let me try several ways to describe what I mean when I say “Muslims following Jesus,” because it is complex.
- Being “Muslim” is almost like being “American.” It’s an identity. It is a religion as well, of course, but so many Muslims are not religious at all – they are simply born Muslim. It’s sort of like being “Christian” just because you were born into a Southern Baptist family in Texas – or a Catholic family in Spain. So don’t misinterpret what the word “Muslim” means.
- When it does come to the religious aspects of “being Muslim” like practicing the Five Pillars of Islam – praying five times a day, fasting, giving, the Haj, and saying the Shehadeh – it’s a bit more complicated. First of all, at least three of these are things we’d believe in as well (prayer, fasting and giving). The other two are more problematic. Going to Mecca at least once and saying “There is no god but God and Muhammad is the (final) messenger/prophet of God” and believing that the Qur’an is God’s inspired and final word and that Muhammad is the Prophet who ultimately represents God, are also issues that have to be overcome. So there is an aspect of “Muslimness” that is contrary to the teachings of scriptures and hinders Muslims from being able to see and follow Christ.
- “Following” is a vague word. Crowds followed Jesus but did not necessarily “believe in him” in the sense of trusting Him as the one and only way. So it may be a gradation – the initial “following” out of curiosity. Then a following like some of Jesus’ disciples who also didn’t necessarily believe until the end. And finally, there is a “following” that leads to life. It includes loving Jesus. Believing/trusting in him. And seeing him as the resurrected Lord and Savior. This, of course, is what we’re hoping for…
What we don’t want to see is our Muslim friends announcing (or thinking) that they have “become Christians” which will be interpreted by their family and community as joining a Western, Capitalistic, Democratic political movement that is against all the foundations of what this Muslim person grew up with. If they “become Christian” they will be kicked out and possibly killed. But not for their faith in Jesus, but because, in a sense, they will be seen as having “joined the enemy.”
If Muslims are to be salt and light in their own communities we can’t keep losing them to the West. The recent debacle of “The Son of Hamas” who “converted to Christianity” and then had to move to America is a good example. He is now a wanted man. Not because of his faith, but because he betrayed his family and people.
There is another way – Muslims who love, believe and follow the biblically revealed Jesus Christ – and who stay in their communities as “Muslims” can be salt and light to their own people in a culturally relevant way. This is powerful and it is the wave of the future in the Islamic world. I believe this is what God is doing and we should join him in it.
1. Being Muslim is NOT like being an American, and not even close to considering yourself a Christian because you were born into a Christian family. Americans don’t risk family members chasing them down and murdering them because they make a profession of faith in another religion.
2. It’s more than merely “problematic” that Muslims don’t acknowledge that JESUS is the ultimate prophet/messenger of God and that the Bible is the inspired word of God. It is IMPOSSIBLE to follow Jesus if you don’t acknowledge who Jesus is and also that Mohammed is NOT the prophet of God.
3. “Following” is not a vague term in the Bible: Matthew 10:34-38 & 16:25; Luke 14:26-35
I believe that the success of Americans and other Christians in Iraq and Afghanistan, fighting for freedom for Muslim people, is the only hope for Muslim converts to Christianity to stay in their communities and be salt and light. Let’s hope we can stay the course. Christians around the world, pray for this success.
@Leslie,
1. From what you said, I understand you interpret the phrase, ‘Being “Muslim” is almost like being “American”’ to mean Muslims and Americans behave the same way. I understood Mr. Medearis statement as indicating that ‘being a Muslim’ is a not just a religion but a cultural identity, not that he was drawing a behavioral or moral correlation between Americans, nominal Christians, and Muslims.
2. Of course it is impossible to follow Jesus without giving up beliefs and practices contrary to Scripture. Mr. Medearis did say Jesus is the only way to eternal life and the Hajj and Shahada are contrary to Scripture and must be overcome. I believe “a bit more problematic” is a turn of phrase rather than a technical term.
3. The way I understood the article, Mr. Medearis was not using the Biblical term “following,” but using Biblical examples to explain the layman’s term “following.”
The question did request an explanation in layman’s terms, which I imagine resulted in the “American” example, casual use of the word “problematic,” and standard English use of the word “following.”
Thank you! I have been struggling with this question for awhile now and you answered it very clearly.
Carl,
you just described my journey from basically being an agnostic to follower of Jesus. Its been slow and gradual, with setbacks at times and then leaps forward in faith.
I think I am ok with the concept that a person calls themselves a Muslim, but follows Christ. Eventually I believe that they have to admit though that they are a Christ follower, and I am sure that brings repercussions in their society.
Thanks for the blog, it was very thought provoking.
I lost my faith in Christianity several years ago. My faith in Jesus is still alive today – and better off now that it was before.
Amen Andrew!
We cannot afford to abandon the Church. Jesus’ aim was to create a unified community on Earth to represent Himself.
So then, we need to work harder at creating local communities of faith that express God’s intent of establishing His kingdom on Earth. This kingdom is spiritual, and its rules are: love God and love each other.
The command to love our neighbor includes respecting all others–regardless of their religion, politics, race, sex, or socioeconomic status.
Instead of throwing out the baby with the bath water, let’s strive to establish communities of faith that reflect God’s character and will.
You said “Being “Muslim” is almost like being “American.” It’s an identity.”. Being Muslim is much more than that. It’s a way of life. It’s beeing convinced and guided by the Creator himself. In Islam, there is no difference between an American and an Egyptian. Profet Muhammad (sws) said : There is no difference between a white and a black nor between an Arab and a non-Arab, except by piety and good action.
You said : “at least three of these are things we’d believe in as well (prayer, fasting and giving)”. Just know that prior to every single prayer of the five daily prayers, every Muslim witnesses during the ‘iqamah’ that “There is no god but ALLAH and Muhammad is the messenger of ALLAH”. As for all the good actions in Islam, including fasting and donating, they are all performed EXCLUSIVELY for the sake of Allah. So I don’t see how things can be mixed the way you say.
You said “So it may be a gradation – the initial “following” out of curiosity. Then a following like some of Jesus’ disciples..”. Allah told us in the Qur’an : “He (Jesus) said: “Who will be My helpers to (the work of) Allah.” Said the disciples: “We are Allah.s helpers: We believe in Allah, and do thou bear witness that we are Muslims.” 3:52. We Muslims are already very good followers of Jesus, and his disciples are our good examples. We think that you guys who consider yourselves Christians are the ones who are not following Jesus.
You said : “The recent debacle of “The Son of Hamas” who “converted to Christianity” and then had to move to America is a good example. He is now a wanted man. Not because of his faith, but because he betrayed his family and people.”. He’s considered a traitor NOT because he converted to Christianity, but because he betrayed his people by what he wrote in his book. The title of the book shows how indecent are his intentions.
Zayd
Thanks for this my friend. You make the points i was trying to make. Thanks.
And yes, the “Son of Hamas” thing is exactly as you say, which is also what I was saying. It has nothing to do with him “believing in Jesus” or even converting to the religion of Christianity – it’s politics. And it’s his mistake, in my opinion. We need to work overtime to avoid such silly arguments and focus on how we (you and us) can be people more like Jesus in every way.
Many blessings to you as you seek Him!
carl
I’ve read “Son of Hamas” and I’ve traveled to the West Bank. I agree that the author could have found another way to faithfully follow Jesus without converting to the religion called “Christianity.” The problem is that he portrays a one sided view of the Arab/Israeli conflict and perpetuates stereotypes of the Palestinian people as a bunch of Islamic extremists devoted to the ideology of Hamas. This has done great harm to Palestinian people, including Palestinian Christians that are seeking non-violent ways to challenge the Israeli occupation.
In the author’s defense, however, he does talk about Israeli human rights abuses and even says in the end of the book in reference to Israel that “the oppressed became the oppressor.”
All in all, “Son of Hamas” is a mixed bag.
You make good points regarding how Muslims can worship and follow Christ within the context of their culture and religious traditions; Bible addresses this with regard to “Jews” who became Christians.
However isn’t it true that Mosab Yousef is viewed as a traitor principally because of his denial of Allah and Islam and his embrace of Christ as the Savior-God? He would still have been a “wanted man” if he had stayed in Palestine for sure; probably he would be dead.
I agree with what you are saying about Muslims staying within their culture to be salt and light but your position is one-sided and assumes God has the same plan for all Muslims who “convert”.
“We Muslims are already very good followers of Jesus, and his disciples are our good examples. We think that you guys who consider yourselves Christians are the ones who are not following Jesus”
This seems divisive and minces words trying to label people.
Zayd, aren’t you my brother and I your sister because we are both believers in Christ as Lord and Savior. Why would you write that?
It kind of hurts my feelings. I would hope you would have some kind of love for me?
“He’s considered a traitor NOT because he converted to Christianity, but because he betrayed his people by what he wrote in his book”
What did he write in the book that makes him a traitor? Maybe it’s not the material but the fact that he “went public” with it that is the issue? — but that is a cultural beef, certainly not a biblical one.
God is not limited to any cultural context whether Muslim or American and it is a mistake to try to put him in such a “box”
I’m sincerely trying to understand and planning on buying one of your books Carl.
Please permit me one more question:
“Allah told us in the Qur’an : “He (Jesus) said: “Who will be My helpers to (the work of) Allah.” Said the disciples: “We are Allah.s helpers: We believe in Allah, and do thou bear witness that we are Muslims.” 3:52.
Are you using the Quran as your book of truth?
If so, this would be concerning.
ok, just one “last” thought – please allow me grace and I hope you will respond, Carl!
First off – no offense intended toward Catholics but —
Let’s consider the Protestant Reformation.
Being Catholic at this point in history is a complete and total Identity in every sense of the meaning. They are the only Church.
Were there were anointed preists/monks working behind the scenes, in the trenches, to help “Catholics” understand the biblical truth that Jesus died so they don’t have to pay indulgences, go to Purgatory, buy masses, feel guilty, go to hell, etc.? Lets assume “yes” and
their ministry is helping people make progress toward their Jesus as the Savior-God, within that context! Over time some are understanding and gaining salvation, true joy and freedom in Him, while still remaining “Catholic”. They in turn are influencing others and somewhere around October 1517, things are really happening, when all of a sudden…
along comes Martin Luther with his (31? – forgot how many) Theses which he nails to the chapel door – right out for everyone to see! Why is he doing this? It is not necessary, in fact only very harmful to people knowing the Lord. Is he pulling a stunt for money or to make a name for himself? He couldn’t possibly care about Christ or think he will help people to know Him by such obnoxious shenanigans… and we were making so much progress!
… so I have to ask you — Are you assuming that the way God has called you to help Muslims know Christ is the only way? That he could not possibly have plans for a public prophet of sorts on this matter, and one who loves Israelis at that?
Carl, you are judging someone else’s servant, which Paul tells us in Romans 14 we should be very careful about.
I like your blog and am looking forward to reading your book!
Thanks for allowing me to comment so many times. Hopefully this will be the last (for now!)
Much Love in our Lord Jesus,
Elizabeth
I just found this elsewhere on your blog
http://www.carlmedearis.com/blog/2010/02/loving-bin-laden/
Somehow, It’s ok for Carl to love his enemies (Hezbollah fighters) which I agree, as an American citizen and “Christian” (If I may use the term)
But when Mosab Yousef puts his faith into practice by loving Israel (and writes a book about it) he is a traitor.
This smells like hypocrisy and Anti-semitism. I am completely confused.
Thanks for putting up with these comments. Maybe you have an answer?
Elizabeth
Meant to say Carl should love his enemies, even Hezbollah fighters, as should all believers, and that writing a book chronicling the story is very encouraging for others to do the same.
So why is Yousef a traitor out for money and supporting political “Christian Zionism”?
I will accept an answer from anyone at this point.
Evidently it is not desirable to discuss the Yousef book on this blog as I am having a conversation with myself!!
All I can say is please read it and ask yourself “Did this man do what God, the lover of ALL human beings, would have wanted him to do?”
He saved many human beings from bombs, including his own brethren who were intent on blowing themselves up. He did nothing to “help” the Israelis or “hurt” the Palestinians and he is trying to show how the love of Jesus can achieve peace by helping us be truthful about our own shortcomings and forgive our enemies.
In any case, Carl, I don’t believe you are “anti-Semitic”.
We all need to be still sometimes and let God be God; those who have “ears” to hear will hear and those who don’t – won’t (at this point anyway). We’ll keep on loving them.
Carl,
I agree wholeheartedly with you that it’s not what is said that matters as much as what is heard and understood (Communication 101).
So I have some important questions from your post concerning religious identity.
In the Arabian Peninsula, the word “Muslim” identifies someone who puts his faith in Mohammed. There is a strong correlation with being “Muslim” and following Mohammed (the authoritative revelation he brought) and also trusting in his intercession before God on the Last Day. Conservative Arab Muslims think holistically and don’t separate the “cultural” and “religious” aspects of their “Muslim” identity as individualistic and postmodern Westerners tend to do. The “Muslim” label in the AP identifies one’s ultimate faith allegiance with Mohammed; it is inherently theological in this context.
Therefore, do you think it is appropriate for a (genuine, saved, biblical) believer in Jesus from the AP to identify himself as a “Muslim” when his audience will understand him to mean that he puts his trust in Mohammed (Communication 101)? Or even if he nuanced this a bit and said he was a “Muslim” who follows Jesus- do you think it will be confusing for someone to be understood that he “follows” both Jesus and Mohammed?
Furthermore, would you agree that there are not simply two options for “religious” identity- either you call yourself a “Christian” or you call yourself a “Muslim?” Isn’t there middle ground between extraction from one’s community and remaining syncretistically inside it- a third way that considers identity with the Lord Jesus and the testimony we give him as the crux of the issue of socio-religious identity?
Also, would telling someone who wants to follow Jesus that they should remain a “Muslim” be the same kind of error as telling them they should become a “Christian?”
These are honest questions- I’m not trying to sound rhetorical.
Thanks Carl. Looking forward to your reply and learning more from you. I deeply appreciate your ministry. Circumpolar (muslimministry dot blogspot dot com) follows your blog.
Blessings,
Warrick Farah
How refreshing it was to listen to you talking! I am forever grateful for the chance to be there.
So much came clearer to me, my own questions and struggles for dealing with what seemed to be `betrayal ` even to my closest and dearest ones, all of a sudden was answered through you.
Coincidence?! I don’t believe in them. Whenever I struggle with my own mind and soul, He sends me an answer, a very clear one; purposefully and how dumb I pretend to be and how deaf, He makes sure I hear.
This time He talked to me through you, to ease my concerns. God Bless you for serving Him.
ABOUT WHO I AM -just a minor detail-
I am a Muslim background Jesus follower. I have been baptized in 2007, struggling to find a way to serve Him and His followers ever since.
I can not even take the credit saying I have found Jesus. I was never lost to my Father. I could not even run away, He would not forsake me and held my hand to keep me on course.
Just to prove His point, I will tell you a bit more. This is not my story anymore, it is all about what Jesus can do through us, in our ordinary lives, if we only love Him.
When I was getting ready to be baptized, my pastor asked me if I wanted a Christian name.
Since I do not like fake stuff, I was just about to say that `No, thanks, I am happy with my own name` , I heard myself saying -without hesitation- “Lydia“.
Where did that name come from? I was baffled, but, apparently I even spelt it right!
Much later, at a Bible study, a lady asked me if I knew my name was in the Bible and when I said “NO, I did not“.
Honestly, I only read the Bible just by opening a random page, daily, to hear Him talk to me, to my dilemmas, not chapter by chapter… Don;t get me wrong, it is just me, my character, I can only do what feels natural.
When I looked puzzled about the Acts, the lady lead me to them.
* Lydia as you know, was from the city of Thyatira. (I was born in Turkey, very close to the region) .
*A woman whose heart God opened. Did He ever!
* A willing servant. Lydia had apparently become an active member of the church as soon as she learned the truth.
THAT PART I have been struggling with. Churches are tough to get in and stay connected. They are not at all welcoming as Christians think, especially to Muslim background people like me. I only go to church to listen to His words and leave the rest alone…
Now, with your help, I know what `church` means for me, as long as I have Him in me, I can serve Him through my life where ever I go, what ever I might be doing there just by carrying Him in me. And what a relief!!!!!
A big coincidence with Lydia’s story and mine?
)))). He is not limited to four walls of a church, a country, a continent, East and West, not even the universe.
I don’t believe in coincidences, I believe in our journey towards Him, with Him, as I did mine. He was just telling me who I was and what my role would be. A WILLING SERVANT and my boss is Jesus
I am 52 now. Wrestling with breast cancer and a lot of other ailments my past attached to my skirt, still.
I was worried that I would not have enough time left to do what I was supposed to do with the life He gave me. Finding Him is one thing but finding the connection and the purpose that ties with ourselves is daunting.
Finally, you made the last chapter of my life `purpose clear` and unburdened my heart. I no longer feel like I betrayed my past. The culture, the people, my own family, my loved ones by choosing to follow Jesus.
God Bless you for opening your heart and mind with no FEAR to help me open mine.
Handan (You know me as `the spy` who announced herself in the crowd
)
No one who has truly met Jesus in the power of His resurrection and had the Holy Spirit enter them, will be able to remain a functional member of a devil inspired culture for very long. Being that Islam absolutely permeates the culture of the nations where it reigns, a true follower of Jesus will be about as popular as a grain of sand in the eye.
Jesus said that He came to bring a sword that would set a man against even the members of His own household. It’s the sword of truth. If a man is truly following Jesus, he is called to wield that sword. If and when he does, in the power of the Holy Spirit, two things are going to happen: (1) Some are going to be cut to the quick and fall on their faces in repentance before the One True God, and (2) many more others are going to rise up to kill the sword bearer. No other outcomes seem possible. This idea of flying under the radar as a stealthy member of their society is maybe a noble one. I just don’t know how realistic it is.
After reading the first sentence of your comment, I thought you were going to write about the evils of the American culture. With so much murder, violence, anger, rage, and other expressions of sinfulness, I find it more difficult to live here than ever before. I am struggling through how to live in such an ungodly society as a follower of Jesus. I was surprised to continue reading about the inability of a Christian to live in certain countries.
You say, “Being that Islam absolutely permeates the culture of the nations where it reigns, a true follower of Jesus will be about as popular as a grain of sand in the eye.” In the US, we can substitute the word “Islam” with many other words… greed, violence, idolatry. Although there are influences of Christianity still left, those are rapidly decreasing. An American citizen who follows Jesus may not be killed for his faith, but they will definitely not be part of the in-crowd.
Absolutely, the same can be said of America. The fact we need to remember, is that there exists only “The Kingdom of God” and the “world”. We’re a citizen of one or the other, no matter where we live on this rock.
Great Post Carl!
I completely agree. We in the West have so many terms that are loaded that we forget that Jesus can exist and work in any place/religion on earth. We can’t throw the baby out with the bath water because we don’t understand something. Some of my best friends are Muslims and we talk about the Qua’ran and the Bible alot. Its great to have conversations that have a heavenly purpose!