http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/02/18/churches-open-doors-muslim-worship/
This article goes along with what we talked about in class today. Some Christian churches were letting Muslims worship in their churches while their own places of worship were either too small or under construction. It sounds like a step in the right direction from A Common Word Between Us and You. Some churches, however, are against what these Christians have done (one of the churches is even in Cordova!) What do y'all think?
I think it is a respectful gesture and a meaningful step towards creating a better relationship between Muslims and Christians. Christians are part of a church congregation. They are not part of a church building. The church building is nothing more than a place for Christians to worship and become stronger in their faith. If Muslims have nowhere to worship, the church congregation should allow the Muslims to worship there not only because that is the love Jesus wants them to show to their neighbors, but also because the church building has many visual references to Jesus and his ministry. These visual references could stimulate questions about Christianity within the Muslims, and that scenario might also inspire them to look into Christianity and eventually convert. These churches are showing love to their neighbors, and creatively ministering Christianity as Jesus commanded in the great commission. As I see it, allowing Muslims to worship in churches is exactly what Jesus would have done.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Josh. I think it is an interesting situation that I didn't know how to feel about when reading the beginning of the article, but overall I think that extending a hand to anyone in need is exactly what Jesus would want. Although they would be in a visually Christian environment, this still may have no effect on their beliefs at all. But even so, they are religious people that called upon Christians to help them in their time of need. Jesus would want a loving hand extended to those people.
ReplyDeleteWhile I agree that it was hospitable of churches, such as Heartsong Church, to open their doors to visitors, I don't think it was appropriate giving the symbolic nature of the church. The church symbolizes a holy, sacred place of worship for God. While some would argue that the church's hospitality reflected Christ's attitude, I think that it encourages the practice of other religions.
ReplyDeleteI see where those who do not agree with the actions these churches took are coming from, the church is a place for worshipping God. Although it may just be a place, Christians believe that the church is sacred and practicing another religion in this sacred place can be upsetting to those who are very conservative in their religion. The willingness of these Christian communities to help the Muslims and putting aside their differences is a step in the right direction towards a better relationship between Christians and Muslims. Something has got to give, and if that means helping Muslims in a way that maybe not everyone agrees with, so be it.
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