Your Christian Neighbors
This lesson is for Muslims to inform them about their Christian neighbors.
What You Need To Know?
The Numbers:
- There are roughly 2.2 billion Christians, or approximately 31% of the world's population.
- Roughly 54% are Catholic followers
- The remaining 46% consider themselves protestant Christians
- Research that suggests that there are well over 30,000 different denominations within Christianity; many with very minor differences in their beliefs.
The Reformation:
- In the 16th century, Martin Luther is credited with initiating the "Protestant Reformation."
- Luther published his "95 Theses" or 95 criticisms of the Catholic church' practices.
- The primary factor being the concept of salvation (internal repentance vs. external confession).
- The Reformation is in some ways similar to the concept of itjihad within Islam; or in other words a critical examination, re-thinking and honest self-assessment of the important doctrines that are a part of a specific belief or religion.
- This time of Reformation led to an increase violence and sadly millions of people dying. Despite this division, this reform is generally thought of as an important process to critically examine the foundational beliefs of the faith.
The Basic Differences:
- A growing number of Christians today are choosing to refer to themselves as "followers of Jesus" and "surrendered or submitted to God." Rather than referring to themselves as "Christians," "Baptists," "Presbyterians" or "Catholics;" many are choosing to be more institutionally independent.
- Evangelical Christians are normally more "conservative" in their faith. Evangelical mindset is similar to the concept of da'wah. while Catholics are considered more "liberal."
- The Baptist denomination is generally conservative and geographically southern in the USA. The term refers to their more traditional approach to the Baptism process.
- Non-Denominational churches have become very common and have essentially become a denomination itself.
- Presbyterians tend to be more moderate and have a more structured hierarchy or leadership outside of the individual church leadership.
- Catholics are considered more "liberal" and they generally elevate the importance of their leadership, such as the pope.
Some Unique Phrases:
- Many Christians will use the term "Born Again." This was originally a phrase Jesus used and refers to a spiritual transformation and an internal renewing of one's heart and mind. This is a symbolic re-birth into God's family by submitting to God through the Messiah.
Ideas For Interaction?
Sunday Services:
- If you already have Christian friends, tell them you would like to come visit their church; you can invite them to come to your mosque at the same time.
- Most Sunday services start between 9-11:30am and last for roughly one and a half hours. There are also Sunday evening services for most large churches.
- Many Christians will go to a Sunday brunch or lunch after their worship service.
Small Groups and Study Groups:
- Many Christians will meet once during the week to study the Bible and pray with and for each other.
- Small groups will normally meet in each others homes or at a quite restaurant.
- If you are interested, don't wait for an invitation; invite yourself politely by asking if they attend a small group. They would love to have you come.
- Be prepared for the fact that most Christians do not understand what you believe and will may unintentionally bring up hot button issues such as the trinity.
- Avoid discussing the divine nature of Jesus, this is perhaps the most sensitive doctrine for Christians.
Assignments
Attend a Christian friend's church or small group.