Just received a very nice email from a parent asking if her Muslim children would feel welcome @ our Easter Egg Hunt and service this coming Sunday morning. I said yes.
However, I would love to hear from you what you think being welcoming to people from other faiths means?
Let’s talk.
{ 38 comments… read them below or add one }
I didn't know there was a conversation to be had.
I don't think anything of it. But I guess it could be a problem for some.
I will sit back and listen to others on this one.
I think they should be welcomed and when the holy spirit leads…..they could be lead the Christ….
Inviting people from other faiths to church services and events should be encouraged. How else are they going to hear about Jesus otherwise? Our church has events that are open to anybody that wants to come.
In fact, if you're not reaching out to the community and inviting anybody that wants to come, then you're deviating from what Christ commanded us to do which was to make disciples of ALL nations.
Jay,
Perhaps you already know (in which case I apologize for stating the obvious), Jesus is well known, and well regarded in the Muslim faith.
I hope the answer would be “Absolutely they will be welcome, & you & your husband would be too.” God forgive us if we ever let religion get in the way of sharing the Gospel.
Maybe I just think too hard but I had too many thoughts on the topic. I think it says something that a person from a different faith had to ask if they would be welcome to a Christian event for children. It makes me think that we aren't doing our part as Christians to let others know that God is open to all. I often read articles that make Christianity seem to shun other religions. Maybe it's a lack of knowledge. Isn't it our job to fix things like this? To educate the masses?
And on a side note, I'm almost 30 years old and I STILL don't see the connection between the Easter Egg Hunts and the Christian meaning of Easter. Don't get me wrong, its UBER fun… I'm just saying. I'm never too old to learn something new LOL.
What I've shared with our people this year to understand the connection is this:
As adults, we have a hard enough time understanding the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. A child who does not think abstractly can't begin to understand those words. A fun day, like hunting for eggs and making crafts gets the children there, then our storyteller uses some concrete items to help them understand at their level what Easter is all about.
Veronica,
Eggs have been a part of the Easter celebration for centuries. In the early church eggs were on the "abstain from" list for Lent. Come the Easter celebration, eggs played a huge part in the feast.
They've also been colored and given as gifts to celebrate birth (wrapped in gold leaf for royalty, boiled with leaves and flower petals for the "common folk".)
via Twitter… "THE EGG in many cultures represents new life, it was introduced to signify JESUS breaking from the shell of DEATH 2 live again it has pagan roots, as the goddess Eastre is represented by the rabbit, why we still partial celebrate that secular festival… I don't know "
Any follow up comments to that one???
Yeah, I would hope that we could honestly say, "You should feel the most welcomed. Let me know if you are not." At least that should be our goal.
Didn’t Jesus have something to say about welcoming
children? I do no remember any qualifiers in His
statement ! In fact He went out of His way to make sure
that the Kingdom has only one qualifier… And that is to
sincerly ask for admission. Never heard of anyone
being turned down
A Muslim who knows the Koran well already knows about and accepts Christ. The Koran accepts Jesus as a prophet, and as a messenger sent by God. The Koran also teaches one God, judgment in the hereafter, and encourages prayer. Islam means "Surrender to the will of God". So a Muslim actually has much in common with a Christian. Don't confuse extremist suicide bombers with true Muslims, just as you would not identify extremist Christians as normal. I think a visiting religion can inspire both the host and the visitor to understand their religions more deeply, to really see that we have a common goal – to surrender to the will of God.
That is AWESOME!
I do agree that it's sad that someone of a different faith feels the need to ask if they will be welcomed, but I think for a person of the Muslim faith, they ask that about anywhere they go. I met up with some at a Sam's recently. Their entire posture spoke volumes about how they expected to be treated. I didn't get to talk to them, but I did my best non-verbally to smile and be kind.
Keep going Courageous Church! You guys will be rocking the planet!
The origin of the egg hunt was to welcome Spring/fertility (for people and crops) and because it is at the time of Easter, many Christians have Easter egg hunts to gather during Easter.
Would your children be welcome at her Ramadan celebration that involved children? I would assume so but you wouldn't want them trying to convert your children to the Muslim faith which is why I think that it is a mistake for Christians to take this as an opportunity to convert them to yours.
I think it is lovely that she is opening her children to other faiths and activities and I would hope that special attention would be given to make them feel welcome. Her Muslim children laughing, giggling, hunting with other Christian children is such a lovely thought. I hope they walk away hoping to come again next year.
Please caution on trying to convert them. Perhaps, one of these children will come to the Christian faith out of genuine curiosity at their own time. Southern Christians have a bad stereotype of trying to cram a conversion (usually for their own ego and self-interest) without weighing the interest of the other person. The other person only walks away with an aversion to Christians.
What would Jesus do? I believe He would welcome them graciously, teach them the games (they aren't going to know and need them explained) and surround them with loving grace.
Now, if she was asking to come to Easter service at your church, she should expect the conversionists to pounce, but not at a public Easter egg hunt.
Understood. My comment was in the context of salvation not knowledge.
Cool. :-) Have a great day!
I agree with the other postings so far. We should be welcoming of everyone and I think Courageous must be doing something right if a Muslim family had enough boldness to even ask if they could come. I think much of the time people just bypass the Church because we have such a terrible job of reaching out to all of mankind. So I see it as a huge leap forward that this family even asked.
An interesting parallel: Before returning to teach in public education, I taught for four years at a private school where something similar happened. A Muslim family enrolled their three children in our school after trying a Muslim school. Even after this family was told that there would be no compromise in the message of Jesus Christ as the only Savior of the world and that their children would be required to pass Bible classes, they still enrolled.
The only part that I felt sad about was not seeing this family brought into the Kingdom of God while I was there. Once during my 6th Grade Bible Class, which was on the Life of Christ from the Book of John, I asked one of the children if he was a Christian because all of my students were saying that he was without asking him…so I asked during class. He said no…but felt like he was half-n-half. An interesting answer and one that showed an openness to the things of Christ.
Who knows what affect you might have on this Muslim family and what affect they may have on you. I recommend building a relationship and loving them for who they are; not seeing them as a conversion notch in your evangelical belt….and if I know you like I think I do…relationship is primary in your mind.
If not, then close the doors and get a job outside of ministry. Wow man – that is awesome. Thanks for welcoming them in.
I would welcome them and actually take extra steps to show them Christian Love.
Anyone should be welcomed with open arms of love and made to feel they are valued and cherished as individuals. We aren't just trying to reach "masses" but individuals. Some may regard "feeling welcome" as not being exposed to the message of salvation through Christ alone. If that is the intention, we can't skirt the issue. But even sharing that message in the right spirit and with love is one of the most welcoming things we can do for anyone.
PS – the main difference between Christian and Muslim views on Jesus is that muslims don't believe that Jesus ever died. Christians believe he died and paid for the sins of the whole world. Muslims believe he failed in his mission to win the Jews back to God. Christians believe that Christ's mission is still being fulfilled.
Relative to an easter egg hunt, because muslims believe Jesus never died, they don't believe he ever experienced a resurrection either. They believe he simply ascended into Heaven where he still lives right now. This is different from all their other prophets; for instance, Mohammed is dead and gone. But they still believe Mohammed is a greater prophet than Isa (Jesus.) So, that is some background info that might be helpful to you as you work with this family.
Many pagan symbols, sites and practices have been incorporated into Christianity. One good reason is that it brought pre-Christian spiritualists into Christianity.
Shaun,
This is great news. Just don't let anyone hit them with the Bible. that really pisses people off. (I Kid, I kid)
Make this the most memorable day of their lives. something they'll look back on when things are bad, and maybe they'll remember three words. "It Is Finished."
Let the Holy Spirit move in your church, and through them. They'll feel welcome, and….. if all goes well, maybe they will feel uncomfortable. But by nothing you've said or done, but by what the Holy Spirit is doing in them. I've not felt comfortable since the day I felt the Holy Spirit…
That, that…. is the perfect outcome.
Absolutely. I think it would be right to welcome people of other faiths and different walks of life. I'm reminded that it's not our place to judge but to love. And this is a great example of when to show love.
I think it is great. We are all God’s children whether we worship Allah or Yehovah. We all worship the same God. I think her question is just a sign of the times. For example. We were celebrating a co-workers move to another job that she really wanted yesterday. During that conversation people were talking about the bombing in the Russian subway. One of my co-workers immediately said in trying to explain what happened. “Oh you know it is the same thing that has been happenning for hundreds of years. The Muslim Terrorists blew up a subway train. Of cours me being who I am said how do you know they were Muslim. All I heard was that Chechnyan Rebels were responsible. It had nothing to do with religion. He got quite very quickly. I am glad they are coming. I love talking to people of other faiths. You will be amazed at how much our faiths and communities have in common.
I believe anyone, no matter their faith, should visit a church, a synagogue, a mosque, etc. They should be embraced and open to learning about all people's religious beliefs. Before I fell away from Islam, I did just that with my son. I didn't seperate him from any holiday celebration celebrated secularly. He is well rounded and if he grows up to want to be Muslim only then he has been cultured in a few religious beliefs/schools of thought.
Welcome that Muslim family into your church with open arms, let them speak to your congregation, let your children and their children play and converse about differences, but moreso about likenesses. To do so will open communication and make the world a better place for anyone seeking a way in God's eyes. Awareness is something we all need.
This topic touches close to home. I have read all the comments, contemplated several, agreed with many. I am a non-practicing Muslim; in December 2009 my son, Uthman and I were baptized, he for the first time, myself a second time, at a local Apostolic church. I was born and raised a Catholic until I converted to Islam. Before 2009, I often would visit my sister's church if my neice was singing, and I of course attended her wedding which was held in her church. But truly, I never went because I wanted to be there. My sister, bless her soul, would tell me other Muslim families would visit, be baptized and there was nothing wrong with that.
I knew, or better yet, was indoctrinized to believe that I shouldn't as it was against what I believed.
For 15 years I practiced Islam, its edicts, without fail. When WTC happened, my faith was tested, my esteem dipped and I questioned my beliefs. In the face of being called 'Monster', being told, ;Go back to where you came from,' etc. how could it not? I wore niqab at that time and the inner world of safety fell away from me. I did pick myself up and coninued practicing, but over time i fell away from Islam as I realized there were things about the way of life I did not believe.It is common knowledge that if you don't believe in a few thing in Islam, than you don't believe anything. Currently I am seeking an MDiv and then MTh; God is calling me and I want to serve all in whatever way they believe.
@Heather, I can't qualify what you wrote. I only practiced Islam for 15 years and still felt as though I was a baby in that way of life. However, what I do know is that Muslims believe that Jesus is not the son of God, but a prophet. Who came before the prophet Muhammad. His work was to spread the news of islam to all.
I do though, agree with what you wrote about the children. It is at the feet of the Mother in every religion, that children learn about their families belief system. Adults must teach and not spread false information, or hate.
Interesting question. A member of our congregation has a sister and brother in law who are Muslim and their children attend service at our church pretty regularly. In fact they have even held parts in our Christmas play and will also particpate in our childrens production for Easter this Sunday. I think is says something about the church that non-Christians want to be there.
So many great responses here, and I will add this: our church has a local Muslim group that uses our fellowship hall every week for Friday prayers. Recently, our church and their group had a meal together. There were readings from the Koran and the New Testament, and shared prayers. It was a truly special time. So wonderful for people of different faiths to break bread together. And for kids of different faiths to laugh and hunt for eggs together! May Christ's great abiding love be known, and may it a brilliant day for all. Peace.
What a rare opportunity it is that someone of different faith is ASKING to participate in a celebration of our Savior! The fact of welcoming them is, in my opinion, a huge testimony of the love of Christ and His committed, and a spoken message may not even be necessary in sharing the Gospel.
I would be mindful (because of my experience with this) in who is approaching them, just to avoid the aggressive personalities…
Not to be cliche', but "what would Jesus do?" He'd throw open His arms wide and let the little children come to Him! If He doesn't cast them out, then why would we? When He walked on this earth, He was no respecter of persons – He didn't care where you were from, what you looked like, what you did with your life – He reached out and loved.
So glad they are coming to see you and your church, Shaun! And I'm so excited with how many people are coming to the big Easter Egg hunt at Courageous! God bless!!
I think the biggest issue actually for muslim children coming to your church Shawn will not be from adults. I work in the public school system and see muslim kids, especially girls, get teased all the time from other kids – called terrorists or made fun of for their head coverings, etc. So, my guess is that the most important thing in helping this family feel comfortable in connecting with you is to work carefully with the children in your church to be sensitive and not harsh. Kids a lot of times make fun of what they don't understand or what is unknown to them.
I would say, help them to understand polite ways of asking questions – "That scarf you are wearing is really pretty. Why do you wear it all the time?" They should ask questions because if they feel it is taboo to talk about differences, there will be a distancing in their hearts from the kids they feel are different. Just like white and black kids need to be free to ask each other polite but meaningful questions about each other…
Heather
The Quran confirms that the Christ was not crucified in the following words: "That they said, we killed the Messiah Isa, the son of Mariam, the Apostle of Allah, but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for a surety they killed him not" Quran 4:157
The Bible agrees with the Quran that the Messiah was not crucified and show the name of Jesus as that of the two thieves in the Hoax of the crucifixion and this is brought out in The Age Of Reason by M A Raheem and Mervyn C Charles.
Muslims miss the message of the Quran and mislead with their false translations and misunderstanding of the Scripture and actually make a mockery of Allah with their tradition when they should be honest with Allah and the Quran.
Absolutly, that includes everyone else of no faith or any faith too. Closing the door on them is closing the door on Jesus and you might aswell rip 1 Cor 13 out of your bible. After all, that's what Easter is about isn't it?
If someone is willing to come and be a part, regardless of where they are spiritually, they should feel and be welcomed.