Why Muslims Follow Jesus

In a study of Muslims who converted to Christianity, the authors identify the experiences that led the Muslims to accept Christianity:

1.  Respondents ranked the lifestyle of Christians as the most important influence in their decision to follow Christ.
2.  The next most important influence was the power of God in answered prayers and healing.  Closely related was the finding that some noted deliverance from demonic power as another reason they were attracted to Jesus.
3.  The third biggest influence listed by respondents was dissatisfaction with the type of Islam they had experienced.
4.  Many Muslims view dreams as links between the seen and unseen worlds, and pre-conversion visions and dreams often lead Muslims to consult a Christian or the Bible.
5.  The gospel message, especially its assurance of salvation and forgiveness, is also a significant attraction to Muslims.
6.  Next in attraction for Muslims is the spiritual truth in the Bible.  Respondents were also attracted by the Bible's teaching about the love of God.  Particularly attractive to Muslims is the love expressed through the life and teachings of Jesus.

All of this is consistent with what J.P. Moreland writes about in his latest book The Kingdom Triangle.  One side of that triangle is the supernatural power of God, which is largely absent in the western church, but is very active in other parts of the world and influential in many conversions.

Note what is number one:  the life and influence of Christians they see and know.  We are ambassadors for Christ.  The only question is whether we are good ones.

And ultimately it's the uniqueness of God as He has revealed Himself in Scripture and through Jesus.  Forgiveness and love are powerful messages to those laboring under the guilt and burden of their sin.

Comments

[Shaun]

"power of God in answered prayers and healing"

I've heard about a lot of miracles happening in in 3rd world countries, especially with converts from Islam. However this is usually only mentioned in passing. Has anyone ever done a book or any other kind of documentation of these miracles? It would seem this would be important news for the Christian community.

[Mark]

OK, you've got my interest; what are the other two sides of the triangle?

[Steve]

"the supernatural power of God, which is largely absent in the western church, but is very active in other parts of the world"

sorry for raining on your parade, but I think there's a fairly obvious reason for that...

[John Willis]

Steve -

It doesn't bother me it the least if you disagree with my beliefs. So you're certainly not "raining" on my parade and I'd hazard a guess, you wouldn't offend anyone else here either if you'd simply state your disagreement and offer your view and your reasons.

Have you read JP Moreland's book? Have you ever heard him lecture, either in person or by CD or tape? Do you know why he thinks the supernatural power of God is largely absent in the western church?

John

[KS]

Mark -- I think that the other two sides are knowledge and spiritual disciplines ...

[Amy]

>>OK, you've got my interest; what are the other two sides of the triangle?

Mark, you can listen to the interview Greg did With Dr. Moreland about the book on the July 22 radio show.

http://www.str.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Radio_Archives

(You have to register, but it's free.)

[doug t]

The other two sides of the triangle are Weaving Sit-Com Examples into the Sermon and Getting Crucifix Tattoos.

[Brad B]

This point, [and what it speaks of]

"5. The gospel message, especially its assurance of salvation and forgiveness, is also a significant attraction to Muslims."

can be one of the best evangelism tactics when discussing differences in Islam and Christianity. Of course like all of mankind, their guilt is ever before them and they feel it and know it if they only look. Peace with God has to be with the true God or else there is no peace.

They can feel no relief in Islam, Allah is capricious and unreliable and holds no promise of forgiveness that may be relied upon-except martyrdom in jihad. No wonder the true believer in Islam is compelled to do the unthinkable, his god says that is the only sure way to heaven.

Brad

[Brad B]

I should have added to the last sentence, "70 virgins and all that stuff...the promise to the suicide bomber type--the true believer in Islam and it's doctrines."

Brad B

[Mo]

Wow, that is amazing.

The 'god' called Allah is a harsh and cruel being, even to those who seek to follow him. May the love and forgiveness of Jesus continue to come to these millions of people, so in bondage to a lie.