tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33424426.post2227792728885521607..comments2023-09-01T07:04:13.381-07:00Comments on Reflections on Faith and Culture: "Embattled Christians" on this Christmas DayGil Bailiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04481878663941134090noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33424426.post-49479350327392007562009-12-26T06:49:20.371-08:002009-12-26T06:49:20.371-08:00The persecution is alarming, but despite the immen...The persecution is alarming, but despite the immense suffering, I am hopeful. You are probably aware of the outreach to Muslims by people like Father Zacharia Botros using TV, radio and the Internet. They can reach into the heart of Islamic countries with their messages, which combine invitations to accept Christ as one’s Savior, explaining the Christian faith, correcting common misconceptions, pointing out the weaknesses of Islamic teaching and law, and bringing to light the unsavory aspects of Mohammed’s life by citing early Arabic sources written by pious Muslims. Language barriers are no longer a great problem for outreach to Muslims, and at least some of the missionaries need not worry so much about being murdered because the electronic media enable them to remain in hiding. <br /><br />I suspect the present heightened persecution of Christians is a sign of desperation among the Islamists, who are trying to bolster a religion which has been greatly weakened due to an unstoppable influx of critical opinions and ideas.<br /><br />Dare we hope that 10s and even 100s of millions of Muslims will come to Christ and begin a new life in Him? Dare we hope that the Middle East will someday be a region where the overwhelming majority of inhabitants are Christians (even while Europe goes down the tubes)?<br /><br />When Muslims come to Christ, they will, I think, be among His most ardent followers, and they will be a great blessing to the rest of us.<br /><br />This is, at any rate, what I pray for.ignatiushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06799372896063968528noreply@blogger.com