Cross-Cultural Witnessing
by Gabriela DePhillips
A critical aspect of communicating the Gospel effectively is being able to understand the basic assumptions that those outside of my group bring as a mental map and have clarity toward the goal. Most of us are not aware of such deep assumptions, so is best to simply take a learner’s role and ask, “How do you understand this?” If you are not sure, simply start by seeking clarification…and remember, the goal is eventually leading seekers to the Bible, so keep the focus.
Here is an example of a real-life situation, a conversation between a Muslim Imam and an Adventist pastor. After a few pleasantries, the conversation changed…
M- So, do you believe in the Trinity?
A- We, the People of the Book are allowed to answer only using the Bible and the term trinity is nowhere there. What I do believe is in God, the Word of God who was cast into Maryam and became Isa al Masih, and that God’s own Ruh (Spirit) guides the believer.
M- Aren’t you Christian?
A - I am an Adventist. We believe that in these last days, God is preparing an end-time believer’s movement. People of true faith in God’s revelations, who believe in One God, abstain from unclean foods, follow the law of God out of love, and rest on the Sabbath as God commanded. Our name means those waiting for the return of Isa al Masih- Advent.
M- So are you a Christian or not?
A - How do you define Christian? Because there are many types of Christians and the truth is that when Jesus came, he did not intend to establish a new religion called Christianity, but to invite people back into the Way of Abraham and the Prophets. Did you know that Jesus' main message was the Kingdom of God, not religion?
M- Well, Christians worship three gods, and made the prophet Jesus into another god, which is blasphemy and an unpardonable sin.
A - I see. No. That would definitively not apply to us. Would you like to see what Jesus actually says about this matter straight from the Bible? Who is God and who is He?
M- I can’t. The Bible is corrupted; we Muslims cannot trust any other source but the Qur’an and hadith.
A - I see. Can you please show me what the Qur’an has to say about this topic? I have heard other Muslims say similar things, but never had the opportunity to see why.
M- Sure, when?
A - What about Thursday evening?
Thursday evening comes…
As you study the verses from the Quran with an open heart, seeking to see the footprints of God and not to prove the Imam wrong, you may or may not see that none of those verses say that the Bible is corrupted, but that Christians and Jews interpreted it interpreted wrong, conceal it or wrote in pieces of paper content that they claimed it was from the Bible.
Don’t feel that you need to answer right away, the wise man ponders in his heart. Listen respectfully, take notes, and reflect in your home going over the verses. Be a good Berean. You are modeling to him the right way to study the Holy Books, plus you are not asking for anything that you yourself are not doing. Honesty and the pursuit of truth is a hallmark of godly engagement.
M- Salam brother, I have all the ayats/verses that you asked me about.
A - I am honored Imam, that you take this time to teach me, but before we open this time, can we ask God for guidance?
M- We Muslims come clean to read the Quran, put it in a high place, and say before reading the Qur’an Karim (honored Qur’an): “A’oozu Billaa hi minash shayta nirra jeem” and “BismillarRahmanaRaheem” then start reading. Meaning, I seek refuge in God from the outcast Satan and in the Name of God the Most Merciful the Most Compassionate.
A - I see much wisdom in that. Thanks for sharing, do you mind if I ask God his protection too the way I know?
M- Sure, but are you going to pray to Jesus?
A - No, I am going to follow the teachings of Jesus, he left us a beautiful prayer addressed to God as our Father. And you can repeat the Lord’s Prayer.
For those new to Islam, be mindful that the idea of calling God Father is a radical idea. The Muslim community in general are keen on preserving a clear power distance where God is the Master of the Universe and we are His servant/ worshippers. Nowhere in the Qur’an there is familial language used (Son, Father, Big Brother, adoption, family of God, etc).
M- Here are some ayats/verses… Baqara 2:75 and 79, Al Imran 3:71 and 78, Nisa 4:46. Maida 5:13, Maida 5:41,
A - Imam, I will only listen today and seek clarification. Will take notes and study it over at home. Do you mind if I take notes?
M- Good, that sounds like a good plan.
A - If you allow me, I would like to meet in a few days after I have considered these ayats/verses carefully on my own to share what I found and to get more clarification.
M- Very good, I see that you are an honest person… Let’s read those ayats/ verses now.
A- Thanks, Imam, for your time, and God’s willing let’s meet again soon.
Gabriella DePhillips serves as Director of Adventist-Muslim Relations for the North American Division of SDA.