Islamophilia

This from Mike Judge, Editor of Evangelical Times, and pastor of Chorlton Evangelical Church in Manchester cuts to the chase, 

...Why are liberal Christians so desperate to cuddle up to Islam? The problem is not that Christians speak to Muslims. We should. Muslims are our neighbours. We should love them, serve them, befriend them and tell them about Jesus Christ. The problem is what happens when so-called Christians lose confidence in the gospel.

Once you no longer believe that Jesus Christ is the only Saviour, that the Bible is the Word of God, and that humanity’s fundamental problem is sin and rebellion against God, you need something else to give your Christianity purpose. Enter the new gospel of social justice.

The language changes. Salvation becomes liberation. Sin becomes oppression. Evangelism becomes activism. The Great Commission gives way to liberal political campaigning. And the distinctive claims of Christianity become awkward because they get in the way of interfaith harmony.

Islam can then become strangely attractive. Not because liberal Christians have suddenly become convinced by the Qur’an. But because Islam can be enlisted as a partner in the causes they now regard as central: anti-racism, anti-colonialism, social justice and opposition to Israel.

And so theological differences are quietly pushed aside. Questions about Islamic teaching are deemed impolite. Difficulties concerning religious freedom or the treatment of women become awkward distractions. The Christian’s responsibility to proclaim Christ is replaced by the more fashionable task of demonstrating solidarity.

But this is not Christian love. Christian love tells the truth. We should love Muslims enough to tell them that Jesus is the Son of God. We should love Jews enough to tell them that Jesus is the Messiah. We should love atheists enough to tell them that they need reconciliation with their Creator. The desperate need of our world is not more interfaith photo opportunities. It is the gospel of Christ.

I would add that these so-called Christians are woefully ignorant of what the Qur'an actually says and what Islam really demands. Ignorance is a false bliss in this case. 

Ignorance is no excuse for a Christian.

Educate yourself. 

Go ahead, read the Qur'an. I guarantee that you will not rush to convert to Islam, and just maybe you will learn that we need to pray for Jesus to open their hearts and minds to the true Gospel.