How do I help a Muslim become a Christian?

[RTR]

I have exchanged emails, initiated by a Muslim who sent randomly to the Catholic school where I teach, trying to convince me (us) that Jesus is not divine, but rather the son of John the Baptist. I of course told him that John was conceived just a few months before Jesus, and I also referred him to John ch. 1. Can you recommend a resource I can share with him, or a way to approach him for his salvation. Thanks.

 

[Lenten_ashes]

They are indoctrinated to believe Christianity is a lie…all corrupted by Paul and that Jesus is nothing like what the Gospels claim He is.

There are points in Islam that point to Jesus that you can work on. Because they really don’t care what the bible says, unless they think it validates Islam.

1.) Jesus is sinless in Islam, and Muhammed, the supposed “seal” of the prophets is not.
2.) Jesus is without earthly father, Muhammed had 2 parents.
3.) Jesus is a word of Allah
4.) Injeel(gospel) referred to in Islam means good news. If Jesus was just a ordinary prophet intended only for Jews, then what is so good about this message as compared to others before him? Islam has a very hollow concept of Messiah, contrary to the OT.
5.) Allah thought that Christianity taught that Mary was part of the Trinity. Therefore, Allah can not be omniscient.

Those 5 don’t pass the eye test for those really paying attention. So it’s a good starting point.

 

[RTR]

Thanks.

 

[adamhovey1988]

I pointed out to a Muslim friend that one thing that annoys me when Muslims speak English as they keep saying Allah for God in spite of Allah being an Arabic word and indeed that is the Arabic word for God even for Christians. I would ask where the evidence that the Bible was corrupted was before Mohammed why is it that 600 years after the fact after Jesus comes that we now all the sudden that learn that Jesus was apparently never Divine? Remember he’s the one making the assertion the burden of proof is on him

 

[Blue_Horizon]

I would not try to help anyone become a Christian if they have not specifically asked you this. That does not seem to be the case here.
To attempt to do so will pollute anything further you may say to him.

In which case St Francis’s advice seems appropriate:
“Preach always, and when necessary say a few words.”

 

[dronald]

There’s so much wrong with Islam that it can be hard to know where to start.

If you can do anything for your Muslim friend, it would be to love on that person as much as possible. In any relationship I have with Muslims, I try to be as loving as I can and get to know them on a more personal level. I invite them to pray with me when they’re going through troubles, and I ask many questions about their faith.

The main thing you can do when discussing Religion with a Muslim is to stick to the topic of Jesus, pray, and know your Bible.

Muslims ask many sorts of the same questions; ie: “Where did Jesus claim to be God.” I have John 20:28 memorized just for this occasion. I ask why they don’t obey the command of Jesus to “Go therefore into all nations baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit.”

This will always lead to the accusation of some type of “corruption.” I then usually inquire why the Muslim person asked me where Jesus claimed to be God if they don’t care what the Bible says… But it doesn’t really matter.

After that I show them the love of Jesus found in the Gospels. “Greater love has no other than this, one who will lay down his life for his friends.” I show them his unconditional mercy to the woman in John 8 and ask if this is the sort of thing Muhammad did to people caught in adultery. I ask who was a greater moral teacher then?

The final question I usually ask is, “if Christianity were true, would you want to know it? Would you care enough to investigate?” I took this quote from Nabeel Qureshi’s book “Seeking Allah finding Jesus.” However, It’s a long, long process. You will not convert a Muslim in an argument, only prayer can do this.

 

[DebChris]

It will take me awhile to find the testimony of a former Muslim who converted to Christianity. As a member of ISIS, he was commanded to read the Bible in order to refute it. He was already familiar with the Qu’ran. When he came back to his Iman, he argued quoting about Jesus as the Word of God. His life is now under threat.
I have also read about other former Muslims who read in the Qu’ran about the sinless birth of Jesus. This started them question what they had been taught. Only Mary and Jesus were not touched by Satan at birth.

Other than that, you can only use what the Bible shows. Mary went to Elizabeth. The Arabs are knowledgeable about the overlapping history between the Jews and Arabs. Mary is called Mariam. Christ cannot be son of John.

Don’t push the agenda. Do agree with obvious historical facts. Muslims are under the Law of the Covenant as shown in Genesis. There is a story I heard from a Muslim that the Well of Hagar has never run dry, except when rich men have tried to exploit it for personal gain. Accept such a possibility. Ismael is the son of Abraham. Our telling of the Sacrifice is slightly different. Still the ram was provided.

 

[pianistclare]

I would not try to help anyone become a Christian if they have not specifically asked you this. That does not seem to be the case here.
To attempt to do so will pollute anything further you may say to him.

In which case St Francis’s advice seems appropriate:
“Preach always, and when necessary say a few words.”

Small correction: it’s a cool saying, but St Francis never actually said that.

But I agree. If he’s not interested in converting, it’s a useless enterprise. A person does better by being an exemplary Christian.

 

[thephilosopher6]

I have exchanged emails, initiated by a Muslim who sent randomly to the Catholic school where I teach, trying to convince me (us) that Jesus is not divine, but rather the son of John the Baptist. I of course told him that John was conceived just a few months before Jesus, and I also referred him to John ch. 1. Can you recommend a resource I can share with him, or a way to approach him for his salvation. Thanks.

You can show him the evil acts committed by Muhammad, the false prophet and founder of Islam.

 

[DebChris]

You can show him the evil acts committed by Muhammad, the false prophet and founder of Islam.

That would only turn him away.
I spent 5 years in the Middle East. I have had many good conversations with Muslims. They focused on the love of God, and what we have in common.
Pope Benedict XVI said that dialogue is communication across differences.
Conversation needs to start with respect from both parties. Again, don’t push the agenda.
Cursilla recommends a soft approach to evangelization. Make a friend. Be a friend. Bring a friend to Christ.
When you start by bringing up the negative about what is important to an individual, will that person again speak to you? Will that person have any reason to seek Christ or ask you any question about what you believe?
It was common while I was overseas to speak with Muslims about the difference between Ramadam and Lent.
In one of his telecast, the late Fulton Sheen said when evangelizing don’t begin with the Bible. Every religion has its own sacred text. Respect where the other person is coming from. It is easier to begin with what you hold in common than to start with differences.

 

[ComplineSanFran]

You can show him the evil acts committed by Muhammad, the false prophet and founder of Islam.

Do you really think that would be a way to his heart?

How do YOU respond when people tell you of all the horrible actions the church has done in the name of Christ? Does it endear you to the person or make you want to turn away?

 

[drac16]

You can bring up the crucifixion. Even skeptical sources say that Jesus died on a cross (including Bart Ehrman, who muslims love to quote). It’s one of the most certain events in all of history. Muslims believe in things that have less evidence than the crucifixion, so why the inconsistency when dealing with the crucifixion?

 

[McCartney]

They are indoctrinated to believe Christianity is a lie…all corrupted by Paul and that Jesus is nothing like what the Gospels claim He is.

There are points in Islam that point to Jesus that you can work on. Because they really don’t care what the bible says, unless they think it validates Islam.

1.) Jesus is sinless in Islam, and Muhammed, the supposed “seal” of the prophets is not.
2.) Jesus is without earthly father, Muhammed had 2 parents.
3.) Jesus is a word of Allah
4.) Injeel(gospel) referred to in Islam means good news. If Jesus was just a ordinary prophet intended only for Jews, then what is so good about this message as compared to others before him? Islam has a very hollow concept of Messiah, contrary to the OT.
5.) Allah thought that Christianity taught that Mary was part of the Trinity. Therefore, Allah can not be omniscient.

Those 5 don’t pass the eye test for those really paying attention. So it’s a good starting point.

6.) Allah thought that Mary was the sister of Arron who lived 1500 years before her.
7.) Allah took Jesus into heaven and asked Him if He told the people to worship Him as a God and His mother as a goddess.

 

[Blue_Horizon]

Small correction: it’s a cool saying, but St Francis never actually said that.

But I agree. If he’s not interested in converting, it’s a useless enterprise. A person does better by being an exemplary Christian.

Thanks, can you reference the debunk?

 

[McCartney]

It will take me awhile to find the testimony of a former Muslim who converted to Christianity. As a member of ISIS, he was commanded to read the Bible in order to refute it. He was already familiar with the Qu’ran. When he came back to his Iman, he argued quoting about Jesus as the Word of God. His life is now under threat.
I have also read about other former Muslims who read in the Qu’ran about the sinless birth of Jesus. This started them question what they had been taught. Only Mary and Jesus were not touched by Satan at birth.

Other than that, you can only use what the Bible shows. Mary went to Elizabeth. The Arabs are knowledgeable about the overlapping history between the Jews and Arabs. Mary is called Mariam. Christ cannot be son of John.

Don’t push the agenda. Do agree with obvious historical facts. Muslims are under the Law of the Covenant as shown in Genesis. There is a story I heard from a Muslim that the Well of Hagar has never run dry, except when rich men have tried to exploit it for personal gain. Accept such a possibility. Ismael is the son of Abraham. Our telling of the Sacrifice is slightly different. Still the ram was provided.

youtube.com/watch?v=__sukFZPOxc

 

[Reuben_J]

I have exchanged emails, initiated by a Muslim who sent randomly to the Catholic school where I teach, trying to convince me (us) that Jesus is not divine, but rather the son of John the Baptist. I of course told him that John was conceived just a few months before Jesus, and I also referred him to John ch. 1. Can you recommend a resource I can share with him, or a way to approach him for his salvation. Thanks.

I do not know a way to convert Muslims to Christianity. I have many experiences with them of whom many that I can count as my friends.

Even though I think Islam is wrong, I respect them for their belief and even admire some of them for their devotion to their faith. Probably some of them are better human beings than me and perhaps are more successful in their families lives.

Unless I am better in these respects - devotion to faith and bringing up my family, I do not have much to offer to them in term of alternative.

I think the chances of you converting him perhaps is as much as he will convert you to Islam.

Most of the examples that we see why Muslims became Christians, came by reading the Bible. They respect the Bible despite what they say about it because Islam understand written scriptures and besides, their Quran says that Christians are people of the Book, so they are likely to be impressed by the Bible.

If you can get to a situation where he would ask you to explain the Bible, then I think that would be very helpful. People do not believe because they do not have the knowledge and what they know, they know wrongly.

With any luck, if they are the type that is spiritual, the Bible does make sense to them.

Other than that, I can only say - just say the truth but in an honest way without being rude as much as you can reasonably try. Tell who Jesus is and why, and why you do not believe in Islam.

 

[tony12356]

1. Don’t use the bible as evidence. Muslims thing the Bible is corrupt, so using it as evidence is pointless.
2. Try to understand their point of view. This can be a learning experience for both parties. Learn why they believe what they believe.
3. Be respective to their ideas and beliefs. Telling someone that their beliefs are stupid won’t help them at all.

 

[Reuben_J]

1. Don’t use the bible as evidence. Muslims thing the Bible is corrupt, so using it as evidence is pointless.
2. Try to understand their point of view. This can be a learning experience for both parties. Learn why they believe what they believe.
3. Be respective to their ideas and beliefs. Telling someone that their beliefs are stupid won’t help them at all.

That is good (name removed by moderator)ut in how to deal with Muslims. I suppose you are a Muslim or having Islamic background. Thanks.

I agree with #1. It is pointless in inter-religious discussion to use one’s scripture which the other person does not believe in.

However, like all scriptures, from God or otherwise, they have their spiritual value for good or bad. The Bible has that and because it is a revelation about God, its readers would be blessed by it if they open their mind to it. That’s the purpose of introducing them the Bible. But that is a tall order for Muslims since they would be often times being prohibited to read it for fear of being attracted to it.

Likewise it is true too for your #2. A good and credible presenter would be one who is knowledgeable thus knowing the belief of another person is crucial in being credible. One will not win converts by misrepresenting his belief. One can only work on the strength of one’s belief rather than trying to belittle his.

And lastly, I agree that respect is fundamental to any conversation especially if it is between people of different religions.

 

[Dempsey1919]

The best advice I can give you is to start praying the Rosary for his conversion. The Rosary is powerful.

 

[LtTony]

There’s so much wrong with Islam that it can be hard to know where to start.

If you can do anything for your Muslim friend, it would be to love on that person as much as possible.

The main thing you can do when discussing Religion with a Muslim is to stick to the topic of Jesus, pray, and know your Bible.

Muslims ask many sorts of the same questions; ie: “Where did Jesus claim to be God.” I have John 20:28 memorized just for this occasion. I ask why they don’t obey the command of Jesus to “Go therefore into all nations baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit.”

This will always lead to the accusation of some type of “corruption.” I then usually inquire why the Muslim person asked me where Jesus claimed to be God if they don’t care what the Bible says… But it doesn’t really matter.

After that I show them the love of Jesus found in the Gospels.

A number of good answers in the thread, and yours is a good start, with one exception, which I’ll get to. A loving, charitable approach and prayer x 10 is where to begin, I agree. And, like you said, focus on Jesus Christ.
Years ago I asked the same question you did regarding baptism; don’t recall what it got me, but a good one nonetheless. The reply might have had something about the injeel, if you want to pursue that mystery.
I agree you need to know the Bible; it’s ALWAYS good to know the Bible, period. But many Muslims know their Islamic Bible talking points; they know there are… “weak spots,” for lack of a better word. Skeptics of the divinity of Christ want to know “Where does Jesus say ‘I am God?’ For something that important, it should be that clear,” they say. Or the Trinity. That can be a tough sell with the Bible alone, imo; it’s a complex concept. Catholics have Sacred Tradition in addition to the Bible. Muslims are a real preserved word-of-God scripture bunch with expectations.

But I agree. If he’s not interested in converting, it’s a useless enterprise. A person does better by being an exemplary Christian.

I totally agree, and I should stop right here, but the suggestions being offered can be applied to other people/Muslims, not just this guy.

You can bring up the crucifixion. Even skeptical sources say that Jesus died on a cross (including Bart Ehrman, who muslims love to quote). It’s one of the most certain events in all of history. Muslims believe in things that have less evidence than the crucifixion, so why the inconsistency when dealing with the crucifixion?

Exactly what I was going to say. And it is key, imo The death and resurrection of Christ is the most fundamental belief among Christians, and Muslims have no answer for it.
Historians (along with Erhman, their favorite “scholar”) overwhelming agree that Jesus existed and was crucified. The Quran simply states it didn’t happen (“they killed him not” ) and offers no details, other than God made it “appear” that Jesus was killed. Nothing beyond that on the death of Jesus, the messiah in Christianity and Islam! An event that God knows (and theoretically Mohammad) will be believed by billions, yet the Quran just glosses over it. Unbelievable.
More unbelievable, is that a loving, caring benevolent God mislead billions of people with some sort of switcheroo or trick. That defies common sense, and it is where Islam falls flat on its face.