How to approach a group of young Muslims as a Catholic?

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HolyCrusader007

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Hello folks,

I have recently been asked by a Muslim Imam to provide a speech to a group of young Muslims(ages 5-10) about Christianity. Thing is that I’m nervous, as I have never really done public speaking.

I’m a Catholic. I’m looking for tips from folks here on Catholic Answers on how I can talk to young Muslims about our Christian faith…Like what types of things should I talk about to these young Muslim kids. What types of similarities might I be able to bring up. One thing to keep in mind is that this is not about me proselytizing because the thing is a Muslim Imam politely asked me to explain the Christian religion to these young Muslim kids. … So my goal here is to teach these kids about the Christian religion. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
 
If the group is between 5-10 you won’t need apolemic. Just tell them Christians view Christianity as a family. We approach God as our father as Christians are adopted into his family through baptism. We are able to do this due to his Son Jesus Christ who’s sacrifice on the cross reconciled mankind to God through grace. For us Catholicism is relationship.
 
gmcbroom said:
If the group is between 5-10 you won’t need apolemic. Just tell them Christians view Christianity as a family. We approach God as our father as Christians are adopted into his family through baptism. We are able to do this due to his Son Jesus Christ who’s sacrifice on the cross reconciled mankind to God through grace. For us Catholicism is relationship.
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Thanks alot. I like the Christians view Christianity as a family part…I think I shall use that one.
 
gmcbroom said:
If the group is between 5-10 you won’t need apolemic. Just tell them Christians view Christianity as a family. We approach God as our father as Christians are adopted into his family through baptism. We are able to do this due to his Son Jesus Christ who’s sacrifice on the cross reconciled mankind to God through grace. For us Catholicism is relationship.
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Yes. Keep it simple. How much time did he give you to speak?
I taught school in the Middle East using an American curriculum. Everything except for Arabic, Arab Social Social Studies and Islamic Religion was taught in English.
Since I taught 4th and 5th graders, social studies was world history. World history by its very nature means introducing students to the various religions of the world with some limitations due to political censorship.
Jews, Christians, and Muslims all trace their lineage to Abraham. That would be a good place to begin. Like Muslims, we believe that there is only one God. We too worship the God of Abraham.
Focus first on what we share in common.
Since you are talking to children, bring the discussion to what they understand. Islam means submission to God. Even though we are called to obedience, sometimes it’s hard. They can relate to hard how it is to do what their parents tell them to do. That’s where the story of salvation comes in. As Christians we see the Holy Spirit helping us to be obedient to God because we have trouble doing it by ourselves. I hope this helps a little.
 
Since their are just tikes, very simple analogies.

I like the airport analogy in regards to the blessed Trinity. There is one airport but different terminals from said airport. If they are unfamiliar with a airport you could use a drawing or a picture.

They share beliefs with us as Jesus as the sinless, promised Messiah of the Jews who performed many miracles and was born of the Virgin Mary.

Speaking of the Virgin Mary, Koran Surah 19 is dedicated to the Blessed Mother, and, in fact, they seem to hold Mary in higher regard than protestants do. So touching on our beliefs about her would be of interest to them.

Blessings.
 
Will_B said:
Take a look at this Franciscan University Presents with Dr. Scott Hahn
youtube.com/watch?v=UZBXHxHbZZE
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Ill check out the video, thanks.
DebChris said:
Yes. Keep it simple. How much time did he give you to speak?
I taught school in the Middle East using an American curriculum. Everything except for Arabic, Arab Social Social Studies and Islamic Religion was taught in English.
Since I taught 4th and 5th graders, social studies was world history. World history by its very nature means introducing students to the various religions of the world with some limitations due to political censorship.
Jews, Christians, and Muslims all trace their lineage to Abraham. That would be a good place to begin. Like Muslims, we believe that there is only one God. We too worship the God of Abraham.
Focus first on what we share in common.
Since you are talking to children, bring the discussion to what they understand. Islam means submission to God. Even though we are called to obedience, sometimes it’s hard. They can relate to hard how it is to do what their parents tell them to do. That’s where the story of salvation comes in. As Christians we see the Holy Spirit helping us to be obedient to God because we have trouble doing it by ourselves. I hope this helps a little.
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Good point on keeping it simple. I’ll have about 10-12 minutes maybe a bit longer to talk. I was wondering how to bring up the trinity if at all, I think you bring up a good point about the Holy Spirit.
 
Lenten_ashes said:
Since their are just tikes, very simple analogies.

I like the airport analogy in regards to the blessed Trinity. There is one airport but different terminals from said airport. If they are unfamiliar with a airport you could use a drawing or a picture.

They share beliefs with us as Jesus as the sinless, promised Messiah of the Jews who performed many miracles and was born of the Virgin Mary.

Speaking of the Virgin Mary, Koran Surah 19 is dedicated to the Blessed Mother, and, in fact, they seem to hold Mary in higher regard than protestants do. So touching on our beliefs about her would be of interest to them.

Blessings.
Click to expand...
Thanks a lot. Peace be with you my friend. I think the point about Sura 19 is great, Ill probably use that.
 
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