And again I ask the thread if they have been exposed to the Islamic or Christian faith more.... Obviously there is going to be varying experiences. But I'm trying to get a general feeling about the question.
I believe the tests you ask of have no validity. In other words, they are not measuring accurately what you're trying to measure. Asking people on this thread what faith they may have been exposed to doesn't tell us whether or not missionaries of one of the faiths are "reaching people." It only determines a very select amount of people that happen to live in a predominately Christian nation (and perhaps a 100% Christian city). Therefore their answers cannot possibly reflect the masses.
You are in a "so called" Christian country. But I'm afraid that there might be a lot more people in this country that call themselves Christian that are truly not, then real "Christians".
This is totally subjective. We can't determine who is Christian by your standards. We must rely on those that refer to themselves as Christians, even if they aren't Christians in your eyes.
. So don't trust all Christians as true Christians. It would be a flawed assumption. The false church is prophecied about often the New Testament as is fulfilled prophecy
Well, since I am talking with you, I can be sure that you are a true Christian.
And Raymond, I must disgree when you say some one tells me about Muhammed and the Qu'ran and they have done their part. Just because I know about a man named Muhammed or Christ and a book called the Qu'ran or the Bible, I still no nothing. I need an explanation behind them. And I need to know why I need to know!
Living in a predominately Christian nation (and perhaps a small town), Muslims would hesitate assuming you want to learn about Islam. They probably fear for their own safety if it appears as though they are trying to force a religion onto someone. So I can understand why some Muslims would explain to you the Qur'an and the role of Muhammad (Pbuh) but not go into much more detail. However, if you expressed a sincere interest after learning these important points, then I'm more than sure they'd continue explaining the religion. But just because all Muslims don't go line by line and prove the religion to be the truth to you doesn't mean they can't. Some are simply afraid to....not all people want to learn about religion.
In Christianity, there is no commandment that all Christians explain the path of salvation. So it's even less likely to learn about it unless you ask or come across a Missionary.
What tells me I need to learn about them and read their words unless someone develops a desire in me to want to explore them, like the desire to go to heaven or hell?
It is incumbent upon every person to seek God's true path. Muslims are required to explain the religion but it's a person's own responsibility to seek and learn the truth. Muslims are not required to convert thousands of people or explain the entire religion to each and every person they meet. That's totally impractical.
The true Muslim performs Dawah not only by their words but by their actions. Setting an example of what Islam teaches. Being truthful at all times, being humble, treating all equal, being fair, etc. That is the most powerful Dawah for it is something that cannot be disputed.
.I personally was told people of the Islamic faith believed in a guy named Muhammed and his words in the Qu'ran. But again I was never told to read it to find out how to go to heaven or please God. That was never stressed
So you're saying it should be God's duty to explain every religion for you and then you choose which you think sounds best???
People on this earth should not be occupied about getting a raise or which school to go to or which profession to enter. Their first concern should be the meaning of life and how to live this life. And that question should carry people to explore and learn about all religions to find the true one. You cannot possibly plead ignorance on the Day of Judgement for not knowing about what God expected of you. It is your own responsibility, no one else's, to learn and determine the truth. Not what was taught at birth.
Peace be unto you
Norris |
