(This is an article I first wrote for What You Think Matters: http://whatyouthinkmatters.org/blog/article/a-minority-among-other-minorities)
A few weeks ago I was invited to an event hosted by the local mosque where the renowned Yusha Evans was to teach the umma (Muslim community) of Brighton and Hove Da’wah. That is, to teach his fellow Muslims how to invite people to Allah.
The flurry of excitement within the Muslim community was evidenced by the number of emails I received inviting me, more than once, to talks and training sessions Yusha was to give in Brighton. In addition I was even updated on his tour of the UK, in case I wanted to travel to Cardiff to hear him, which it seems my Muslim friends were intending to do.
I decided to go to one of his talks in Brighton, not only because of his fame, but because Yusha Evans is known for his conversion from Christianity to Islam. I was not at all convinced by his message, and I still strongly believe in the truthfulness of the Bible as opposed to the Qur'an.
But the thing I want to comment on here is one of the leaflets placed on a table near the doorway for women to pick up as they entered (as I was of course in the women’s section of the mosque). One of the three leaflets offered was entitled ‘Brighton & Hove Racial and Religious Harassment Forum’. This caused me to pause. I was aware that this talk took place in the mosque, rather than the universities, and therefore was more of an ‘in house’ address to Muslims, but still the question of the leaflet played on my mind. The leaflet suggested that the Muslim community feels victimised in the UK.
The leaflet caused me to think more broadly about Christian engagement with society. Considering the fact that we also receive our measure of ‘bad press’ this question is important. I think there are three overarching reactions that can result from public criticism: isolation, anger or engagement.
Isolation from the main stream secular culture can be as automatic a reaction as osmosis unless one guards against it. It can even innocently be the consequence of passivity. This isolation is not always ‘complete’, but can be demonstrated in certain attitudes. For example, a Christian might be happy to work and socialise with non-Christians, but will shy away from talking about his/her faith.
Anger can be a natural reaction to misplaced criticism, and can soon turn to frustration when there is no opportunity to voice a defence or apology. Resentment can build, and the reaction of the criticised community or individual can become bitter and confrontational.
Engagement with public criticism, and a respectful defence for the belief that we have in Jesus is clearly taught in scripture. This is the reaction we want to nurture in ourselves and our communities! 1 Peter 2:15-17 says: 'For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone.' This verse is taken from a passage exhorting the church to respect governmental institutions, even though these institutions may level criticisms against Christianity, which we should answer with the truth of the Christian message. And from the same book the famous apologetic appeal: 'But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.'
Therefore, engagement with respect is what I think we ought to encourage, with Jesus as our champion and example, the Grand Master of apologetics!
I decided to go to one of his talks in Brighton, not only because of his fame, but because Yusha Evans is known for his conversion from Christianity to Islam. I was not at all convinced by his message, and I still strongly believe in the truthfulness of the Bible as opposed to the Qur'an.
But the thing I want to comment on here is one of the leaflets placed on a table near the doorway for women to pick up as they entered (as I was of course in the women’s section of the mosque). One of the three leaflets offered was entitled ‘Brighton & Hove Racial and Religious Harassment Forum’. This caused me to pause. I was aware that this talk took place in the mosque, rather than the universities, and therefore was more of an ‘in house’ address to Muslims, but still the question of the leaflet played on my mind. The leaflet suggested that the Muslim community feels victimised in the UK.
The leaflet caused me to think more broadly about Christian engagement with society. Considering the fact that we also receive our measure of ‘bad press’ this question is important. I think there are three overarching reactions that can result from public criticism: isolation, anger or engagement.
Isolation from the main stream secular culture can be as automatic a reaction as osmosis unless one guards against it. It can even innocently be the consequence of passivity. This isolation is not always ‘complete’, but can be demonstrated in certain attitudes. For example, a Christian might be happy to work and socialise with non-Christians, but will shy away from talking about his/her faith.
Anger can be a natural reaction to misplaced criticism, and can soon turn to frustration when there is no opportunity to voice a defence or apology. Resentment can build, and the reaction of the criticised community or individual can become bitter and confrontational.
Engagement with public criticism, and a respectful defence for the belief that we have in Jesus is clearly taught in scripture. This is the reaction we want to nurture in ourselves and our communities! 1 Peter 2:15-17 says: 'For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone.' This verse is taken from a passage exhorting the church to respect governmental institutions, even though these institutions may level criticisms against Christianity, which we should answer with the truth of the Christian message. And from the same book the famous apologetic appeal: 'But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.'
Therefore, engagement with respect is what I think we ought to encourage, with Jesus as our champion and example, the Grand Master of apologetics!
One of the richest men in the World, Warren Buffet has remarked that marriage will be one of the most important decisions of any young individual’s life. A right spouse helps an individual to grow and flourish. It starts with understanding what to look for in a life partner. It is a long term decision so you must give it proper thought.
ReplyDeleteAs easy as it may seem it can be very confusing to choose your life partner. As an individual you need to know what you expect from a life partner. So, if you are trying to figure out how to pick your life partner or things to look for in a partner below are 5 recommendations to consider while choosing a life partner on Info matrimonial sites .
1) Find the right Marathi matrimonial site:
First of all, you should research a bit about Tamil Matrimony There are many sites, but a lot of them do not have a large data base of suitable brides/ grooms. You need one which verifies details of all candidates. This is the most important step. Another point to note - choose a site that is easy to use, as your parents will be using it regularly.
2) Never judge a book by its cover:
A person may be good looking, but what do they truly hold in their hearts? Basically people make a good looking profile, to attract many candidates, but a person can’t be judged on it’s basis. Every person who looks attractive does not necessarily match your wavelength. So be careful in choosing the right partner and don’t judge someone just by their looks.
3) Research the person you are connecting with:
One of the easiest ways of confirming if a profile is real or fake is checking their profile on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn or any other social media. If you find the profile picture and the data relevant then go for it and start connecting. Good info matrimonial sites always verify these details for you. Muslim Matrimony
4) Ask the right questions about the other person:
One of the best ways to clear any misunderstanding is by asking questions that are bothering you. Start with the basic questions and then go ahead with your future plans. Just make sure the questions that you are asking are relevant to the other person and he/ she is comfortable to answer those.
5) Give your complete attention
Giving your time to someone you are interested in, is the best way to show your interest in them. Just make them realize what they mean to you. In today’s world the biggest gift anyone can give someone is time. Just make a schedule of chatting so that your daily routine will be smooth and you can get to know the other person well and take a better decision. Christian Matrimony