chinese version

As a Christian from a Muslim background (CMB) I am baffled by some who sometimes confuse culture with the gospel. While it is good to contextualize the culture, we must NOT contextualize the message of the Gospel. I have never taught converts to leave  their communities or families.  That would be non scriptural. Of course it is best if CMBs stay in their community to be the light.

What is upsetting is that some missionaries have taken it upon themselves to tell the CMBs how to live in their own culture.  These missionaries have diverted completely from what they have been commanded to do by their Lord,  that is to share the gospel and make disciples. The role of the missionary is to be a disciple maker, not an expert  in Islamic culture.  The new convert, like a new born baby must have his spiritual milk daily from the Scriptures under the mentorship of the missionary.  Yes, converts may ask for help from the missionary on issues with their culture or family. The missionary should not fall into the temptation of giving advice. He must help the convert maneuver through the Scriptures and prayer to seek the LORD for answers and guidance.  The Holy Spirit has a proven record for centuries in guiding new converts from all backgrounds in difficult circumstances, why now must we come up with methods to help the Holy Spirit do His job?

I don’t care how the CMBs pray biblical prayers: sitting, standing, driving, or in bed.  As long as it is a biblical prayer to their new Father in heaven and that they do not get mixed up between the old and the new way of thinking about God.  I don’t care if  people in the new house church sit on chairs, or on the floor.  As long as they read, teach, and preach the Scriptures (the Bible, not the Qur’an). The missionary must guide in biblical worship and preaching.  The  nationals would customize or contextualize what they learn to their own culture, but they must be corrected when they innocently Islamize the gospel.  They do not know any better, the missionary with the biblical knowledge should know.