I’m sure many of you have received the forward or otherwise been pointed to the video detailing the demographics and the rise of Islam. So how do we react to this?
First, let’s not overreact. Remember demographics are an interesting study and useful for many things, but demographics can be twisted and their predictions are limited. As Snopes points out here, many of the demographic assumptions used for this video are big assumptions and likely will not remain true.
More importantly, we need to be careful in our reaction even if these predictions are true. I’m not sure the tone of this video is helpful. Not only is it somewhat alarmist, it makes Christians sound like we’re painting Islam and every Muslim who adheres to this faith as “the enemy”. The image I hear in this kind of a video is that of people sneaking into our countries, bent on our destruction. This is not helpful.
After all, how are we supposed to reach these people, including those coming to our countries, if they think we see them as “the enemy”? We aren’t publishing videos with scary music about the rising number of agnostics or the increasingly secular areas of our country in the West and NE.
So we need to think about all aspects. Yes, we need to be aware of trends. Yes we need to recognize that Islam is an increasingly influential religion and we need to take it seriously. We also need to be realistic that there are large parts of the Islamic demographic that aren’t friendly towards Christianity and that intend persecution. And yes, even the less extreme parts of Islam are still not part of the true faith. We aren’t afraid to say this and need to make sure in our increasingly relativistic world that this message still gets out.
But we are not afraid. Our Father in heaven is still ruiling over all. Jesus Christ, whose ascension we celebrated this week, is still reigning over his kingdom here on earth. Even if there is persecution. Even if we do again become a minority, the Lord is still in charge and he will continue to be faithful to his people.
We react as the Church always has, being true to his Word and persevering in our efforts to bring the Gospel to all people. If you want to read the words of a group engaged in this effort click here.
So we recognize the realities of this situation while not becoming alarmists. And most importantly, we trust in our good and gracious God to guide us into the future, no matter where we’re taken.
Very nicely said.