"It is also important not to stereotype Islam as a simple religion that promotes violence," writes Abdul Saleeb (pseudonym) in The Dark Side of Islam, a book co-written by Saleeb and well-known Christian teacher R.C. Sproul (Crossway Books, 2003). "In fact, Islam has a rich tradition in its intellectual history and in its cultural achievements .... We must take Islam seriously as a coherent, systematic faith that presents strong challenges against the Christian faith."

Privilege and Price of Sharing Christ
For Stewart, fluent in Persian and Turkish, the motivation to take the Christian gospel to Muslims is found in the Bible. He cites: "From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each of us" (Acts 17:26, 27, NIV).

"Islam is a religion of works, and in that way, very similar to modern distortions of Christianity," Marlowe explains. "They believe what many nominal Christians believe: 'I must make myself good enough so that God will accept me.' Islam is just another form of man's religion. Muslims need the hope that can only come from Christ -- just like I do."

But Americans must overcome some aspects of our western mindset, as well as cultural barriers to reach their Muslim neighbors with the Gospel.

"Americans are propositional thinkers," Stewart says. "We think it's a matter of showing how my Christian proposition is more correct than your Islamic proposition. But a much more effective way is to show your Muslim neighbor or co-worker that you see him as a person, not as a project. Be a friend. Friendship is a higher value than truth in the Muslim mind."

Marlowe says that focusing on a single Muslim group is another important strategy in earning opportunities to evangelize. "That means understanding something of their language, customs, food, etc. The whole key to reaching any culture is to reach the heart of the person, and you can't do that unless you understand their culture -- their worldview. And that takes time and hard work."

Most cultures of the world, including Muslims, are oriented toward the group (collectivist) instead of toward the individual, as Americans are, Marlowe explains. "Most Muslims are not going to think through something on their own, like hearing a sermon and coming to Christ. They have to see it lived out by a group."

Stewart says Muslims are attracted to the claims of Christ when they see Christians demonstrate authentic faith through a pure life. "Forget about apologetics, at least at first. That might come later. They must smell the aroma of Christ in your life," he says.

"For example, if you buy gas where there are Muslims, don't just walk in, pay the clerk and leave. Linger for just five minutes," Stewart says. "Ask questions about his family. Ask if you can help them adjust to America."