One area related to missions is the uniqueness of Christ for salvation, not only ontological but epistemological concerns. We should dialogue and be respectful, but always be ready to explain the hope that we have within us.

Yes, Jesus is the “way, the truth, and the life,” but that does not mean that persons of other faith know nothing of God. (See Paul at Mars Hill in Acts.)

Also, in our nation Muslims are free to proselytize Christians, too. Too many Christians demand that Islamic-majority countries allow Christian missions to Muslims (and rightly so), but react with fear and paranoia if Muslims (or Buddhists, etc.) attempt to win Christian converts here.

Our traditional Baptist defense of liberty of conscience needs to be strong at this point.

The size of the Arabic, Indonesian and Pakistani communities in Houston definitely puts a lot of Muslims here. There are two very large mosques within a couple of miles of my house in the suburbs, along with several Buddhist temples and one very ornate Hindi temple. Both mosques draw very large crowds, judging by the number of cars in the parking lot. But I’ve discovered among the younger people that there are many people who come from an Islamic background, but do not practice the Islamic faith. We’ve done a couple of Alpha classes in the past few years, and many of the people who have come to those have been from nationalities that are predominantly Islamic, but who are not practicing that faith.

Muslim immigration to Europe and North America is providing Christians with evangelistic opportunities to reach people that have been behind a curtain of legal protection in countries run by Islamic governments that forbid missionary activity. With Muslims now moving into Europe and the US, they are living in countries that are completely open to missionary activity. That should be heralded with enthusiasm, not fear.

I am not an “all roads lead up the same mountain” religious pluralist. I believe strongly in interfaith dialogue, but assume that will involve disagreements–e.g., between Christians and Muslims. Substantive disagreements that we will never be able to paper over.

But bearing false witness against neighbor or enemy is a violation of OUR religion. We need open, honest, dialogue between Christians and Muslims. And, in such a context, an airing of personal fears may be appropriate.
FearMONGERING others for political and religious gain is NOT.

This is no different than what Christians USED to do vis-a-vis Jews. And it’s just as inexcusable.