The Gist of Islam

It will come as news to no one that the world is experiencing a resurgence of militant Islam. Less commonly known is the fact that many Muslims--some of whom now reside in the U.S.--are actually quite open to hearing about Christ and the gospel. The purpose of this short seminar is to equip Christians to minister to such people in a thoughtful, gracious, and effective manner. 

The seminar is divided into two main parts. In the first, Dean gives an overview of the history of Islam. The focus here is upon the life of Mohammed, the birth of the Qur'an, the worldwide expansion of Islam, the Crusades, and the resurgence of militant Islam in our day.

The second part offers a Christian critique of Islam. Here we compare the Christian and Muslim worldviews, showing why the Christian is so much more reasonable to believe. In particular, we ask:

1. Whose prophetic credentials are superior: Christ's or Mohammed's?

2. Which book has the better claim to being the Word of God: the Bible or the Qur'an? 

3. What are the main differences between the Christian and Muslim worldviews?  

4. Why would Muslims naturally WANT the Christian worldview to be true?  

In bringing this seminar to a close, we consider some helpful tips for the effective evangelization of Muslims. Also, we think together about what kind of public policies might best protect American society from the dangerous Islamicization that we see throughout Europe today. 

Helpful handouts and a bibliography of outstanding books on Islam will be available to all who attend.