Paul: “Men of
Athens, I notice that you are very religious, for as I was walking along I saw
your many altars. And one of them had
this inscription on it – ‘To an Unknown God.’…..Acts 17: parts of 22-23
When my Muslim friends prepare for their Canadian
citizenship test they study a book about Canadian history, geography,
government structure, rights and responsibilities. Often it is through this requirement
of studying the book that they become informed. Getting informed helps them
advance on their journey of identifying with Canadians and becoming assimilated.
It is difficult to connect with someone who is not interested in or informed about my country. I wish we had been required
to take a test of information about Pakistan when we lived there. It is
embarrassing to admit I knew little about Pakistan’s history, geography, entertainment
and cultural world, and religious beliefs. Pakistan is predominantly a Sunni
Muslim country but there are Shi’a Muslims there, too. I clearly remember when
our house helper wanted to observe Muharram and I didn't have a clue what she
was talking about. She looked so frustrated with me. Relating is strained when
one is ignorant.
Relating means more than only talking about spiritual
truths. Entering their social world often leads into relating spiritually. It
does wonders when Iranian friends realize I know where Isfahan or the island of
Kish are or ask them if they are Shirazi or Tehrani. To be informed about Yalda
celebrations or Hafiz or Iqbal, renowned poets, will create a greater
friendship. When there was an earthquake in the Sindh in Pakistan or Buddha
statues were destroyed in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, or there was a plane crash in
Indonesia or a flood in a certain part of Bangladesh and I had knowledge of
what happened it instantly had a way of bonding us together. When I am informed
it speaks of being interested in their country…in them. It is beneficial to
learn about their cities, geography, and some history. Daily I listen to the world
news to glean information about what may be happening in my friends’
homelands. It is not politics I talk
about because that can actually provoke anger and unhealthy obsessions but I
find it helpful to be informed about tragedies or celebrations of certain
festivals. Sometimes an artist, poet, or entertainer dies or is executed and
those shocking events bring confusion and pain. They all enjoy certain popular
TV programs and actors. This is one small way of entering into their world
which will enhance a better connecting between us. Jesus entered into our life
here on earth which was more than just understanding our humanity and
suffering. He knew how to relate to people. The Apostle Paul worked hard trying
to understand the world of the people he was sent to and used that information
to enhance communication and connecting. When we get informed it shows we care
about them personally. Recently we met
Mauritanians. My knowledge of Mauritania was nil. So, I began asking questions
and checking out information on Google. It really helps in bonding to get
informed and they appreciate our inquisitiveness. Evangelism is less combative and lots more fun when we can first relate.
Dear heavenly Father, show me how to relate better
with my Muslim friends. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
