After the 9/11 attacks and other recent terrorist threats, Americans, including Christians, have become increasingly fearful of the Islamic religion. As a result, there is heightened security at airports, war in Afghanistan, books about Islam, disagreements on the wisdom of having a Mosque near Ground Zero, and a pastor threatening to burn several Qur’ans. People are afraid to trust any Muslim because they have been taught that any one of them could be a terrorist. Because of this, there has been a rise in paranoia, distrust, discrimination, and even hatred toward Muslims.

As the topic of fear and Islam continue at the forefront of the news and in Christian circles, I see a need to biblically understand and respond to this issue. I have become rather disgusted with the fear/hate propaganda that has been issued through the news and, I must confess, mainstream Christianity. A visit to a Christian bookstore offered a limited supply on the topic of Islam and Muslims—and all seemed to have a bent toward fear and hatred. I understand that extreme hate acts are not the norm. Most Christians understand that Muslims are people just like us—and in need of a Savior just like us. But there are also little things that we may say or do or even think that are wrong and unbiblical. Perhaps we don’t even realize we are harboring these prejudices. These little lies that seep in can be just as damaging as someone blatantly rallying against Muslim extremists shouting, “Death to terrorists!” These hidden lies can also be damaging to our faith walk with Christ and hinder our Christian witness to others.

The need for a biblical response to Islam is dire. How should Christians respond to the rise of Islam in our nation? To the increase in Islamic terrorist threats? What should be our attitude toward Muslims—whether neighbor or stranger, law-abiding citizen or extremist? Yes, there are Muslim extremists out there who do all sorts of evil. Many Christians are persecuted because of them. Many Muslims are oppressed because of them. But should our attitude toward these extremists be any different? I believe we all know we are to love everyone—friends and enemies alike—but just knowing it is not enough. Love needs to be displayed through our words and actions. My five-year-old brother, Jonah, drew a picture of an alien with three eyes. He asked someone to caption it with “Love alien. Love everybody.” Personally, if a three-eyed extra-terrestrial came up to me, loving him would be the last thing on my mind! I’d be pretty scared—I mean, three eyes! But my brother has it right; we are to love everyone—no matter how different, evil (and scary) they are. This is a difficult mandate given us! For this reason, it is important to look at God’s Word to help us work through the fears and prejudices we may be holding onto so that we may be freed to love everyone just as Christ has loved us.

My hope for this study is that we not get all caught up in this hype and fear but rather turn to God and understand his heart for all people, no matter their background, beliefs, and actions, and through that, to know what God is calling us to be in this world we live in today. This discussion is comprised of 5 studies—two topical and three character sketches—all rooted in pulling truths from Scripture on the topic of the rise of the Islamic movement. The study isn’t necessarily meant to be done in five days, but rather however it best fits into your schedule. There is also a section entitled “For Further Ponderings,” where I have taken each study deeper by posing some of my thoughts, experiences, and questions to promote further discussions on the issue. If one or more of them interest you, please check out the resources I’ve listed for further study as I have only touched on pieces of a huge topic! I’d also like to encourage you to study this with your spouse, family, or group of friends, as this can help generate some good discussions and perhaps stretch you to think deeper.